April 20, 2022

What a week in terms of travel news, eh? Wow. My head was spinning on Tuesday after news broke that a federal judge in Florida had struck down the CDC's mask mandate and that the TSA wasn't going to enforce it. One by one, airlines started to announce that they were making face masks optional (here's the list). I did a number of interviews on the topic, including two on News Nation (photo above compliments of my sister Georgette).

My sister Carol just happened to be boarding a Delta flight from New York (LGA) to Florida (PBI) within minutes of Delta's announcement so she captured video of what I think is the first Delta flight attendant announcement that masks were now optional. It received mixed reviews and she said the majority of the passengers kept them on. 

I have mixed feelings on the ruling, which I wrote about at the bottom of this post. 

Today's Travel Tip
Worried About Flying and Being Surrounded By Unmasked Passengers? Here's How to Protect Yourself
The announcement that face masks are now optional on airplanes and in airports as well as on public transportation has some people cheering and others worried about the consequences. If you fall into the latter camp, here are some tips to help. Read the story here.

Warning: Summer Travel is Going to Be Chaotic - Here's Why and Here's How to Minimize the Chaos
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but as the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. Summer travel is expected to be a doozy thanks to the collision of a number of factors. But by being prepared, you can avoid a lot of the hassles. Here's what you need to know if you plan to travel this summer.

If You Love Travel and Geography, Then You'll Love This Wordle-Inspired Game
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of the free once-a-day word game, Wordle and you’re either addicted to it or are sick of seeing friends post their daily results on social media. I’m both. I play every day but don’t understand why people share their results unless they get it in one or two tries. Here’s more on Wordle. Well, if you love Wordle, travel and geography, then I think you’re going to love this free spinoff game. Check it out here.
 

Travel Product of the Week

Quick Dry Beach and Pool Towels
These towels are quick-drying, repel sand and fold up so compactly, that your bag won't be bulging with towels the next time you head to the beach or pool. Plus, they just look really good, too. Check them out here.

12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
— Justice Department to appeal mask mandate if CDC approves
— Majority of Americans want masks for travelers: AP-NORC poll
— You don’t have to wear a mask on planes. Do it anyway, experts say.
— BA and Virgin Atlantic drop mask mandate on US flights
— China’s initial report sheds little light on March jet crash
— Delta no longer calls COVID an 'ordinary, seasonal virus'
— Be courteous — wear a mask if you're sick and must travel, flight attendant union chief says
— Portland (Maine) airport's main runway shut down for $13.7M project 
— The heat is on, Italy plans to turn down air conditioning to save energy
— Why airfare is so high in 2022
— Watch Bill O'Reilly threaten and curse at JetBlue worker over delayed flight (Video)
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers    
(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!)

Travel Quote of the Week
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain 

Travel Tweet of the Day
@FlyingWithSara: My cab driver just asked me if I was tired of the masks (we’re both wearing one) then he said, “I’m tired of the masks especially in the heat, but I’m wearing it because I don’t want to get sick and I don’t want to get anyone else sick. It’s a basic respect issue.”

Credit Card News/Offers for Travelers
-Summer will be here before you know it, and there's a new offer to help get an edge on earning miles. New United Club℠ Infinite Card cardholders earn 120,000 bonus miles (after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months). We think this is one of the best United credit cards. It comes with United Club membership, free first and second checked bags, Premier Access services (preferential treatment at airports), and IHG Platinum Elite status. Hurry, though—this United Club Infinite signup bonus is only available for a limited time.  

Travel Contests
-Win a Trip to Iceland (April 30)
-"Share Your Story" Writing Contest for Outdoor Adventurists (April 30)
-Win a seven-night Caribbean cruise for two (Nov 14) 
See all contests here.

Air Travel Tips
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-How to Get the Exit Row For Free
-10 Ways to Find Cheap Flights This Summer
-Can You Travel With the Lithium Ion Batteries Found in Phones, Tablets and Chargers?
-How to Prevent In-Flight Thefts 
-The Best Coach Seats To and From Hawaii
-The Flight Tracking App That Pilots Use
-How to Avoid Long Lines When You Travel ... And at Home
-Why American Travelers Should Book International Travel on US Carriers ✈ 
-How to Track Airfares by Signing Up for Fare Alerts
-Warning: Watch out for This Email Phishing Scam Pretending to be American Airlines
-Travel hack that will let you use your wireless headphones to watch in-flight movies 
-Why Travelers Will Want to Book Future Flights on Delta
-How to Get Free Upgrades and Points on American Airlines
-A Simple and Genius iPhone Hack to Track Flights.
-Here’s How You Can Really Get Upgraded to First Class
-Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right For You?
-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
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips

Lodging
-The First Thing I Do When I Check into a Hotel Room
-3 Ways to Get a Refund on a Nonrefundable Hotel Room

Cruise
-All of Your 2022 Cruise Questions Answered by a Cruise Expert

Road Trip Tips
If you're planning a road trip, then be sure to follow these tips:
-Here Are 9 Ways to Save Money on Gas
-DON'T Do This When You're Driving Because It's Just Not Worth It
-One of the Worst Decisions Travelers Can Make
-Two Great Things to Keep in the Car For Road Trips
-3 Ways To Save Money on Gas
-How to Prevent Road Trip Theft
-15 Tips For Renting A Car in 2022
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off

International Travel
-Should You Still Travel to Europe This Summer? Rick Steves and Peter Greenberg Weigh In
-Rick Steves' Solid Advice About Travel This Spring and Summer  
-Got Foreign Currency Lying Around? These Notes Are About to Be Worthless
-Can The US Government’s Free COVID Tests Be Used for Travel?
-The Sleep Hack Every Traveler Needs to Know 
-All Your Passport and Visa Questions Answered by An Expert
-A New Vaccination Requirement All International Travelers Must Consider
-The Must-Have App For Travel to Europe

Safety
-We're All Done With Covid But Covid Isn't Done With Us - Here Are 3 Things You Should Still Do
-ALWAYS Leave These at Home When You Travel
-Bet You Don't Know What an ATM Skimmer Looks Like.
-Don't Fall for These QR Code Scams
-How to Get Free N95 Masks Which Are Key to Safe Travels 
-How to Reuse your N95 and KN95 Masks
-10 Things to Have in Case of an Emergency
-The Pocket Thermometer You Should Never Leave Home Without
-Life-Saving Car Emergency Tips 
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life
-What I Keep In My Carry-On First Aid Kit
-The Most Dangerous Places to Be During a Lightning Storm
-Car Seat Tips For Keeping Your Children Safe
-Sadly, It's That Time Again: Where to Buy N95 and KN95 Masks