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71-year-old slaps flight attendant on Tigerair Taiwan flight, blacklisted
1 day ago•Source: New York Post
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18.27 min•2 days ago
Southwest Raises First and Second Checked Bag Fees for New Bookings Starting April 9, 2026
Southwest will increase the fees for checking the first and second bags by $10 for tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026 (first bag to $45, second bag to $55; third bag remains $150; overweight/oversize fees unchanged). Free checked bags remain for certain travelers: Choice Preferred fares include two free bags, A-List and A-List Preferred status confer free bags (with up to 8 companions), Southwest credit cards offer a free first bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, and active-duty military get up to two free bags. Booking flights before the new date could save on luggage costs.
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Staycation Season: Higher Oil, TSA Delays Push Americans Toward Local Getaways
Rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions and ongoing TSA headaches are pushing Americans toward staycations and closer-to-home trips, with international bookings down and domestic options gaining as travelers hedge budgets and brace for a slower, more affordable travel season.
Arizona's Meteor Crater Named 11th Most Popular U.S. Roadside Attraction
Arizona's Meteor Crater was ranked 11th among the U.S.'s top roadside attractions in a Betway Casino study that weighed TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram posts, and online search volume; visitors can view the crater from the rim (interior is off-limits for safety) with general adult admission around $29.
Ten Ways to Pass Time in TSA Lines Amid Pay Delays
A funding stalemate leaves TSA workers unpaid and airport lines long, with back pay potentially delayed. The piece offers line-friendly ideas to pass the wait: consider applying for TSA PreCheck if possible, then use calm breathing, podcasts, photo organization, and brain-teasers like a Rubik’s Cube; also explore mobile games and tech reads to stay occupied while you queue.
Higher TSA pay won't quiet airport lines overnight
A pay raise for TSA workers may improve retention, but it won’t immediately solve long security lines or broader airport delays caused by staffing shortages and aging infrastructure.
TSA Lines Grow Nationwide as Shutdown Drags On
Security screening times at U.S. airports are rising amid a partial government shutdown, with CNBC's tracker showing variable wait times across the 50 busiest airports; TSA PreCheck users typically wait less than standard lanes, and travelers are advised to arrive early (two hours for domestic, three hours international) and check airline guidance for updates.
Short-staffed TSA could trigger closures at select U.S. airports
Experts warn that TSA staffing shortages could force the closure of some U.S. airports, causing widespread travel disruption and economic impact, with hubs like Chicago O’Hare, Pittsburgh and LaGuardia highlighted as examples of potential ripple effects.
United's Relax Row: Couch-Style Seats Arrive in Economy
United Airlines will roll out the 'Relax Row'—a three-seat economy row that folds into a flat couch—on more than 200 Boeing 787/777 aircraft by 2030, with a 2027 rollout. Each row includes a mattress pad, plush blanket and pillows, and families or solo travelers gain extra space, though pricing details are not disclosed and the airline holds exclusive North American rights to the design.
Airports urge earlier arrivals as TSA staffing woes flare
TSA staffing shortages, ICE deployments, and a funding lapse at DHS have prompted several major U.S. airports to revise arrival guidance, with seven airports telling travelers to show up 2.5–4 hours before departure instead of the standard two hours (domestic) or three hours (international). Experts now advise aiming for about three hours early, though most large airports report normal wait times except for hotspots like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental, where lines can reach about three hours.
Spontaneous Getaways Rewritten by Rising Fares and TSA Delays
Rising airfares, fuel costs, and long TSA lines are cooling spontaneous mini-breaks, pushing travelers to drive or choose trips closer to home, and prompting some to delay plans or seek deals. Missed flights and security delays have hit some travelers hard, while others pivot to longer road trips or rail; even with demand intact, the pattern is shifting rather than disappearing as airlines trim flights and fuel prices push costs higher.
LaGuardia Grind: Shutdown-Driven Lines and Flight Delays
A partial U.S. government shutdown leaves about 47,000 TSA agents unpaid, causing hours-long security lines at airports like LaGuardia and delaying flights. The disruptions were intensified when an Air Canada plane collided with a firetruck on landing, forcing the airport to shut down for hours and delaying hundreds of flights. Travelers and families wait in departures, some optimistic a funding deal will pass, while many end up canceling or rescheduling trips amid the chaos.