Travel News & Advice – February 28, 2025

Travel News. Graphic by Melanie Votaw.

Delta plane upside down. You’ve probably heard by now that earlier this month, a Delta flight turned over right after landing in Toronto, possibly due to strong winds. This left passengers hanging in their seats “like bats.” Luckily, no one was injured, and Delta has reportedly offered $30,000 to each person. Since then, there have been two near-miss collisions in the U.S. Is it still safe to fly? All I can say is I hope so.

Mid-air collision in Tucson. There was a collision on the 19th that resulted in two deaths. This one was between two small planes over an uncontrolled air field, which means air traffic control and commercial pilots weren’t involved.

Airplane. Stock photo.

Airlines lobbying Washington. In the “no surprise” category, airlines are trying to roll back the Biden administration’s rules that protect travel consumers, including a rule that protects airline passengers with disabilities. The Trump administration is much more likely to favor corporations, so we’ll see what happens.

Southwest Airlines layoffs. For the first time in its history, Southwest is set to make big cuts – 1,750 jobs, which account for 15% of its workforce. We’ll see if this interferes with their customer service.

Gatsby Suite at Louisville’s Seelbach. The famed Seelbach Hotel, mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby novel, is getting a Gatsby suite with one room designed for Jay Gatsby and one room designed for his love, Daisy. The two characters met in Louisville, and Fitzgerald stayed at the hotel in the 1920s. This is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the novel’s release.

The Great Gatsby book cover. Public domain.

Airbnb in Italy? The country is cracking down on self-check-ins at short-term rentals. You might just have to make arrangements to meet your host in person. If you book a rental, make sure you know the rules!

Are you a Trekkie? If so, you’ll want to check out this 2026 Star Trek cruise event that includes William Shatner himself!

United Club Fly in Houston. United Airlines has opened a grab-and-go concept club in Houston’s airport on the south side of Terminal B. Check it out, and let us know what you think.

Spirit Airlines change fees. Spirit has started charging change fees for its lowest fares. So if you fly them, pay attention or pay up!

London’s World War II tunnels. In 2027 or 2028, London is set to reopen the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels that were built in the 1940s to shelter people from the Blitz bombing during WWII. It will be a museum and entertainment space.

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Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.

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