Civil rights groups warn tourists about Florida in wake of ‘hostile’ laws
ORLANDO, Fla. — The NAACP over the weekend issued a travel advisory for Florida, joining two other civil rights groups in warning potential tourists that recent laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.” The...
American Airlines and JetBlue must abandon their partnership in the Northeast, federal judge rules
American Airlines and JetBlue Airways must abandon their partnership in the northeast United States, a federal judge in Boston ruled Friday, saying that the government proved the deal reduces competition in the airline industry. The ruling is a major victory for the Biden administration, which has used aggressive enforcement of...
Are you who you say you are? TSA tests facial recognition technology to boost airport security
BALTIMORE — A passenger walks up to an airport security checkpoint, slips an ID card into a slot and looks into a camera atop a small screen. The screen flashes “Photo Complete” and the person walks through — all without having to hand over their identification to the TSA officer...
United pilots to picket; airline unions press for higher pay
DALLAS — Just ahead of what could be a record-breaking summer travel season, pilots from one of the nation’s biggest airlines are preparing to march in picket lines at major airports on Friday as they push for higher pay. The United Airlines pilots have been working without a raise for...
U.S. to propose new rules for airline cancellations, delays
The Biden administration is working on new regulations that would require airlines to compensate passengers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they are stranded for reasons within the airline’s control. The White House said President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg would announce the start of the...
Daycation: Blaze a trail with family-focused fun near Clear Creek State Park
A rural roaming adventure awaits with a daycation to Clear Creek State Park in Sigel. Family-friendly activities abound amid the scenic park that encompasses more than 1,900 acres in Jefferson County. “It’s pronounced Sig-ul,” said local Seth Crate. “This area has a classic, old-fashioned charm.” Nature enthusiasts come from far...
Flaming dragon in ‘Fantasmic’ show is latest in a series of Disneyland mishaps
LOS ANGELES — Certain fire effects at Disney properties will be temporarily suspended after an animatronic dragon used in Disneyland’s “Fantasmic” show burst into flames Saturday night, startling the audience and prompting evacuations. Disney officials say similar fire effects will be temporarily suspended at company theme parks across the globe,...
Millennial Money: How card perks can help pregnant travelers
I was 10-weeks pregnant and craving pizza while on vacation in Germany. We picked a well-reviewed restaurant, only to be told that no tables would be available that night. My husband, who meant well, suggested we try our luck at a different restaurant a few doors down. But it didn’t...
Hawaii blocks some Waikiki sands for seal pup
HONOLULU — The birth of an endangered seal at Hawaii’s most popular tourism hubs is highlighting the tension between protecting the islands’ fragile ecosystems and maintaining access to the pristine white sand beaches that attract millions of visitors each year. Hawaii officials this week fenced off a large stretch of...
DeSantis appointees begin reshaping Disney World’s district
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees on Wednesday began trying to reshape Disney World’s governing body with proposals to eliminate a planning board and prohibit mask mandates and covid-19 vaccine requirements in an evolving showdown between the Republican governor and the world’s best-known entertainment company. The...
Japan approves plan to open 1st casino to lure tourists
TOKYO — Japan’s government on Friday approved a controversial plan to open the country’s first casino in the city of Osaka as it seeks to lure more foreign tourists. The casino resort is to include conference facilities, an exhibition hall, a hotel and a theater and is expected to open...
FBI issues warning about ‘juice jacking’ when using public charging stations
Travelers using public cellphone charging stations at airports - and other places - have been warned by the FBI to be wary of using them. Your information could be a victim of “juice jacking” by those stations available to the public in places including airports, hotels and shopping centers. Earlier...
Paying for paradise? Hawaii mulls fees for ecotourism crush
HONOLULU — Repairing coral reefs after boats run aground. Shielding native forest trees from a killer fungus outbreak. Patrolling waters for swimmers harassing dolphins and turtles. Taking care of Hawaii’s unique natural environment takes time, people and money. Now Hawaii wants tourists to help pay for it, especially because growing...
Bringing Lolita home: How to release a long-captive orca?
SEATTLE — An ambitious plan announced last week to return Lolita, a killer whale held captive for more than a half-century, to her home waters in Washington’s Puget Sound thrilled those who have long advocated for her to be freed from her tank at the Miami Seaquarium. But it also...
Daycation: Charming Volant in Lawrence County boasts 30 rural retail options
A daycation to Volant offers a rural retail retreat with more than 25 independent shops and eateries along Main Street and the surrounding countryside. The tiny borough, home to about 125 residents, occupies land purchased from Native Americans in 1784. Its rural location once served as the hub for commerce...
Congress to consider new no-fly list for unruly passengers
U.S. Senate and House members proposed a new no-fly list for unruly passengers on Wednesday, an idea that was pushed by airline unions but failed to gain traction last year. The legislation would let the Transportation Security Administration ban people convicted or fined for assaulting or interfering with airline crew...
New source of water found in moon samples from China mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Scientists have discovered a new and renewable source of water on the moon for future explorers in lunar samples from a Chinese mission. Water was embedded in tiny glass beads in the lunar dirt where meteorite impacts occur. These shiny, multicolored glass beads were in samples...
Top 10 places to see cherry blossoms around the world
Sure, tulips are lovely, and roses sublime. But the pale pink froth of sakura — or cherry — blossoms is extraordinary. Tripadvisor recently ranked the best spots around the world to see these blossoms — and it’s hardly surprising that two Japanese cities top the list. These beautiful cherry trees...
For a golfing vacation, Branson, Mo., is a ‘world-class destination’
BRANSON, Mo. — Kirk Elmquist wants Missouri golfers to know how lucky they are. “I think the world has recognized Big Cedar as one of the top resorts to play golf, and it’s right here in your backyard,” says Elmquist, the executive director for the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement...
U.S. sues to block JetBlue from buying Spirit Airlines
The Biden administration sued on Tuesday to block JetBlue Airways’ $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines, saying the deal would reduce competition and drive up air fares for consumers. The Justice Department said the tie-up would especially hurt cost-conscious travelers who depend on Spirit to find cheaper options than they...
In ‘junk fee’ fight, U.S. details airline family seating rules
The Transportation Department is rolling out a “dashboard” to let travelers see at a glance which airlines help families with young children sit together at no extra cost. The announcement Monday comes as the department works on regulations to prevent families from being separated on planes. It’s the latest salvo...
Daycation: Bedford offers bounty of history, heritage and hospitality
History and heritage collide for an educational travel destination in rural Bedford County. A daycation to the town of Bedford offers a variety of activities drenched in American history dating to the 1700s. Bedford is positioned near the crossroads of two ancient Native American trading routes and served as a...
Shoe polish stands begin to vanish, lose their shine
NEW YORK — On a recent winter weekday at Penn Station Shoe Repair and Shoe Shine, men hop onto shoeshine chairs and pull out newspapers and phones to read while shoeshiners get to work applying polish and elbow grease to loafers, boots and other leather shoes. When finished, these customers...
Record 6,542 guns intercepted at U.S. airport security in ’22
ATLANTA — The woman flying out of Philadelphia’s airport last year remembered to pack snacks, prescription medicine and a cellphone in her handbag. But what was more important was what she forgot to unpack: a loaded .380-caliber handgun in a black holster. The weapon was one of the 6,542 guns...
Breeze Airways adds 4 new nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport
Breeze Airways announced Tuesday it will begin nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Portland, Maine; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Long Island, N.Y.; and Jacksonville, Fla. Flights to Raleigh-Durham are set to begin May 18, while Long Island and Jacksonville will start May 25. Service to Portland will commence June 2. Breeze...
