Greetings!

The big travel story of the week is that the 737 MAX 9 returned to the skies. I'm going to write a tip about this tomorrow for those who are afraid to fly on this aircraft. If you're one of them, please reply to this email and let me know why so I can potentially include your comment in the story. One might think it's the safest plane to fly right now ... but not everyone agrees. FYI: If you don't receive my daily travel tip, you can sign up here.

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In this issue:

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook

As of 9:05am PT, there have been 153 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 1,391 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

8 Ways to Avoid Panic Packing
Sometimes even the most experienced travelers find themselves packing in a panic at the last minute. Here are some strategies to help you avoid panic packing altogether.

🧳 Tuesday

Stop Overpacking: 10 Things You Don’t Need to Pack
You’ve probably read plenty of articles about what to pack before you take a trip but less often do professional travelers tell you what NOT to pack in your suitcase. Ready to pack smarter? Here are 10 things you don’t need to pack and should leave at home to make your suitcase lighter and more manageable.

✋ Wednesday

Don't Hit That Cancel Button: Why Patience Pays Off When Your Travel Plans Change
If your travel plans change, you may be eager to cancel your plane tickets right away. But here's why your patience could pay off. Read the story.

️🛬 Thursday

The 10 Worst Airports in the U.S. for Connecting Flights
I often share my advice about connecting flights but my overall advice is this: If there’s a nonstop option from your home airport then choose it, even if it costs more money. Why? Because when you have to make a connection, the chances of something going wrong doubles, like flight delays, cancellations or lost baggage However, not everyone can take a nonstop or afford one. If you do need to make a connection, then you might want to see this study on the 10 worst airports in the U.S. for connecting flights. Read the story.

📱 Friday

Apple's New iPhone Update Includes a Security Feature You Should Turn On
Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone update, I usually wait until tech experts advise doing it. Well, all are in agreement that the security feature included in Apple's latest update is one we should all turn on. Here's what you need to know.

✈️ 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.

🎁 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 Alaska Air demands Boeing pay for its $150 million loss
2 Bahamas warning: Be 'extremely' careful as 18 murders in 'broad daylight' rock the island
3 Cruise operator Carnival warns of impact to operations amid Red Sea tensions
4 Woman refuses to give up plane seat so mom and son can sit together
5 The most expensive state to live in is not California or New York, according to data. See the top 10.
6 Conservatives are so scared of diversity they're starting to boycott ‘Woke' airlines
7 Should you take off your shoes in the house? Scientists weigh in.
8 Resident dogs bring friendly, furry faces to hotel lobbies
9 Dining at the best restaurant in one of America’s worst airports
10 The world's most dangerous — and safest — countries for travel in 2024
11 These Are the Busiest Flight Routes in the World
12 The case for letting older airline pilots keep flying

✅ Currency Exchange ✅ Calendar Countdown

✈️ Miles and Points