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Travel tidbits: Friday roundup

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It’s been a busy week at Stuck at the Airport headquarters with some exciting projects in the works and we’ve been setting aside these travel tidbits to share with you for this Friday round-up.

Airport and airline news

(The Dreams We Carry,” by Kipp Kobayashi, in Concourse G at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission)

“The Dreams We Carry” at Minneapolis -St. Paul Int’l Airport

Artist Kipp Kobayashi’s “The Dreams We Carry” sculpture is now installed in the two-story Concourse G Rotunda in Terminal 1 — near gates G18-22 — at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

The 45-foot-wide collection of hanging sculptures interacts with the light and hints at the unique stories represented by the more than 300 suspended objects — from everyday companions like favorite pets, cameras and blue jeans to treasured pieces such as rocking chairs, pianos, guitars, houseplants and a beloved teddy bear.

The choice of objects portrayed represents the items Minnesotans and travelers told the artist they most cherished and would bring on an imaginary one-way trip to a destination of their choice.

Airports helping federal employees working without pay

As the government shutdown drags on, federal workers at U.S. airports must continue to work without pay.

A growing list of airports, airlines and community organizations are doing what they can to help these workers make it through.

The latest: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gathering non-perishable food, toiletries and baby items in a donation drive that runs through October 24th. And West Virginia Yaeger International Airport (CRW) is holding a donation drive on November 4th.

Alaska Air celebrates new nonstop from Seattle to Seoul

We’re sad they didn’t invite us to the party, but we’re glad to see Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Alaska Airlines kicking off the airline’s new nonstop flight from Seattle to Seoul with a fun, celebrity-studded party.

No airline ticket needed to visit Salt Lake City Int’l Airport 11/4

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is inviting the public to come hang out at the airport on November 8, 2025.

No airline ticket is required. But guests will need to register for one of the 200 available slots ahead of time.

Registration opens October 23 at 9 am.

In addition to taking in the airport’s impressive art installations and doing some shopping and snacking, airport visitors will be able to learn about artist Gordon Huether’s new art installation, “Flight.”

Charleston International Airport Goes Pink

Three “CHS Goes Pink” stations are now installed at pre-security, on the way to baggage claim, at Charleston International Airport (CHS) to surpport the fight against breast cancer.

Airport guests can take selfies at the pink balloon display, leave a note on the Memory Wall and purchase merchandise with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

United and Jetblue have a new partnership

More tomorrow….

Travel tidbits from airlines, airports & the U.S. governnment shutdown

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U.S. government shutdown is affecting air travel. Already.

The U.S. government shutdown is beginning to take a toll on air travel.

TSA workers, air traffic controllers and others – already working longer hours due to staffing shortages – are now working without paychecks and the fallout is clear.

Earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there’s been a slight increase in the number of sick calls from TSA workers and air traffic controllers since the shutdown began.

And that may be the reason Hollywood Burbank Airport had no air traffic controllers scheduled to work Monday evening. And why several East Coast airports had issues with air traffic control staffing.

Take a look at the FAA’s National Airspace System Status chart. You’ll notice under that the cause for many of the delays is currently listed as “staffing.”

If the shutdown continues, this list will grow.

Help for airport workers on the job without pay

The 2019 government shutdown lasted 35 days, during which time employees of TSA, the FAA and Customs and Border Protection (among others) had to work without pay.

During that time, airports and airlines and community groups set up food pantries and free meals for those unpaid workers.

It’s happening again.

During the shutdown, the Allegheny County Authority (ACAA), the operator of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is providing free meals to working U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.

The first meals were provided at both Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC) on Friday, Oct. 3. The plan is to provide meals twice a week for the duration of the shutdown.

According to PIT officials, airport concessions partners are contributing by helping to prepare the meals at a discounted rate. Participants include Air Ventures, Beer Code, Bruegger’s Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John’s, Local Craft, Shake Shack, and Wellington, with more to come.

Currently, the meals will be distributed across all shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays at PIT and AGC.

And at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), TSA workers are getting support.

If the shutdown continues, starting October 11, 2025, TSA workers will be offered several benefits, including complimentary parking during their shifts; two meal vouchers per shift (one voucher per shift for part-time workers); and discounts or special meals from ATL concessionaries.

Any other airports doing this? Let us know.

JetBlue’s new special celebrating Puerto Rico

One of JetBlue‘s Airbus A320s now bears a special livery, Isla del Bluencanto, designed by Puerto Rican artist Juan Gutiérrez Rovira, also known as The Stencil Network. 

The design was chosen by a public vote and celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich culture and spirit and showcases iconic symbols of Puerto Rican heritage.

Look for the jibaro figure on the tail; fruits and flora of the island, on the body of the aircraft; and the phrase “Somos Boruca” – We are Puerto Rico – on the plane’s underbelly,

Air New Zealand’s Prime Day deals

Amazon’s October Prime Days include some travel deals, including some great fares to New Zealand with Air New Zealand’s Prime Day fares.

From October 7 to 9, the airline is offering round-trip flights to Auckland for as low as $825 in the economy cabin. There are tempting fares in Premium Economy and Business Premier as well, and with departures from major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York and more.

JetBlue’s donut plane

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JetBlue’s new “Brewing Altitude” livery


JetBlue has been serving Dunkin’s Original Blend coffee to passengers since 2006.

Now the Boston-based carrier is celebrating the perky partnership with a Dunkin’-themed livery.

One of JetBlue’s Airbus A320 aircraft now sports the Brewing Altitude paint job in Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange branding, with a donut and coffee motif.

Fly JetBlue’s donut plane, get rewards

To celebrate the new donut livery, JetBlue and Dunkin’ are offering a bonus perks to TrueBlue and Dunkin’ Rewards members who fly on Mondays, from May 19 through September 1, 2025.

TrueBlue members who fly on eligible routes on the aircraft will receive Mosaic 1 status and Dunkin’ Rewards members will earn Boosted status for three months.

Current Mosaic members will receive 20 bonus tiles, applied to their 2025 tile tracker. Existing Boosted Status members will earn two times the number of points on top of the base points earned for all qualifying purchases for three months.

Terms and conditions apply, of course, but you can see the routes that Brewing Altitude will fly each Monday of the promotion, here.

(JetBlue images courtesy JetBlue)

Airports ready for St. Patrick’s Day + Cool special JetBlue livery

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Airports in the U.S. and abroad are preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

And check out this special livery coming to JetBlue

In February, JetBlue invited customers to vote on which of three special livery designs created by Puerto Rican artists will be painted on a JetBlue Airbus A320 to honor Puerto Rico’s rich culture.

The winner is the design created by Juan Gutierrez, better known as The Stencil Network.

The design embodies the spirit of Puerto Rico and features the proud jíbaro (Puerto Rican farm worker) on the tail and images of Puerto Rico’s fruits and flora on the body. On the plane’s belly is the phrase “Yo Soy Boricua” (I am Puerto Rican).

Look for this colorful plane to be flying this summer.

Travel tidbits to kick off another wacky week

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JetBlue plans a makeover for T5 at JFK

JetBlue opened its flagship Terminal 5 (T5) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2008 with a bevy of cool amenities and lots of hip design features. The facilities expanded in 2014 and an outdoor deck with a pet relief area for dogs (the “Wooftop”) was introduced in 2015.

The facility now serves 165 JetBlue flights and more than 35,000 customers per day.

So it’s time for a makeover.

JetBlues newly announced plans include adding more than 40 new concessions along with new amenities, including art installations, a permanent art collection and a redesigned center concourse that will take inspiration from New York’s iconic parks, with greenery, park benches and concrete chess tables. There will also be a spot for pop-ups, interactive events and live performances.

The first new concessions are expected to open throughout 2025, with the terminal improvements completed by the end of 2026.

The new offerings and brands include local and national favorites, including Eataly, The Halal Guys, Shake Shack, Jacob’s Pickles, Tiki Chick, Serafina, Benetari’s, Gotham Burger, Birch Coffee, Nom Wah, Devoción, Mister Paradise, the Blind Barber, Leon’s Bagels, DiFara Pizza, Neir’s Tavern and more.

We can’t wait!!!

Private suites coming to MIA Airport


And it looks like the promised private luxury terminal at Miami International Airport is getting closer to reality. PS already operates at LAX and ATL, and the last we heard the MIA venue was supposed to open sometime in 2025.

Tidbits for Travelers

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at PHL Airport

Now through October 15, 2024, watch for events at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture.

The lineup includes craft workshops, salsa dance lessons, heritage talks and samplings of churros and other foods from around the world. See the full schedule here.

JetBlue plans to open lounges in NY and Boston

JetBlue is (finally) joining the airport lounge world with newly-announced plans to open a lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Terminal C soon after.

Who will be able to use the JetBlue lounges?

JetBlue says complimentary access to the lounges will be available to holders of a new premium JetBlue credit card, TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and passengers flying in Mint on transatlantic flights.

TrueBlue Mosaic 4 members and premium JetBlue credit card holders will be able to bring in a guest for free. Annual passes will be available. Day passes and guest passes will be available for purchase by “eligible customers” based on space availability, according to JetBlue. More details to come.

Places we’d go: National Comic Book Day

National Comic Book Day is coming up on September 25 and that makes it a good time to visit the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, CA, where we encountered fun statues of Lucy and Snoopy.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum is nearby, with 3 changing gallery spaces and permanent exhibitions that include Schulz’s recreated studio, a Christo-wrapped Snoop dog house The Peanuts Tile Mural by Japanese artist Yoshiteru Otani featuring an image of Lucy holding the football for Charlie Brown composed of 3,588 Peanuts comic strip images printed on individual 2 x 8-inch ceramic tiles.

The museum also has a skating pavilion open to the public.

Travel Tidbits: Where to go, what to know, stuff to buy

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Early in the week, the inbox is full of tantalizing travel tidbits, news from destinations on our “want” list and fun events in far-off cities that tempt us to jump in the car or get on a plane.

Here’s a sampling:

JetBlue & Spirit: not gonna happen

JetBlue announced on Monday that it reached an agreement with Spirit Airlines to terminate their proposed merger agreement.

That’s a win for travelers, says Going.com’s travel expert Katy Nastro. “Even if consumers don’t fly on low-cost carriers like Spirit, they help to keep fares lower by putting pressure on the legacy carriers. Cheap flight lovers across the board can breathe a bit easier knowing competition is here to stay,” she said.

Want to live and work in space? Here’s what it may be like

(Courtesy of the Museum of Flight)

Wondering what it might be like to live, work, or vacation in space?

Seattle’s Museum of Flight is putting together an exhibit that will offer on clues.

Home Beyond Earth opens June 8 and will be and will focus on space stations past, present, and future with more than fifty artifacts, models, space-flown objects, and uniforms.

Kimpton hotels will loan you accessories.

Now that checked bag prices are up, you may be trying to lighten your load and commit to traveling only with a carry-on bag.

We’ll all for that.

And so is Kimpton.

For guests who have left key fashion accessories at home, the hotel brand now has a collection of items available for loan. At participating properties, the Forgot It? We’ve Got It! Anthropologie Accessories Collection includes bags, sunglasses, belts, necklaces, and other items guests may borrow and, if they like them, buy.

JetBlue makes it easier to earn perks and status

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New York-based JetBlue Airways has revamped its True Blue loyalty program, making it easier for both frequent and infrequent flyers to earn incremental perks and attain status with the airline.

You can get into all the nitty gritty details here. But basically, your ‘points’ and loyalty are now measured and accrued in “Tiles.”

And JetBlue customers can earn some desirable perks, even if they don’t fly very often.

In the new program, one tile is awarded for every $100 in qualifying purchases on JetBlue, its associated programs such as JetBlue Vacations, and on flights on its partner airline, American Airlines.

One tile is also earned for every $1,000 spent on any JetBlue credit card.

Every time a TrueBlue member earns 10 (until reaching the airline’s Mosaic status at 50 tiles) they get to pick from a menu of rewards or perks, including early boarding, access to priority screening, a free alcoholic drink each flight, or bonus points. And once selected, a picked perk is valid from the date it’s earned through the end (12/31) of the following year.

JetBlue’s Mosaic tiered status program is also updated.

JetBlue’s tiered status program, called Mosaic, is now also updated with four levels.

Travelers reach Mosaic 1 status with 50 tiles, Mosaic 2 status with 100 tiles, Mosaic 3 status with 150 tiles, and Mosaic 4 status with 250 titles. And, as you may imagine, each tier comes with a better set of perks.

The basic set of perks, granted with Mosaic 1 status (50 tiles) includes:

  • First Two Checked Bags Free.
  • Beer, Wine & Liquor.
  • Even More® Space at Check-In.
  • Same-Day Switches.
  • Early Boarding.
  • Priority Security.
  • Dedicated Check-In.
  • Dedicated Support Line and Priority Chat Assistance.
  • Heathrow Express Upgrade.

The Mosaic 2 tier (100 tiles) grants all of the above perks, plus the ability to book upgraded Even More Space seats during booking.

Mosaic 3 (150 tiles) adds four certificates that let you upgrade from Core to Mint seats.

And the Mosaic 4 tier throws in two more upgrade-to-Mint certificates. Plus 4 one-way BLADE airport helicopter transfers between Manhattan and JFK or Newark (EWR) airports.

And as an added bonus, each time your move up a Mosaic level, there’s another pack of perks to choose from. And that list includes a waiver of the $125 per flight fee to jet with a pet. Which will be very popular.

JetBlue Flying Next To: Amsterdam.

Airlines,

JetBlue’s 3rd European Destination? Amsterdam.

JetBlue announced on Tuesday that it will be adding Amsterdam to its list of international flight destinations.

Service will start between New York’s JFK International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol sometime “late this summer,” according to a JetBlue statement. And flights between Boston Logan and Schiphol are “to follow,” subject to government operating authority.

JetBlue already flies to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports and will begin flying to Paris in June.

As with its other European flights, the daily Amsterdam route will be served by the carrier’s Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) single-aisle aircraft, which has 114 economy seats (“Core”) and 24 new fully lie-flat private suites with sliding doors.

How Airports & Airlines Marked April Fools Day

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We were pleased to see so many airports and airlines – and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation – Amtrak – having so much fun on April Fools Day.

Aviation museums also got in on the fun.

Here are some of the April Fools Day “news items” we encountered. Let us know if we missed some your faves.

UFO Displayed at Seattle’s Museum of Flight

In an April 1 release, the Museum of Flight in Seattle announced it would put on display an unidentified flying object (UFO) recently recovered from a crash site in a remote area in Washington state.

Here’s what it looks like:

Clearly, it’s an April Fools Day joke. But we love that the museum created a full backstory for this UFO:

Following a rash of inexplicable UFO sightings worldwide, the wreckage and debris field from a small disc-shaped object were discovered at a remote desert location near the decommissioned Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington state. The UFO was initially detected by NORAD as it raced through the restricted airspace of Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The phenomena continued erratically on a northern flightpath and fiery descent to an impact zone in the remote desert hills of Benton County, Wash.

Military officials quickly removed tons of topsoil from the crash site to preserve any toxic fluids or alien biological matter that may have exited the disc. The object has displayed no signs of hostile intent, but extra security measures will be in place while it is on display at the Museum.

Plenty of airports and airlines got in on the fun. And many ‘announcements,’ such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s notice that it was removing the rocking chairs to make more room, no doubt made readers look twice.

But others, like KLM’s recline alert system and Geneva Airports’ ski-through-the-terminal updates aren’t totally silly ideas.