Welcome to September!

🌧 It's hard to believe it's already September and that it's raining here in Southern California. The good news is the skies seem to be calm throughout the country as there are very travel delays or cancellations today (so far).
🚀 It's been a busy news week in travel and you can read all the stories here. I just wrote a post on a small plane crashing in Mexico during a gender reveal party. In my humble opinion, these gender reveal parties are out of control.
✈️ Airports have also been busy, with TSA reporting close to record numbers the past few days. Yesterday, TSA officers screened 2,082,990 people at airport checkpoints nationwide. Four years ago on the same day (pre-pandemic): 1,755,502.
💰 I just signed up to get the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard since it earns 100,000 AAdvantage points bonus miles and a complimentary Admirals Club membership. Unfortunately, I don't make a commission on this card but if you fly American Airlines, you should consider it. This deal expires in four days.
⬇️ Scroll down to see the rest of the travel tips and videos from the week.

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In this issue:

✈️ Today's Travel Outlook

As of 9:10am PT, there have been 74 canceled flights to, from or within the United States and 833 delayed. Here's a link to the up-to-date stats and a live look at the FAA's National Airspace System Status. Here's what to do during weather delays and flight cancellations.

🏈 Monday

Three Tips in Honor of Football Season
In honor of college and pro football season starting up, I have two tips that fans will love. One is how you can win tickets to the College National Football Championship in Arizona.
RELATED: "Washington State residents should register with Delta to receive one SkyMile for each Seattle Seahawks yard thrown during the coming NFL season, and Main Cabin 1 priority boarding in Seattle September 10, 2023 through end of the Seahawks season." Source: View from the Wing
TIP: If you're visiting a stadium for any major league sporting event or concert, you'll need to check the venue's bag policy. Many are restricting regular bags and requiring clear plastic stadium bags like these.

✈️ Tuesday

You’ve Got To See How Delta Air Lines and Air France Destroyed a Passenger’s Bag – Here’s How to Prevent it From Happening To You
An angry passenger posted on Reddit that Delta Air Lines and Air France destroyed his checked bag and returned it with everything missing … including the sides of the bag. The photo was both shocking and hilarious and so were the comments. Here's the story along with my tips.

🌴 Wednesday

Maui Desperately Needs Visitors – Hawaiian Airlines Offering $82 Flights
I did an interview last night with CBS News L.A. talking about whether or not people should be traveling to Maui yet. I did some research, including speaking to Visit Maui representatives and some locals, who all say yes, please tell people to come. Airfares are crazy cheap, including $82 one-way flights. We're thinking about going this weekend. What do you think? Is it too early? You can read the article and watch the interview here.

💰 Thursday

New Google Feature Tells Travelers Cheapest Times to Book Flights
This week, Google announced their newest feature, which tells travelers the cheapest time to book flights and when airfares are expected to be lowest for booking their chosen dates and destination. It's a great feature that can help save you some money. Read the story.

⛽ Friday

9 Ways to Save Money on Gas This Labor Day Weekend
You don’t have to turn on the news to see that gas prices are going up around the country. Here in California, the average price for a gallon of Regular is $5.29 and AAA is predicting record numbers of travelers for this Labor Day Weekend. If you’re trying to save money (aren’t we all?), below are my tips, along with some from the EPA and what AAA says are the best times to hit the road. Read the story.

💲 Saturday

How I Lowered My Spectrum Bill by Over $100
I know today's travel tip isn't exactly travel-related but I've been toying with the idea of sharing non-travel tips one day a week since I have so many. Today I'm testing the waters since it's a timely and important one and because the amount of money I'm saving (over $1,200 a year), can be put towards future travel. Here's how. (And let me know if you like tips like this!)

📺 Travel Video of the Week

VIDEO: Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Draws Huge Cheers After Fun and Unique Safety Announcement
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant delivered a memorable safety announcement that passengers loved. Watch the video here.

⚡ Travel Product of the Week

RFID-Blocking Travel Money Belt and Slim Passport Holder
If you haven't bought a money belt for travel yet, you may want to check this one out. It's currently on sale for 40% off. Check it out here.

🌎 12 Things to Know in Travel Today

1 A tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the Atlantic
2 Drugs are sold out in the open in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. Inside the fight to curb it
3 Why American families are leaving the US for Europe
4 Tens of thousands at Burning Man told to conserve water and food after heavy rains leave attendees unable to leave Nevada desert
5 A bar in Milwaukee will pay your tab whenever the Jets lose a game started by Aaron Rodgers
6 Damage from Tropical Storm Hilary will keep Death Valley National Park closed for months
7 This is how much singles need to live comfortably in California
8 TSA Expects U.S. Summer Flier Numbers to Beat 262 Million Record
9 Hotels in Waikiki and Oahu fill up after Maui fires
10 Airline sued for selling tickets for cancelled flights
11 Is climate change too controversial, even on an expedition ship? You'd be surprised
12 Yesterday's TSA checkpoint numbers

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