A United Airlines flight bound for Minneapolis was diverted to Wisconsin on Friday night after reports of an unruly passenger. An airline said United flight 2005 from Chicago to Minneapolis landed safely in Madison, Wisconsin, to address a security concern with an unruly passenger. The Boeing 737-900 had 147 passengers and six crew aboard. No injuries were reported, according to the airline. The flight continued its journey and landed in Minneapolis early Saturday morning.
Higher fuel prices and other inflationary pressures are making most forms of travel more expensive as Memorial Day kicks off the summer season in the U.S. Industry forecasts show millions of people still plan to get away during the holiday weekend and over the summer. But elevated prices may be changing the types of trips they take. The nonprofit Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates that Americans will collectively spend an extra $3.5 billion on gasoline this long weekend. The latest consumer price index showed airfares were 20.7% higher in April than a year earlier. Some travelers are opting for shorter getaways, closer destinations and low-cost activities like hiking.
The collapse of Spirit Airlines isn't the only curveball confronting people planning summer trips. Rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war have pushed up airfares and associated fees across the industry. Two of the remaining U.S. budget carriers just finalized a merger. The developments illustrate how difficult it's gotten for low-cost airlines to operate while squeezed by jet fuel prices, changing consumer preferences and competition. For decades, budget carriers thrived by targeting price-conscious passengers. But big airlines like American, Delta and United have gotten better at tailoring prices to different travelers and matching low fares. Major carriers also can more easily generate revenue to offset higher fuel costs.
Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships are making headlines, but they’re unlikely to dim vacationers’ growing love of cruises. CruiseCompete.com, an online cruise marketplace, said it booked 31.7% more cabins in the first two weeks of May than it did during the same period last year. And Viking said earlier this week that demand softened slightly in the first quarter after the Iran war began before picking up steam again. Rob Kwortnik, an associate professor at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, said current news cycles rarely impact cruise demand because cruises are generally booked at least 6 months — and often as much as a year – in advance.
Oceanwide Expeditions says it expects to know by the end of the week if the MV Hondius cruise ship will keep to its schedule after a hantavirus outbreak. Three passengers died, and more than 120 people were evacuated in Spain. The ship is heading to Rotterdam for disinfection. The hantavirus is usually spread by rodent droppings and not easily transmitted between people. Experts say normal disinfectants should suffice to kill the virus. Oceanwide Expeditions reports no indication of rodents on board and operates under strict hygiene protocols. Future passengers are likely safe, according to experts.
Travel, especially during the holiday season, can be stressful. But following some tips from the pros as you prepare for a trip can make for a smoother, less anxious experience.