September 16, 2021

Good afternoon! It's been quite a week in Travel as you can see in 12 Things below. If you don't get my daily travel tip, then you can scroll through all the stories of the week there. It's difficult to keep up. For example, two weeks ago The Netherlands said Americans will have to quarantine regardless of vaccination status. Yesterday, they reversed that decision.

The Most Unreliable Airline in North America?
According to J.D. Power’s 2021 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, which measures passenger satisfaction with airline carriers in North America based on performance in eight factors (in alphabetical order): aircraft; baggage; boarding; check-in; cost and fees; flight crew; in-flight services; and reservation, this is the most unreliable airline in North America.

Today's Tip: Renting Out an Entire Movie Theatre is Cheaper Than You Think
My son's birthday was yesterday so I took a few hours off during the day and we went to see the new Paw Patrol movie. It's one of his favorite TV shows and he used to love going to the movies with his mom before the pandemic. I dislike going to the movies for a number of reasons but we found this amazing offer and it turns out, renting out an entire movie theatre for your friends and/or family is cheaper than you think! 

This Week's Travel Tips
The Essential Email Reminder Service I Use To Manage My Life
As a traveler, I’m always saving emails to respond to or follow up with later, and quite frankly, it clogs my inbox. I use this reminder service for expiring flight and hotel credits or even just to remind myself that I actually have credits to use, so I can save some money when booking travel. When a friend told me about this free service, it really changed how I manage everything, from my workflow to my life in general. Click here to read the post.

American Airlines Flagship Lounges Are Reopening And They're Now Selling Day Passes
Good news! Especially for business and premium travelers on American Airlines (AA). American just announced their swanky Flagship Lounges are finally reopening after being closed for over 18 months. Here's what you need to know.

And The Best Hotel In The World Is ... 
Travel + Leisure has just revealed the winners of this year's World's Best Awards and the winner of the Best Hotel in the World title is a property I had the great honor of staying at when it first opened in 2013. And I can say from experience, it's a truly special place. Find out which hotel it is here.

Plan Your Leaf-Peeping Trip With This Fall Foliage Map
Usually I don't recommend traveling anywhere last-minute since it tends to cost more but not this year. With Covid-19 still running rampant, going last-minute is perfect to avoid places with high Covid cases and hospitalization rates. In fact, it's actually smart and with travel down, you can find some great fares and rates. Here's a website to help get the timing of your fall foliage trip right. Check it out here!

Car Seat Tips For Keeping Your Children Safe
September is Baby Safety Month and the week of September 19-25 is Child Passenger Safety Week. As the father of two young children, these topics are extremely important to me and of course, to millions of parents across the country. Click here to read the story.
 
My Dad's COVID Update
There's both good and bad news on my dad. The latest update, for those of you who have been asking or are interested, is at the bottom of this page.
 
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers 
— Netherlands drops quarantine requirement for vaccinated US travelers
— United Airlines CEO says employees exempt from vaccine 'won't be in front of customers'
— LA County to require proof of vaccination for indoor bars, nightclubs, breweries
— Southwest Airlines offers extra pay for staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19
— Yellowstone National Park sets August record for visitors
— Pre-departure UK Covid tests may be ditched to simplify travel restrictions
— This city has just been voted the most beautiful in the world
— Why California has one of the lowest Covid-19 rates in the nation
— The Crystal Cabin Awards recognize the airplane interior designs of the future
— The real reason there's a restaurant worker shortage
— Message in a bottle launched from Japan found in Hawaii 37 years later
— 60% of virus experts wouldn't do these 6 things right now
(Read it all here in today's travel news round-up as well as the 84 other top travel news stories from the past seven days!)

Credit Card Offers For Travelers
New LTO! These consumer AND business airline credit cards now come with bonuses of up to 90,000 miles, plus priority boarding, free checked bags, lounge access, and so much more.

More Tips
-The Real Reason Flight Attendants Tell Passengers To Hold On To Their Phones During Takeoff and Landing
-The Quickest Way to Get In and Out of LAX 
-A New Vaccination Requirement All Travelers Must Consider
-How To Make Sure the TSA PreCheck Checkmark is On Your Boarding Pass
-9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports 
-How to Never Miss A Wake-Up Call Again
-This Travel Tip Will Save You a Ton of Money and Aggravation
-Sadly, It's That Time Again: Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks
-Too Soon To Start Holiday Shopping? Maybe Not 
 
The Anti-Fog Wipes For Your Glasses That Actually Work
I've received multiple emails and comments thanking me for the recommendation because the wipes actually work! Just be sure to buy the anti-fog wipes. Find the links here.

Travel Contests
–Win a trip for two to the Super Bowl
–Win a Windstar Cruise
–Win A Trip For 2 To Costa Rica from Ricante Hot Sauce!
–A chance to win over $3,000 in adventure travel gear
See all contests here

In Case You Missed It  
Air Travel Tips
-8 Ways to Make Sure an Airline Doesn't Lose Your Bag ... And That You Don't Get Robbed or Stalked
-How to Speed Through Airport Security
-How To Find Out If The TSA PreCheck Lane Will Be Open
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips

Road Trip Tips
If you're planning a road trip, then be sure to follow these tips:
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2021
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

10 Air Travel Pet Peeves and What You Can Do About Them
After my flights last month, I was reminded of some of my top pet peeves while flying. Here they are, plus what you can do about them. What are yours? Leave a comment and let me know!

Safety
-10 Things to Have in Case of an Emergency
-How To Always Have Clean Water
-The Pocket Thermometer You Should Never Leave Home Without
-Life-Saving Car Emergency Tips 
-5 Places an Infectious Diseases Doctor Begs You Not to Go
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life