February 4, 2024  •   View this email in your browser

Greetings from rainy California!

🌧️ I've been living in California for over 30 years and I don't remember ever seeing this much rain. Another big storm is about to wallop us in a few hours and it could bring as much as three to eight inches of rain in some areas. That's crazy! I wrote a helpful post in August about how to prepare for the "Once-in-a-Lifetime" tropical storm that was headed our way but all the tips are evergreen. 

🌬️ San Francisco Travel Waiver
United Airlines issued a travel waiver for "San Francisco High Winds" for today, which allows for voluntary changes for travel to, from or through SFO. You might want to take advantage of it instead of dealing with rolling delays or turbulent flights.  

⚠️ Former Boeing Manager: ‘I Would Absolutely Not Fly a Max Airplane’
Earlier in the week, I wrote a post titled Don’t Want to Fly on a Boeing 737 Max 9 Plane? Here are Three Easy Ways to Avoid It. Well, guess what? That post is going viral because a day later, the L.A. Times reported that two former Boeing executives stated they would not fly on a 737 Max. Here's that story.  

🏈 AA and UA Get Creative with Super Bowl Flight Numbers
Next Sunday is the big game and you know the NFL was thrilled the Kansas City Chiefs are going back to the Super Bowl thanks to the high ratings they're generating due to Taylor Swift's and all-pro tight end Travis Kelce's relationship. American and United Airlines are taking advantage of the power couple, too. Within minutes of the win, they added new nonstop flights from Kansas City to Vegas with some clever flight numbers. Here's the story. 

❤️ 15 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For People Who Love to Travel
In 10 days, it's Valentine's Day! If you're not sure what to get that special someone in your life, we're here to help. We’ve rounded up some great gifts for your favorite traveler this Valentine’s Day. 

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In this issue:

• Today's Travel Outlook ✈️
• Travel Tips This Week ✅
• Travel Quote of the Day 💬
• Travel Tweet of the Day 
• 12 Things to Know in Travel Today 🌎
• Travel Video of the Day 📺
• and more… 

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook 

As of 12:15pm PT, there have been 296 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 3,591 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

🧳 Monday

Heads Up Travelers: These Are the Top 50 Bed Bug Cities in the United States
Just the words ‘bed bugs’ makes my skin crawl. And when you travel frequently, it’s something to worry about. Especially after it was reported that Paris was experiencing an infestation and that the city was crawling with them in hotels and on trains. But the problem isn't just across the pond; it's happening here at home, too. Here are the top 50 bed bug cities in the United States and tips for helping you sleep better at night when you check into a hotel.  

🧳 Tuesday

Don't Want to Fly on a Boeing 737 Max 9 Plane? Here are Three Easy Ways to Avoid It
The big travel news this week is that the FAA gave the green light to Alaska Airlines and United Airlines to bring their Boeing 737 Max 9s back into commercial service. This, of course, is in response to the frightening January 5th incident that took place on Alaska Airlines shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon (PDX). At 16,000 feet, a 60-pound door plug blew out from a nearly new Boeing 737 MAX 9, leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage. Miraculously, no one was killed but the incident raised some serious questions … and it turns out Boeing and Alaska knew of the potential dangers. If you have concerns about flying on this aircraft, here's how you can avoid it altogether.

✋ Wednesday

The Easy Trick That Ensures I Never Miss a Flight, Train, or Ferry
Missing a flight, a train, a ferry or your stop on a bus or train ... all of these can really mess up your travels. This simple tip will prevent it from happening to you. Check it out here.

️🛬 Thursday

Incredible Two-For-One Deal Across the Pond in Lie-Flat Seats
Many people I know who have traveled extensively will tell you that their favorite city in the whole world is Paris, my wife included. So if you’re looking to pull off an unforgettable gift or life experience for yourself or someone special this Valentine’s Day, then you need to check out this amazing offer.

Amazing Deals to Europe in the Norse Atlantic Airways Sale
Norse Atlantic Airways just launched a flash sale making travel to Europe for a lot less. For a limited time, fares on selected routes between the US and Europe start from as low as $99 one-way, including all taxes and fees. Check out the deals here.

📱 Friday

‘You Will Regret It’: Travel Blogger Warns Not to Use Phone Charging Stations at Airports
A charged phone is a travel essential but when you run out of juice, those public charging stations at airports, hotels and restaurants may seem like a good option. But don't do it. As one travel blogger warns, "You will regret it." Here's why and what to do instead.

✈️ Saturday

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2023 According to the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal ranked nine major U.S. airlines on seven equally weighted operations metrics: on-time arrivals, flight cancellations, extreme delays, baggage handling, tarmac delays, involuntary bumping and complaints. Here are the rankings.

📺 Travel Videos of the Week

Saturday Night Live's #FunnyNotFunny Alaska Airlines Skit is Full of Zingers
Over the weekend, Saturday Night Live (SNL) ran a spoof commercial about Alaska Airlines. You won't want to miss it. Here's the video.


Severe Storms and High Winds Turn California Drive Into a Video Game Adventure
Earlier this week, drivers in California came face to face with unexpected obstacles, turning their drive into a video game-like adventure. Watch the video here.

🎁 Travel Product of the Week

Travel Umbrella With Case
Here’s an item you should always pack. Because even if the weather forecast doesn't anticipate rain, it can still happen. Or, your travel plans may change unexpectedly, your flight could get diverted, you just never know. Plus, this mini travel umbrella is 50% off at $9.98 and it comes with a handy case. Check it out here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel This Week

1 An intense atmospheric river slams into California, threatening to flood roads and trigger mudslides
2 Flights between San Francisco and LAX 'grounded' due to 'life-threatening' floods, heavy rain
3 Nearly 700 flights delayed, canceled at Denver International Airport amid winter storm
4 British filmmaker and aristocrat, dies aged 39 after fall from LA hotel balcony
5 Boeing’s reputation takes a hit after 737 Max 9 fallout, survey shows
6 Dublin airport introduces Mobile Passport Control service for US pre-clearance
7 Nat Geo: 20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024
8 40 Southern California museums offering free admission next month
9 British skydiver dies in fall from 29-storey tower block in Thailand
10 Ex-American Airlines chief says Boeing faces 'tough chore' to regain reputation
11 World's Largest LEGO Store Opens at Dubai International Airport
12 About 1,000 manatees piled together in a Florida park, setting a breathtaking record

✅ Currency Exchange            ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points