Passportable | Frommer's

USA to Barcelona for $150 on a New Budget Airline

Posted on 06/05/2017, 10:15 AM

Last week, without much fanfare, a new airline began shuttling passengers between Barcelona, Spain, and the West Coast of the United States. It's called Level, a joint British-Spanish venture, and it was encouraged by the success of Norwegian and WOW, which sell no-frills seats across the Atlantic with prices as low as $99 with extreme advance purchase. It flies between Barcelona and Los An...

No Laptop Ban on Flights from Europe to U.S.—For Now

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 06/01/2017, 12:00 AM

For the time being, a ban on in-cabin laptops will not be extended to flights from Europe to the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, a spokesperson for DHS secretary John Kelly said that the option is "still on the table." The announcement was made on Tuesday following a discussion between Kelly and European officials. For security reasons, carry-on...

A Second Airport for Seattle?

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/31/2017, 12:00 AM

The Seattle area could soon get a second commercial airport. Alaska Airlines, which is based in the city, would like to begin offering flights from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, located about 25 miles north of Seattle. At present, that facility is used primarily by Boeing, whose biggest jet-making assembly plant is nearby. But by fall 2018, Alaska Airlines could be flying in and o...

10 Best U.S. Beaches in 2017, According to Dr. Beach

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/30/2017, 12:00 AM

Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida, is the best beach in the United States, according to this year's rankings compiled by sand and surf expert Dr. Beach. The good doctor knows what he's talking about. His real name is Stephen P. Leatherman, and he's the director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University in Miami. He rates beaches according to how soft the sand ...

New Virtual Gallery Lets You Explore Underwater Marvels from Dry Land

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/26/2017, 12:00 AM

The underwater wonders just off America's coasts can't be seen firsthand—to state the obvious—except by divers and snorkelers. But a project launched this month by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives you the next best thing, and you don't even have to wear a wetsuit. The Virtual Dive Gallery features beautiful, 360-degree images of five of the country's national...

Trump's Proposed Budget Would Cut U.S. Tourism Organization

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/24/2017, 12:00 AM

Among the cuts in President Donald Trump's proposed budget, which is being delivered to Congress this week: funding for Brand USA, a public-private organization dedicated to marketing the United States as a tourism destination. Eliminating that program, the president's plan would shift revenue toward Customs and Border Protection instead. The proposal would have to be approved by Congress, where ...

Ibiza Airport Overrun with Garbage

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/23/2017, 12:00 AM

The airport in Ibiza is a mess. The popular Mediterranean destination off the east coast of Spain is famous—especially among European vacationers—for its beautiful beaches and wild nightlife. But judging from the social media accounts of numerous grossed-out air travelers in recent days, Ibiza is quickly gaining notoriety for an airport with overflowing garbage cans and unspeakably filthy bat...

Private Luxury Terminal Opens at LAX

By Zac Thompson

Posted on 05/22/2017, 12:00 AM

The rich and famous can now make use of their own private luxury terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. Dubbed the Private Suite ("Let-Them-Eat-Cake Terminal" must have been too long for the signs), the facility, which opened last week, has an exclusive entrance blocked by gates to keep paparazzi at bay, a no-lines security screening process, and lounges with daybeds, private bathroo...