Berlin's Long-Delayed New Airport Probably Won't Open in 2017
Posted on 01/03/2017, 12:00 AM
Currently five years overdue and counting, Berlin's new international airport is scheduled to open at last in late 2017. Then again, maybe not. The project's chief executive, Karsten Muehlenfeld, has told a German newspaper that the chance of winding things up in 2017 is "only very small now." Originally planned for a 2012 opening, the airport, which has been under construction since 20...
Bid for the Chance to Ride in Alaska's Iditarod Race
Posted on 12/30/2016, 12:00 AM
Here's a winter travel idea for those of you with a sense of adventure: Until January 20, you can bid for the chance to ride in the basket of a musher's sled in the 2017 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Winners of the auction will get an 11-mile ride at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage. That's just a tiny fraction of the full route, which stretches across more than 1,000 ...
U.S. Now Asking Visitors to Divulge Social Media Info
Posted on 12/29/2016, 12:00 AM
The United States government is now asking foreign visitors to supply links to their social media accounts when they arrive in the country. The change applies to those entering the U.S. by way of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of 38 nations to travel in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Those travelers can opt not to answer the question, but that hasn't foresta...
Obama Protects Two New National Monuments
Posted on 12/28/2016, 7:15 PM
Cedar Mesa, Bear Ears Buttes National Monument President Obama has set aside another 1.65 million acres for public use and future vacations by declaring them National Monuments. Federal land surrounding Bears Ears Buttes in southeastern Utah and Gold Butte northeast of Las Vegas are desert areas that include crucial Native American petroglyphs of archeological and historic importance...
The U.S. Dollar Continues to Soar Against Virtually Every Foreign Currency, Cutting the Cost of Rooms and Meals Abroad
Posted on 12/28/2016, 7:00 PM
There's an update to changes in the world currency markets, and the news is excellent for travelers considering a vacation abroad this year....
Flight Attendants Union Files Grievance Over New American Airlines Uniforms
Posted on 12/28/2016, 12:00 AM
At least 300 American Airlines flight attendants say that their new uniforms—issued by the carrier in September—are making them sick. The flight attendants' union filed a grievance letter with the company last week, asserting that the new duds, which have been rolled out to 70,000 employees, have caused health problems ranging from skin irritation to headaches. The union wants American to s...
Disney World Lets Annual Pass Holders Cut in Line
Posted on 12/27/2016, 12:00 AM
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is giving certain devoted fans a big thank-you gift to kick off the new year. The company has announced that guests who've purchased an annual pass will be allowed to bypass the normal entrance line and get into the resort through an excusive gateway. A special entrance for annual pass holders will be available at all four Disney World parks: Magic K...
Airline Starts Charging for Hot Water
Posted on 12/23/2016, 1:30 PM
If you're a business owner, you know there are certain lines your customers will not allow you to cross, even if they make you more money. If you run an airline, though, you are bred without shame. This is why British Airways is now charging for hot water aboard its flights. Yes, you read that correctly—an airline is finally charging for water. It will also charge for empty cups "at t...
After Facebook Flap, Delta Air Lines Changes Policy for Dealing with Medical Emergencies
Posted on 12/23/2016, 12:00 AM
Responding to public pressure, Delta Air Lines has announced a policy change in how flight crews deal with medical emergencies. As of this month, flight attendants are no longer required to verify the credentials of physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who volunteer to help passengers having sudden health problems in the cabin. The move comes two months after a Delta-related ...
Despite Fierce Opposition from U.S. Air Carriers, Norwegian Air Has Received Permission to Radically Slash Airfares Across the Atlantic
Posted on 12/22/2016, 9:15 AM
Norwegian Air is about to introduce some healthy competition on transatlantic flights, making travel a lot easier and cheaper for many more Americans....
