🍂 Happy First Day of October!

🎃 It's hard to believe we're already in October unless you come to my house and see all the Halloween decorations. We're in the thick of it over here.
🥳 We were supposed to be in San Diego to celebrate my wife's birthday but my son tested positive for strep throat so we canceled. However, I did just finish my posts on our visit two weeks ago to the San Diego Safari Park and San Diego Zoo.
✈️ It's been a busy travel news week, including the government avoiding a shutdown at the last minute yesterday. Scroll down to read them, plus all of my travel tips from the week.

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In this issue:

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook

As of 11:20am PT, there have been 53 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 2,211 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

You Can Now Order Your Fifth Round of Free Covid Tests From the Government
Whether you had Covid recently or not, it’s a good idea to stock up on tests, especially when they’re free. The government's site just went live and it takes about 30 seconds to sign up. Here's how.

The Iconic LA Eatery at LAX That Nobody Knows About
This Angeleno institution and pop culture favorite, thanks to cameos in countless movies, television shows and even the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, continues to expand. And this time, people traveling to, from and through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are going to be treated to a local taste. Here's where and how to find them.

💰 Tuesday

Uh-Oh: U.S. Airlines Are Starting to Bring Back Round Trip Pricing
If you’ve been a frequent flier for two or more decades, then no doubt you remember the days when airlines charged far more for one-way tickets. They also used to require a Saturday night stay, which was their way to gouge business travelers. No road warrior wants to miss a weekend at home and neither do leisure travelers want to miss a Saturday night at their vacation destination. Here's what you need to know.

⚠️Wednesday

New York Yankees Legend and Current Baseball Announcer Makes Rookie Mistake at LaGuardia Airport
You know I’m a huge Yankees fan because I watched last night’s game even though it meant absolutely nothing since they’ve been eliminated from the playoffs. But I'm glad I did because one of the announcers made a rookie mistake earlier in the day when flying between LGA and YYZ. Here's the story and tip.

💻 Thursday

NY Yankees Legend Loses iPad at LGA Security Checkpoint – and Gets It Back! Here’s How
David Cone, who pitched just the 16th perfect game in Major League Baseball history in 1999 (here's the recap of that historic and memorable day), was the subject of yesterday's travel tip. David made a serious rookie mistake at LGA. But I'm back today with a new post since his story has a happy ending and, more importantly, offers some new travel tips. Here's what you need to know.

🛫 Friday

American Airlines Flight Attendant Warns: Doing This With Your Luggage Tag Could Put You at Risk
An American Airlines flight attendant shares something she says she sees all the time and that she warns travelers not to do. If you're a seasoned traveler, then you already know not to do this but if not, it's worth the quick read or perhaps sharing with someone who doesn't travel as much as you do. Here's the tip.

✈️ Saturday

Should You Keep Your Airline Boarding Pass? Here’s What You Need to Know
It boggles my mind when I see fellow passengers leaving their boarding passes in the seatback pocket of an airplane, throw it on the ground or toss it in the bag when a flight attendant comes around to collect the garbage. Here's what you need to know.

Airlines Offer Huge Sales as Maui Seriously Needs Visitors and West Maui Opens Back Up October 8
The West Maui communities of Kā‘anapali, Nāpili, Honokōwai, and Kapalua will fully reopen on Sunday, October 8, two months after the August 8 wildfires. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

📺 Travel Video of the Week

Black bear crashes family picnic in Mexico
If you watched the news yesterday, chances are you saw this video that made my palms sweat. I don't think I would have been as smart or calm as this Mexican mother who bravely shielded her son after a bear leapt up onto their picnic table. Here's the video.

⚡ Travel Product of the Week

Portable charger
Ask any flight attendant what the one travel gadget is that they never leave home without (besides their phone, of course!) and they will most likely say a portable charger. Not all planes have power ports and when they do, they don’t always work. Believe me: No one wants to get on or off of a long flight with a dead battery. It also sucks when you’re out touring around and you have to run back to your hotel room or find a seat next to an outlet in a restaurant to charge up. To avoid those scenarios, be sure to bring a portable charger so you can charge up on the go. Check it out here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel Today

1 Government shutdown: Biden signs stopgap measure ahead of midnight deadline
2 Sister-in-law of American Airlines flight attendant found dead in hotel room with ‘cloth’ in her mouth ‘shocked’ over her death
3 Couple scorched when camper explodes after common mistake turns dangerous
4 3 adults, 2 kids die after semi-truck carrying 7,500 gallons of ammonia overturns in Illinois
5 How can airlines improve their flight timeliness?
6 Why do window shades have to be open for takeoff and landing?
7 Tourist wins more than $600K at Las Vegas airport slot machine
8 Orange County woman arrested in alleged $200,000 rental scam. Here's how to avoid being conned
9 Travelers who need visas to visit Europe face a monthslong wait
10 A pristine swimming hole near L.A. has blown up on TikTok. Is it worth the hype?
11 Romanian nationals caught allegedly stealing from Pasadena Macy’s; suspects may be tied to other thefts
12 Why US hotels are missing more than 238,000 employees

✅ Currency Exchange ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points