The Sunday Round-Up | July 17, 2022 Greetings from L.A.! Last Sunday, I wrote how we'd just arrived home after being gone for 49 days. Well, I finally finished my Toronto-Dallas-Los Angeles trip report and I wrote a separate post on how to beat the chaos at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, which is today's travel tip.
As you will read in my trip report, our travels were surprisingly smooth with the exception of a two-year-old boy sitting a row behind us, unmasked and not covering his mouth each time he coughed, which sounded really gnarly. The whole section around us winced every time he coughed and I thought for sure we were going to get sick with whatever he had. Fortunately we didn't and I credit the masks we wore, the airline's filtration system and the portable air purifier with a HEPA filter I travel with for keeping us safe.
We flew American Airlines (AA), which I wrote an alarming post about a couple of weeks ago and have received hundreds of comments from unhappy, stranded fliers so I was worried about disruption. If you're wondering why I still flew AA, it's because I booked the first-class tickets last August for cheap using miles, I have elite status so I get all kinds of perks including free checked bags up to 70lb bags (all four of ours made it, which I tracked using the AirTag I popped in).
Travel on AA has really been hit or miss but it's getting much better now that they're paying their pilots more money on peak travel days. We got lucky. If you've flown AA recently, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post so others can read about your experience (good or bad).
Most of the airport chaos happening right now is in Canada and Europe. Airports that are especially bad are YYZ, YUL, LHR, LGW, AMS and DUB. If you can avoid checking bags, your trip will be much better. Here are more tips for avoiding the summer travel chaos.
There's a lot of travel news so scroll down to read today's and the week's travel headlines including my travel tips.
Travel Tips from This Week Monday:
-15 Tips for Surviving a Long Flight
Tuesday:
-Don't Miss Out on These Great Deals for Travelers (most are now expired since this was for Amazon Prime Day)
Wednesday:
-Should Airlines Offer Pet-Free Flights?
-Trip Report: First Class From YYZ-LAX via DFW
Thursday:
-The Magical Device Everyone Should Take on a Road Trip
Friday:
-Samantha Brown’s Brilliant Travel Tip
Saturday: -My Summer and Fall Travel Tips for CBS LA/KCAL
-Leo Laporte's The Tech Guy
Travel Quote of the Day
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” – Milton Berle
Travel Tweet of the Week
@ABC7NY: Twenty-six years ago this evening, TWA Flight 800 exploded just minutes after takeoff from New York's Kennedy Airport. Some 230 lives were lost over the Atlantic Ocean off Long Island. Watch our documentary, "Heartbreak Hotel."
12 Things to Know in Travel Today
— Delta to announce deal for 100 Boeing MAX 10 planes
— A United passenger was stranded in Newark airport for almost 24 hours after being told 'there are no hotels left'
— Man pays $1,340 for an UBER from Paris to London to make it back for work
— A couple in their 80s got stuck in Mexico and ran out of heart medication after their flight was canceled twice
— Another cruise ship hit by COVID-19 outbreak
— Heathrow 'tells airlines to kick passengers off flights' to avoid travel chaos
— Airfares are finally starting to cool as peak summer travel season fades. Now what?
— Top NASCAR driver stabbed to death by transient at SoCal gas station
— Travel industry sees further economic woe, seeks Washington’s help
— 'Doesn't make sense': boarded family kicked off plane for 'invalid ticket'
— Hotel construction slumps into slowdown in Bay Area and California
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers The 72 other top travel news stories from this past week!
Travel Product of the Summer
How Frequent Fliers Track Their Bags When They Travel
Demand for travel is surging but labor shortages are creating chaos for travelers around the globe. One of the many outcomes of the situation: Lost bags. Here's how frequent fliers track their bags when they travel.
Miles & Points
-5 free hotel nights. Several 100k+ bonus points/miles offers. BOGO free on flights. These are all some of the best credit card offers for July 2022.
-Book award flights, earn cash back at Costco, gas stations, restaurants, gyms, or even on live entertainment, or build your credit score with the best credit cards from this bank.
-These 8 credit cards are fantastic for earning points, miles, or cash back on recurring spending items (such as gas, groceries, food, Netflix, and more).
-The Best Premium Credit Cards in 2022
-Best Credit Cards for Dining, Restaurants, Takeout, & More 2022
East Coast Trip Reports
-Trip Report: Los Angeles to New York on American Airlines Flagship Business
-Delamar Hotel in Greenwich, CT
-Watch Hill Inn in Rhode Island
-Hotel Review: Weekapaug Inn
-Trip Report: New York to Toronto
-My Wife Got Randomly Selected For Covid Testing on Arrival at YYZ
-Trip Report: Toronto to Niagara Falls, NY for NEXUS/Global Entry Appointment
-Trip Report: First Class From YYZ-LAX via DFW
Travel Tips from Last Week:
Monday:
-Why You Might Want to Get an Apple AirTag or Samsung SmartTag Keychain or Holder
Tuesday:
-Keanu Reeves' Interaction With Young Boy Goes Viral
-How to Sit Next to a Celebrity on Your Next Flight
Wednesday:
-Summer 2022 Road Trip Tips
Thursday:
-My New Favorite Travel App
-Fear Made Me Cancel My Trip Yesterday and I’m Okay With It
Friday:
-N/A (no internet in Canada thanks to telecom giant Rogers)
Saturday:
-American Airlines Passenger Caught Stealing $10,000 – Here’s How To Prevent In-Flight Theft
Air Travel
-A Flight Attendant’s Tips to Stay Safe in a Hotel
-Airports Around the World Are Recommending Travelers Do This -Johnny Jet's Summer 2022 Travel Survival Guide
-Is it Even Safe or Smart to Fly American Airlines This Summer? AA Pilot Sounds the Alarm
-7 Hacks For Getting the Best Coach Seat on a Plane
-If a Flight Attendant Asks You Not to Do This, Please Don't
-American Airlines Brings Back Change Fees and Southwest Throws Them Shade
-This Simple Thing Will Make Air Travel So Much Smoother This Summer
-Lost Luggage Numbers Are Up: Here's How to Keep Track of Your Bags
-Why Those Double Decker Seats Everyone’s Talking About Aren’t Going to Fly
-The Carry-On Bag I Always Travel With
-How to Make Coach Feel Like First Class
-How to Minimize the Chaos of Summer 2022 Travel -How to Sleep on a Plane -Don't Try This for the First Time on a Plane
-Woman Claims She Was Kicked Off American Airlines Flight for Having Abnormally Large Breasts
-Taylor Swift’s Clever Tip for Flying Southwest Airlines
-How to Get Your Travel Credits Extended
-12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees
-How to Save Money With a Secret Carry-On
-Warning: Summer Travel is Going to Be Chaotic - Here's Why and Here's How to Minimize the Chaos
-If an Airline Severely Delays or Cancels Your Flight, Are They Obligated to Cover Your Hotel Accommodations?
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-8 Ways To Make Sure An Airline Doesn’t Lose Your Bag
-10 Airport Security Hacks
-How to Get the Exit Row For Free
-How to Track Airfares By Signing Up for Fare Alerts
-17 Ways to Find Cheap Flights -How to Get Upgraded to First Class
-Econophobia: Fear of Flying Coach
-JohnnyJet.com Booking Tool
Family Travel -14 Products to Keep Kids Quiet on a Plane
International Travel -Travel Host Tests Positive for COVID in Paris - Here's What He Learned
-Don't Get Ripped Off When Traveling Internationally -The Service That Makes Covid-19 Testing So Much Easier For Travelers
-6 Packing Tips For When You’re Traveling to a Remote Location
-If Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed, Do You Need to Get Retested for Covid?
-How to Get From Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Eiffel Tower and Paris Travel Tips
-Why American Travelers Should Book International Travel on US Carriers
-Should You Still Travel to Europe This Summer? Rick Steves and Peter Greenberg Weigh In
-Here's what Rick Steves and Peter Greenberg about going to Europe
-Rick Steves’ Solid Advice About International Travel This Spring and Summer
-Where to Get the Best Exchange Rate For Leftover Foreign Currency
-3 Things I Always Pack When Traveling Internationally
-All Your Passport and Visa Questions Answered by An Expert
-Can The US Government’s Free COVID Tests Be Used for Travel?
-12 Passport Tips that Will Save You Time, Money and Headaches
-How To Save An Hour at This Airport
-Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right For You?
-The Must-Have App For Travel to Europe
Cruising
-An Important Travel Tip for Cruise and Tour Group Passengers
Road Trips/Car Rentals -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
-You Can Visit U.S. National Parks for Free on These 5 Days in 2022 -15 Tips To Renting A Car in 2022
-Two Great Things to Keep in the Car For Road Trips
-The New Transportation App Hawaii Travelers Should Download
-Never Forget Your Room Number or Parking Spot Again
-How To Prevent Car Rental Companies From Ripping You Off
-The Quick Way Thieves Are Trying To Ruin Your Trip
-How To Find Cheap Parking
Lodging
-Bring This to Avoid Hotel Room Accidents When You Travel
-When Searching Hotels Don't Make This Common Mistake
-How to Find a Hotel Pool to Cool Down in on a Hot Day
-How To Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
-Don’t Fall For These Hotel Scams
-How to Enjoy Great Hotel Pools Without Booking a Room or Jumping the Fence
-The First Thing You Should Do When You Check into a Hotel Room
-14 Reasons to Stay at Town and Country in San Diego
-If An Airline Puts You Up At a Hotel, Don’t Expect This
-The 5 Questions I Always Ask Hotel Front Desk Agents
-My Terrifying Hotel Fire Experience and Tips I Learned from It
-3 Ways to Get a Refund on a Nonrefundable Hotel Room
-Travel Hack: How to Quietly Shut Your Hotel Room Door to Sneak Out
-When To Stay At An Airport Hotel
-Paying It Forward: The Trick To Ensuring The Next Guest Gets Clean Sheets
-The Truth About Hotel Room Key Cards
-Don't Fall For This Hotel Scam
-Book with Expedia or Priceline
Popular Stories -Why You Shouldn’t Pack Bathing Suits in Your Checked Luggage-The Simple Trick to Try When Your Computer Won't Connect to the Internet
-5 Tips For Traveling With Medications
-Mugged in Europe: Tips To Help You Travel Safe
-Rick Steves Pickpocketed In Paris -- Here's How To Prevent It From Happening
-Always Wear This When You Travel To Keep Valuables Safe
-10 Things You Don’t Need to Pack
-10 Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Airplane Habits: Are YOU Guilty?
-Fallen Soldier on My Delta Flight
Good To Know
-If You Use Apps When You Travel Don't Make This Rookie Mistake
-Should You Tip on Takeout?
-Record Numbers of People are Traveling and Thieves Know It – Here’s How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
-The Super Cool iPhone Feature You Didn't Even Know You Had
-Welcome to Alaska: Caution – Construction Zone
-Don’t Forget to Do This Every Time You Check Out of a Hotel/Rental
-The Easiest Way to Digitize Your Old Photos
-Sexual Assault on Airplanes is Increasing. Here’s How to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Being a Victim
-Bill Murray and I Have Similar Advice for Couples About to Get Married
-Driving Tour Apps That Are Essentially a Private Guide at a Fraction of the Cost
-Don’t Bring These Types of Souvenirs Home
-Why I Always Travel With These
-Travel Sleep Hack
-Bet You Don't Know What an ATM Skimmer Looks Like
-The Sleep Hack Every Traveler Needs to Know
-WARNING: Watch Out for This Email Phishing Scam Pretending to Be From American Airlines
-Don't Fall For These QR Code Scams
-Traveling? Doctor Recommends These Face Masks
-This Travel Trend Isn't Going Anywhere in 2022
-An Obvious Resource That Many Travelers Don't Take Advantage Of
-How Not to Get Scammed by the Bad Guys
-Backup Your Photos Before It's Too Late
-The Best Times to Capture Photographs While on Vacation
-The Essential Email Reminder Service I Use To Manage My Life
-How To Check Hospitalization Numbers
-The Trick to Preventing Items In Your Car From Getting Stolen
-A Lifesaving Tip
-How to Use Your Phone As a Remote Control
Safety/Health
-What I Keep In My Carry-On First Aid Kit
-The Massachusetts State Police Issue Important Reminder for Travelers and Pet Owners
-Get Rid of Bug Bites Naturally With the Bug Bite Thing
-How To Check Hospitalization Numbers of Your Destination
-Should You Change Your Travel Plans Because of Monkeypox?
-This Simple Tip Could Save Your Life
-How Travelers Can Protect Themselves from This Type of Theft
-Violent Crime Targeting Wealthy Increasing – Here’s How Travelers Can Protect Themselves
-We're All Done With Covid But Covid Isn't Done With Us - Here Are 3 Things You Should Still Do
-3 Things to Know About Surviving a Nuclear Bomb
-How to Prevent In-Flight Thefts
-How This Can Make or Break Your Trip
-Travel Adapters for International Travel
-ALWAYS Leave This At Home When You Travel
-This Travel Gadget Will Help You Sleep Worry-Free
-The New International Signal For Help
-These Straps Will Prevent Sore Ears from Wearing a Mask
-4 Things Bradley Cooper Did Wrong Before NYC Subway Knifepoint Hold Up -Warning: This Type of Crime is on the Rise and Travelers Should Take Note -The Portable Air Purifier I Now Travel With to Ensure Clean Air
-What I Keep In My Carry-On First Aid Kit -My Funniest Travel Experience Underscores Why You Should Always Do This in Your Hotel Room-What I Now Pack When Traveling To Fend Off Dehydration
-How to Find a Doctor While Traveling
-How to Save Big On Prescription Drugs at Home and on the Road
-My Somewhat Freakish Travel Habit Might Just Save Your Life
-The Health Tool You Need at Home and On the Road
-A Tool I'd Never Heard of But Have Now added To My Travel Health Kit
Food/Shop
-The best pasta sauce is on sale
-Ted Lasso's Secret Biscuit Recipe is Out
Travel Gadgets/Products -Why You Should Travel with This Inexpensive Entertainment Device
-Travel Hack: How to Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
-Use These to Stay Organized When You Travel
-The Portable Charger You’ll Never Want to Leave Home Without
-Do This to Avoid Long Lines When You Travel ... And at Home
-The Unusual Thing I Always Pack and You Should Too
-How to Remove Beach Tar From Your Feet
-Why You Should Travel with Rain Ponchos
-Don’t Make This Easily Avoidable Privacy Mistake
-Never Sleep Through Your Alarm Again
-Round-Up: Travel Neck Pillows for Better Sleep and a More Comfortable Flight
-The Mini Travel Speaker That Works Great at Home and On the Road
-Turn Your Vacation Photos into Wall Art in Minutes
-A Great Gift for Those Who Love to Play Cards But Can’t See Well
-The Blackout Sleep Mask Travelers Need
-The Tech Organizer All Travelers Need
-A Brilliant New Travel Purse for Women
-The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without
Just For Fun
-The Internet's Most Unique Clock Has a Travel Angle
-If You Love Travel and Geography, Then You’ll Love This Wordle-Inspired Game
-How to Go Birding Without Leaving Your Couch
-Test Your Airport Code Knowledge with Airportle
-The Word Game You're Going to Want to Play Right Now
-How to Watch Huell Howser's Travel Shows
-Hands Down the Best Beach Toy for Kids
-The Best Airplane Toy For Any Kid
Face Masks
-How to Prevent Sore Ears Caused By Face Mask Straps
-What to Know Before Wearing an N95 Mask
-The Best Face Masks for Flying During COVID-19
-8 Accessories to Make Wearing Face Masks More Comfortable, More Hygienic and More Pleasant to Wear
Destination Guides
-Big Bear, California
-The California Town You’ve Probably Never Heard of But Should Definitely Visit
-Catalina Island
-12 Things To Know Before Going To The Hollywood Bowl
Podcast/YouTube
-What's it Like For an American to Travel to Thailand Right Now (April 2022)?
-39 Travel Questions with Captain Sandy from Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean
-Talking International Travel, Mexico and Day of The Dead with Tech Guru Leo Laporte
-39 Travel Questions: Samantha Brown
-39 Travel Questions with Josh Gates
-39 Travel Questions with Andrew McCarthy
My 2022 Hawaii Trip Reports 🌈
-Los Angeles to Honolulu in United Polaris
-10 Reasons to Stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village
-12 Reasons to Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki
-Honolulu to Los Angeles in Hawaiian Airlines Economy Comfort
-The Best Coach Seats To and From Hawaii
-How to Save Money and Travel in Comfort to Hawaii
Travel Contests
Win a 5-Night Moon Palace Resort Vacation (July 18)
Win a seven-night Caribbean cruise for two (Nov 14)
Win an eight-day Viking river cruise for two (April 30, 2023)
See all contests here
Want to cruise?
If you’d like to speak to an agent, we’ve partnered with Cruise Planners—a top-rated travel agency—to help you plan your perfect trip. Contact Mike Gelman (1-800-724-5868) and tell him Johnny Jet sent you!
P.S. As always, thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I hope you like it and you share with your friends, family and colleagues so they can subscribe to either my bi-weekly newsletter or Daily Travel Tip.
Travel Products
Tourists in Bahamas Killed by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Last month, three American tourists were found dead at a Sandals resort on the island of Exuma in the Bahamas. Autopsy results revealed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause. Here's how to protect yourself.
Travel Hack: How To Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
And if you do invest in a pair of Apple AirPods or already own a pair, you'll want to try this travel hack to wirelessly connect them to the airplane's inflight entertainment system. Read more here.
Book a Flytographer Photo Shoot
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