The Sunday Round-Up | May 15, 2022 Happy Sunday! It's been another busy week in the travel industry, including at security checkpoints in the U.S. According to the TSA, officers screened 1,979,713 people nationwide yesterday. A week ago on same day: 1,869,222. Three years ago on the same day (pre-pandemic): 2,091,116.
As you can see, travel is back but unfortunately many airlines and airports around the world, not just in the good ol' USA, just aren't ready. There are countless stories of long lines at both security (ahem, Amsterdam) and immigration (ahem, Toronto’s YYZ) and pilot shortages. You can't do anything about the latter but you can get CLEAR (it goes up $10 in a few days), TSA PreCheck to help with security lines in the U.S. and Global Entry to cut immigration times when returning home from international travels.
Today's Travel Tip
The Service That Makes Covid-19 Testing So Much Easier For Travelers
Speaking of returning home, the Biden administration still requires every traveler to the U.S.A., regardless of vaccination status or citizenship (yes, vaccinated Americans are required, too), to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test “no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States”. If you don't want to worry about scrambling the last day of your trip, testing sites possibly being shut down (due to a national holiday or similar) or overpaying, then I highly recommend getting proctored tests before leaving the country. Here's the service I use.
Travel Product of the Week
This Portable Device Might Just Save Your Life and the Lives of Those You Love
It may not be something you think about often but carbon monoxide poisoning can happen, both at home and when you travel. Taking precautions and being prepared can save your life and the lives of those you love. As you may have read, three American tourists were found dead at a Sandals resort in the Bahamas and another has been hospitalized. The cause of their mysterious deaths has not yet been confirmed, although autopsies are currently underway. However, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden thinks that the cause may have been carbon monoxide poisoning. Regardless, here's how to protect yourself.
Travel Tips/Stories from This Week Monday:
-How To Check Hospitalization Numbers of Your Destination
Tuesday:
-How Travelers Can Protect Themselves from This Type of Theft
-Here’s What Travelers Need to Know Before Their Memorial Day and Summer Trips
Wednesday:
-The Easiest Way to Digitize Your Old Photos
Thursday:
-This Simple Tip Could Save Your Life
Friday:
-How To Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
-L.A. Zoo’s Beastly Ball is Returning to In-Person on June 4, 2022
Saturday:
-Don’t Fall For These Hotel Scams
-Leo Laporte's The Tech Guy
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!
Travel Quote of the Day
"There ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain
Travel Tweet of the Day
@BreakingWeather: The same storm that is set to bring volatile weather to the central U.S. on Sunday will shift eastward for Monday.
12 Things to Know in Travel Today
— A retired couple sold their home so they could permanently live on cruise ships for less than $43 a day
— A severe pilot shortage in the U.S. leaves airlines scrambling for solutions
— Passenger reportedly punches pilot on flight to Greece
— Looking to Help Ukrainian Refugees? A ‘Voluntourism’ Guide
— Travel Industry Expected to Make Full Recovery by 2025
— For Russians, flying abroad is a difficult, costly affair
— On its sleeper routes, Amtrak is making its dining car part of the experience
— What happens when you flush an airplane toilet?
— A former refugee is searching for a stranger who gave her $100 years ago
— Transportation troubles costing travelers more to get from MSY to downtown
— Hawaii helicopter crash that killed 7 was '100% preventable'
— Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers The 72 other top travel news stories from this past week!
New on my Podcast
An American in Germany: What it’s Like to Travel Around Europe and More
My buddy Adam Parken lives and works in Berlin for Blacklane. He travels around Europe with his three kids and has great tips and incredible stories including being a batboy for the Texas Rangers and for the visiting team playing the Boston Red Sox. You can watch the interview below or stream the podcast.
Miles & Points
-It's never a bad idea to start earning rewards for a trip abroad. Here are some of the best cards for international travel (that also earn rewards when staying close to home).
-The Best Premium Credit Cards in 2022
-Best Credit Cards for Dining, Restaurants, Takeout, & More 2022
Travel Hack
Travel Hack: How To Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
If you love watching in-flight movies when you fly but prefer to use your AirPods or other wireless headphones, you'll love this extremely handy gadget. And it works not just on in-flight entertainment systems but on gym equipment, gaming devices, TVs and any 3.5mm audio jack as well. It's the perfect travel companion for wireless listening. Read more here.
Travel Tips from Last Week:
Monday:
-Act Fast! United Airlines One-Day Only Award Sale to Hawaii (Expired)
Tuesday:
-Sexual Assault on Airplanes is Increasing. Here’s How to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Being a Victim
Wednesday:
-How Star Wars Fans Can Get Priority Boarding Today (Expired)
Thursday:
-Why You Might Want to Avoid this Popular North American Airport
-10 NFL Teams Will Play International Games in 2022 — Including Giants vs. Packers in London
Friday:
-How to Save Money With a Secret Carry-On
Saturday:
-N/A Out sick
Sunday:
-5 Things I Learned from Canceling my Trip to the East Coast, Including How to Save $460 on American Airlines Upgrade
-Move Over Singapore Airlines – Qantas Just Announced Plans for the New Longest Flights in the World
Air Travel -7 Lessons for Travelers After Iggy Azalea Was Denied Boarding
-Warning: Summer Travel is Going to Be Chaotic - Here's Why and Here's How to Minimize the Chaos
-Worried About Flying Now That the Mask Mandate Has Ended? Here's How to Protect Yourself
-Airfare Deals from Little-Known New York Airport — Including Nonstop to West Coast
-VIDEO: Passenger Does Laundry Mid-Flight at Her Seat – What’s the Craziest Thing You’ve Seen?
-JetBlue Falls From Grace After Horrendous Customer Service, Lies and the Gall of Their Spirit Airlines Bid
-Why You Shouldn’t Pay Extra for American Airlines’ Preferred Seats
-If an Airline Severely Delays or Cancels Your Flight, Are They Obligated to Cover Your Hotel Accommodations?
-Summer travel is going to be a doozy
-How To Reach an Airline's Reservations Agent Without Waiting
-8 Ways To Make Sure An Airline Doesn’t Lose Your Bag
-The Time of Day Airlines Are Least Likely to Delay or Cancel Flights Plus Other Reasons to Fly at This Time
-10 Airport Security Hacks
-How to Get the Exit Row For Free
-Are You Obligated to Switch Seats on an Airplane?
-Airfares Are Rising: Here Are 10 Ways to Find Cheap Flights This Summer
-The Trick to Saving Money When Checking Bags
-Airlines Are Canceling Routes More Than Ever - Here's How to Avoid Travel Headaches
-The Flight Tracking App That Pilots Use
-Start-Up Breeze Airways Launches 35 New Routes Just in Time For Summer Travel
-Can You Travel With the Lithium Ion Batteries Found in Phones, Tablets and Chargers?
-Plane Too Hot? Plane Too Cold? Bring These Items
-Finally! One Less Line to Wait in at US Airports – Starbucks Finally Rolls Out Mobile Ordering
-Don't Ever Drink These 3 Things on an Airplane
-Airline Changed Your Flight? Here's How to Use it to Your Advantage
-How to Track Airfares By Signing Up for Fare Alerts
-Always Do This Before Booking Travel
-Why You Will Want to Book Flights on Delta-The Only Mask Travelers Should Be Wearing
-Passenger Quarantines in Bathroom After Testing Positive Mid-Flight
-How to Cut the Security Line
-Save $50 on Alaska, Hawaiian and Southwest
-Trusted Traveler Program Interview Scheduling and Lessons Learned
-My Trusted Traveler Program Interview
-How to Cut to the Front of the Airport Security Line for Free
-The Trick for Getting Luggage Carts for Free
-Instead of Giving Your Flight Attendant a Hard Time, Give Them This Instead -A Brilliant Trick To Save Huge On Airfares
-Canceled Flight? Passenger Rights All Travlers Need to Know
-9 Tips For Avoiding COVID-19 On Planes and In Airports
-How Much Time Should You Give Yourself Between Connecting Flights?
-My Number 1 and 2 Travel Tips
-10 Tips For Better Sleep On a Plane
-17 Ways to Find Cheap Flights
-15 Tips for Surviving a Long Flight-How to Get Upgraded to First Class
-Econophobia: Fear of Flying Coach
-JohnnyJet.com Booking Tool
International Travel -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
-All of Your 2022 Cruise Questions Answered by a Cruise Expert
-Booked A Crystal Cruise? Here’s How to Get Your Money Back
Road Trips/Car Rentals -Don't Cancel That Road Trip! 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
-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
-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
-The Simple Trick to Try When Your Computer Won't Connect to the Internet
-Traveling in 2022? This is How to Save a Lot of Money and Miles Right Now
-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
-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
-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 -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 free vacation at Sandals Resorts (June 30)
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
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. |
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