A passenger on a packed flight posts about a seatmate peeling skin off her bare feet, triggering widespread disgust and mockery online, with Reddit commenters debating what, if anything, should be done by crew or fellow passengers.
Delta Air Lines will drop any food or beverage service on flights of 349 miles or less starting May 19, affecting about 450 daily flights (~9%). Full service remains on 350+ mile routes for Delta Comfort and Main Cabin, while First Class continues to be fully served on all flights. The change aligns Delta with peers that limit short-haul service (United on flights over 300 miles; American on routes under 250 miles).
After cartel boss El Mencho was killed in Jalisco, violence led to roadblocks and arson, prompting US and UK travel advisories to shelter indoors in areas like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Some international flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were disrupted or rescheduled, though airports remain open and others (Baja California, Quintana Roo, Oaxaca) reported normal operations as authorities coordinate with security forces. Airlines have waived change fees in some cases, and travelers should stay alert and follow local guidance, as the situation can evolve.
Long Island MacArthur Airport now offers 16 nonstop destinations served by Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest, giving LI residents more convenient flight options across a diverse network.
Breeze Airways is launching a 14-route expansion that adds Atlantic City, Brownsville/South Padre Island and Nassau, plus a return to San Antonio, with mostly two-weekly services (some seasonal) and introductory fares starting around $39–$49.
Southwest Airlines is seeing limited open seating on its flights as demand remains high, prompting travelers to book soon to secure available seats and avoid last-minute shortages.
Spirit Airlines passenger Paola Garcia used her Apple devices to track her stolen luggage to the home of Junior Bazile, an airport worker at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Garcia's bag, containing valuable items including a MacBook and Apple Watches, was allegedly taken by Bazile, who was later arrested and charged with grand theft. Spirit Airlines issued a reimbursement check to Garcia, and the Broward County Aviation Department emphasized their commitment to addressing illegal activities at the airport.
This week's Saturday Selection covers the devaluation of ANA premium awards via Virgin Atlantic, Southwest Airlines' pricing now appearing on Google Flights, a list of the world's most turbulent flight routes, and Spirit Airlines' new policy allowing free changes and cancellations.
Delta Air Lines is updating its boarding process by transitioning to numbered zones from May 1, simplifying the boarding experience for both customers and employees. The airline will use zones 1 through 8 to reflect existing groups, aiming to add clarity and improve the overall gate experience. This change may make it easier for infrequent travelers and those facing language barriers to understand the boarding process, while also aligning with the practices of joint venture and international partners. The impact on boarding speed remains to be seen, as airlines continually seek ways to trim boarding times and maximize efficiency.
Tourist hot spots around the world are implementing visitor caps and entry fees to manage overcrowding and boost revenue, with examples including a new $13 charge for climbing Mount Fuji in Japan, entry fees for Plaza de España in Seville, and a 30% ticket price hike at the Louvre in Paris. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has raised park ticket prices for 2025, and tourist rail passes in Japan have seen a 70% price increase.
Taylor Swift has arrived in Sydney for the final leg of her tour and is rumored to be staying at the luxurious Crown Sydney's 820-square-meter Presidential Villa on the 88th floor, which costs $38,888 a night and offers stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The villa comes with 24-hour butler service, exclusive dining options, and high-end amenities. While some celebrities opt for private mansion rentals, hotels like Crown offer robust security, making them a preferred choice for high-profile guests. Rental prices for luxury accommodations in Sydney can soar into the six-figure mark, with some properties exceeding $200,000 a week.
Austria's climate minister endorsed a campaign offering a year's free public transport to those who get the rail card logo tattooed on their body, sparking backlash. Meanwhile, two German tourists were arrested for spraying graffiti on a historic corridor in Florence. In other travel news, a rare baby giraffe was born without spots in Tennessee, a baby gorilla was rescued and reared by a zookeeper in Australia, and Loch Ness monster enthusiasts are embarking on a creature hunt in Scotland. Additionally, CNN Travel is seeking stories from those who have lost luggage and are tracking it with devices.