Johnny Jet
As seen in:
JohnnyJet,
Forbes,
MSN,
Business Insider,
HuffPost,
Aol,
Daily Express,
Newsweek,
Marriott Bonvoy Traveler,
Flipboard,
Inc.
and
Covers:
Travel deals, travel tips, destination guides, frequent flyer news, travel technology, travel safety, luxury travel, family travel, road trips, car rentals
Father of 2. Travel Content Creator since 1995. 70+ Countries. Named “The Original Travel Influencer” by Forbes. Free newsletter bit.ly/3JaPf82
Articles by Johnny Jet
How to Sign Up for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID and Skip Long Airport Security Lines
I was up bright and early this morning to chat with Bob Sirott on WGN Radio about … what else? Travel! We discussed holiday travel and rising prices, and one of the things Bob asked me about was TSA PreCheck Touchless ID. It was perfect timing because I had a firsthand example of just how incredible this relatively new service can be. This summer, I was in Chicago with my family, which was also the last time I saw Bob in person.
Carry-On Only This Fall? The Space-Saving Travel Essentials Worth Packing
This article was produced in partnership with TESSAN. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I still remember the first big trip I took with my then-girlfriend, now wife, Natalie. We were heading to Hawaii and Australia, and since she was living and working in Toronto at the time, she flew to Los Angeles to meet me before our adventure.
Delta and United issue travel waivers as fuel shortages threaten flights to southern Italy
If you're traveling to southern Italy this week, especially Naples or Sicily, you'll want to pay close attention to your flight status. Airlines have issued travel waivers because of aviation fuel shortages that could disrupt flights between now and October 25, 2026. The situation is particularly concerning for travelers heading to Naples, a major gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia (which we've visited three times in the last five years), Sorrento and Pompeii ( here's my guide ).
My top 10 travel pet peeves (and what travelers should do instead)
The other day, I was having lunch at a nice restaurant with my wife and a PR representative from a major firm. We were enjoying our conversation when a mother and her daughter, who looked to be in her late teens or early twenties, sat down at the table next to us. A few minutes later, the daughter started scrolling through Instagram videos with the volume on her phone turned all the way up. No headphones, no consideration for the people around her. Just one loud video after another.
Woman cries for three hours after passenger refuses to give up her aisle seat on 10-hour flight
There's no doubt airplane seat swapping has become one of the most controversial topics in air travel, right up there with reclining your seat, taking off your shoes and who gets the middle seat armrests. I've written about this subject numerous times over the years but a new viral video (embedded below) might be one of the most ridiculous examples I've seen. Travel blogger Tomiko Harvey was flying home from Kazakhstan following the death of her father.
Is France safe to visit right now? What travelers need to know about the riots, curfews and travel warnings
France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming a staggering 102 million international visitors in 2025, according to the French government . Paris is one of the world's most popular cities, attracting millions of travelers who come to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and countless other famous attractions. My family and I were just in Paris this summer as part of our four-week trip through Europe, and we had a wonderful time.
The New York Knicks' championship rings are insane: Nearly 800 diamonds and a miniature Madison Square Garden
The New York Knicks kicked off the 2026-27 NBA season tonight with a celebration that fans have been waiting 53 years to see. Before their home opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks raised their first NBA championship banner since 1973 and presented players with their championship rings. And let me tell you, these rings are absolutely unbelievable. I've seen some pretty extravagant championship rings over the years.
Is France Safe to Visit Right Now? What Travelers Need to Know About the Riots, Curfews and Travel Warnings
France is the most visited country in the world, welcoming a staggering 102 million international visitors in 2025, according to the French government. Paris is one of the world’s most popular cities, attracting millions of travelers who come to see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and countless other famous attractions. My family and I were just in Paris this summer as part of our four-week trip through Europe, and we had a wonderful time.
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today (This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information): === Sunday, October 18 === TSA Scales Back New PreCheck Benefit Just Weeks After Launch Well, that didn’t last long. The TSA is scaling back its new Gateside by TSA PreCheck program, which launched in September at 13 airports and allowed PreCheck members to go through security even when they weren’t flying.
Where Will Everyone Be Traveling in 2027? Expedia and Booking.com Reveal Surprising New Trends
It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about travel in 2027, but two of the world’s largest online travel companies have just released their annual predictions, and some of the findings are pretty surprising. Expedia has revealed its annual Unpack ’27 report, highlighting the destinations seeing the biggest increases in traveler interest. Meanwhile, Booking.com surveyed more than 28,000 travelers across 32 countries and territories to find out how people plan to travel next year.
Delta flight attendant orders passenger to close window shade on daytime flight, sparking heated debate
Who controls the window shade on an airplane? It's one of those divisive travel topics, right up there with reclining your seat , who gets the middle seat armrests and whether young children belong in premium cabins. I've written about this before, but a new Reddit thread involving a Delta Air Lines flight attendant has reignited the debate, and I have some strong feelings about it.
Delta flight attendant demands passenger close window shade: I've flown millions of miles and have some advice
A Reddit post about a Delta passenger being told to close their window shade has sparked a heated debate. After flying millions of miles, I have some thoughts on how I'd handle it. Johnny Jet Creator • Oct 14, 2026 Wed, October 14, 2026 at 10:29 PM UTC 7 min read Delta flight attendant demands passenger close window shade.
Delta Flight Attendant Orders Passenger to Close Window Shade on Daytime Flight, Sparking Heated Debate
Who controls the window shade on an airplane? It’s one of those divisive travel topics, right up there with reclining your seat, who gets the middle seat armrests and whether young children belong in premium cabins. I’ve written about this before, but a new Reddit thread involving a Delta Air Lines flight attendant has reignited the debate, and I have some strong feelings about it.
Wow: Jeopardy! episode ends in a rare and exciting finish that’s happened only a handful of times
A dramatic Final Jeopardy! wager led to a sudden-death showdown that has only happened a handful of times. Johnny Jet Creator • Oct 14, 2026 Wed, October 14, 2026 at 3:19 AM UTC 6 min read A LEGO replica of the Jeopardy! set and studio audience.
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today (This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information): === Tuesday, October 13 === FAA warns airlines about flight risks in Saudi Arabia The FAA is warning U.S. airlines about increased safety risks when flying in or near Saudi Arabia following attacks on Riyadh’s airport.
Traveling for Thanksgiving? 12 things to do now to make holiday travel easier
This article has been produced in partnership with TESSAN. JohnnyJet.com may earn a commission on purchases made through the links below. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you're planning to travel for the holiday, now is the time to start preparing. It may seem early but trust me, the sooner you get organized, the less stressful your trip will be.
Traveling for Thanksgiving? 12 Things to Do Now to Make Holiday Travel Easier
This article has been produced in partnership with TESSAN. JohnnyJet.com may earn a commission on purchases made through the links below. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you’re planning to travel for the holiday, now is the time to start preparing. It may seem early but trust me, the sooner you get organized, the less stressful your trip will be.
Visiting Gibraltar on a Cruise: What to See, How to Get Around and Tips for Families
Editor’s note (October 2026): Since our family visited Gibraltar in June 2023, there’s been an important change travelers should know about. The famous Gibraltar Cable Car, which takes visitors to the top of the Rock, closed on November 18, 2025 for a complete rebuild and isn’t expected to reopen until 2027. The good news is that you can still visit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, see the famous Barbary macaques and enjoy the incredible views.
Miss Airline Magazines? Here Are 5 You Can Still Read Online
I received an email from a reader over the weekend that brought back some great memories. He wrote: “I really wish they would bring back their American Way Magazine, and the other airlines would follow the same, that used to be in the seat back with the other flight literature.
American Airlines is finally stepping up its game: 10 changes travelers should know about
If you read my newsletter regularly, you probably know that I fly American Airlines a lot. I've been one of their top-tier elite frequent flyers for more than a decade and I'm also a Million Miler. But that doesn't mean I think American is the best airline. In fact, I've been pretty critical of some of their decisions over the years, especially as Delta and United continued improving their products while American seemed to be falling further behind.
American Airlines Is Finally Stepping Up Its Game: 10 Changes Travelers Should Know About
If you read my newsletter regularly, you probably know that I fly American Airlines a lot. I’ve been one of their top-tier elite frequent flyers for more than a decade and I’m also a Million Miler. But that doesn’t mean I think American is the best airline. In fact, I’ve been pretty critical of some of their decisions over the years, especially as Delta and United continued improving their products while American seemed to be falling further behind.
Skiing in Dubai: What It’s Like to Hit the Slopes in the Middle of the Desert
Editor’s note: I originally wrote this article after visiting Ski Dubai in 2010. I’ve updated it in October 2026 with current ticket prices, attractions and practical information. The video below is from my original visit. I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world and experience some pretty incredible things, but one of the most surreal was skiing in the middle of the desert. Yes, you read that correctly. I went skiing in Dubai, where summer temperatures can easily top 100°F.
Halloween travel is surging: Airbnb reveals the most popular destination and 31 spooky stays
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which is apparently all the excuse travelers need to turn the holiday into a full-blown weekend getaway. According to new data from Airbnb , searches for stays over Halloween weekend are up nearly 15% compared to last year. And travelers aren't just browsing. Airbnb says wishlists with Halloween-inspired names like "spooky," "witchy" and "haunted" are up almost 60% year-over-year. The most popular destination probably won't surprise you: Salem, Massachusetts.
Google says book your holiday flights ASAP: Here's when Thanksgiving and Christmas airfares are usually cheapest
If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving or Christmas flights yet, you might not want to wait much longer. Google just released its latest holiday travel trends and airfare data, based on five years of aggregated Google Flights data, and its advice for travelers is: Book your holiday flights ASAP. That's not surprising but what's worse is that this year because holiday airfares are already expensive.
Halloween Travel Is Surging: Airbnb Reveals the Most Popular Destination and 31 Spooky Stays
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which is apparently all the excuse travelers need to turn the holiday into a full-blown weekend getaway. Image created by ChatGPT / OpenAI According to new data from Airbnb, searches for stays over Halloween weekend are up nearly 15% compared to last year. And travelers aren’t just browsing. Airbnb says wishlists with Halloween-inspired names like “spooky,” “witchy” and “haunted” are up almost 60% year-over-year.
40,000 White Sox fans wore pope hats and shared a fifth-inning ‘sign of peace’ in an extraordinary tribute to Pope Leo XIV
The Chicago White Sox celebrated their most famous fan with a sold-out night unlike anything you normally see at a Major League Baseball game. Johnny Jet Creator • Oct 8, 2026 Thu, October 8, 2026 at 8:07 PM UTC 8 min read White Sox fans got into the spirit of Pope Hat Night, wearing papal-inspired hats and spelling out "POPE" during the team's tribute to Pope Leo XIV.
Don't make this $100 baggage mistake: 5 ways to avoid overweight airline fees
My buddy Mike recently flew Finnair, and I asked him how he liked the airline since my family and I flew Finnair twice over the summer (photo below) and had a good experience. His response surprised me. He said he thought they were borderline a low-cost carrier because they charged him €90 ($100 USD) for his checked bag being just three kilograms (about 6.6 pounds) over the weight limit. Ouch. But I told him that, as painful as the fee was, this one was avoidable.
Don’t Make This $100 Baggage Mistake: 5 Ways to Avoid Overweight Airline Fees
My buddy Mike recently flew Finnair, and I asked him how he liked the airline since my family and I flew Finnair twice over the summer (photo below) and had a good experience. His response surprised me. He said he thought they were borderline a low-cost carrier because they charged him €90 ($100 USD) for his checked bag being just three kilograms (about 6.6 pounds) over the weight limit. Ouch. But I told him that, as painful as the fee was, this one was avoidable.
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today
12 Things in Travel You Need to Know Today (This is a recurring post, updated daily with new information): === Wednesday, October 7 === === Tuesday, October 6 === U.S. Closes Review of Airlines’ Data Privacy Practices Without Penalties The U.S. Department of Transportation has closed a review of the 10 largest U.S. airlines’ data privacy practices, saying it found no violations of applicable laws or departmental policies.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: 12 road trip deals to get your car ready for fall and winter
This post contains affiliate links and references to products or services from sponsors and other partners. We may receive compensation if you click on or make purchases through those links. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here! The 48-hour sale started today and runs through October 7. If you have a fall road trip coming up or just want to get your car ready for winter, there are some useful deals worth checking out.
10 simple ways to save energy and keep your home cool
If you live in Southern California, you know October doesn't necessarily mean fall weather. I was watching KTLA this morning at 5 AM when they shared the below graphic with some simple tips for saving energy during hot weather. Their recommendations included setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, avoiding the stove and oven, closing curtains and blinds and unplugging cell phones and appliances when they're not being used.
10 pro tips for scoring the best Prime Big Deal Days deals
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here! The 48-hour sale runs October 6 and 7, 2026, with millions of deals exclusively for Prime members across more than 35 categories, including tech, home, beauty, fashion, toys and everyday essentials.
United passenger turns empty exit row into a sports fan’s dream with 5 live games at 35,000 feet
An empty exit row, three seatback screens and two laptops gave one lucky United passenger the ultimate inflight sports setup. Johnny Jet Creator • Oct 6, 2026 Tue, October 6, 2026 at 10:56 AM UTC A United Airlines Boeing 777 (Jean-Marc Pierard via Getty Images) Frequent travelers know that one of the best seats in economy is an exit row thanks to the extra legroom. Having the whole row to yourself is even better, unless you're trying to sleep since the armrests in many exit rows don't go up.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026: The Best Deals Travelers Won’t Want to Miss
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page. Please note: The prices reflected in this story were correct at the time of publication. Prices may change. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here, bringing big discounts across tech, travel, home, and personal care products.
10 Pro Tips for Scoring the Best Prime Big Deal Days Deals
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here! The 48-hour sale runs October 6 and 7, 2026, with millions of deals exclusively for Prime members across more than 35 categories, including tech, home, beauty, fashion, toys and everyday essentials.
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: 12 Road Trip Deals to Get Your Car Ready for Fall and Winter
This post contains affiliate links and references to products or services from sponsors and other partners. We may receive compensation if you click on or make purchases through those links. Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here! The 48-hour sale starts October 6 and runs through October 7. If you have a fall road trip coming up or just want to get your car ready for winter, there are some useful deals worth checking out.
10 Simple Ways to Save Energy and Keep Your Home Cool
If you live in Southern California, you know October doesn’t necessarily mean fall weather. I was watching KTLA this morning at 5 AM when they shared the below graphic with some simple tips for saving energy during hot weather. Their recommendations included setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, avoiding the stove and oven, closing curtains and blinds and unplugging cell phones and appliances when they’re not being used.
US passports are changing: Here's what travelers need to know
If you have a U.S. passport or you're planning to apply for one, there are some big changes coming, from how Americans apply and renew to the actual passport book itself. Some of the changes should make getting a passport easier. Others, particularly for frequent international travelers, might not be quite as welcome. Here's what travelers need to know.
Touring Pompeii With Kids: What to Know Before You Go
I’ve been fortunate to visit a lot of incredible places around the world but walking through Pompeii with my family this summer was truly unforgettable. We visited Pompeii while sailing aboard the Enchanted Princess on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise. Our ship docked in Naples from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., which gave us plenty of time to make the roughly 30-minute drive to one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
Holiday airfares are at a 10-year high: Here's how travelers can still save
If you haven't booked your Thanksgiving or Christmas flights yet, you might be in for some serious sticker shock. I book a lot of airline tickets every year and I've been doing this for decades, so I have a pretty good sense of what flights should cost. When I purchased tickets months ago for our family's annual holiday trip to see relatives, I couldn't believe the prices. Both the cash fares and the number of miles required were roughly double what we paid the year before.
What it's like to dine at Mastro's Ocean Club Malibu
I'm almost embarrassed to admit that until recently, I didn't know about Mastro's . That changed when I was invited to Mastro's Steakhouse Beverly Hills' 25th anniversary celebration but unfortunately, Natalie and I couldn't make the date. Since Natalie had a milestone birthday coming up, I asked if there was any chance we could take a rain check and bring the kids for a birthday dinner instead, to which they graciously agreed. Disclosure: Our dinner was hosted by Mastro's.
Even the NY Yankees aren't immune to travel delays: Their 10-hour ordeal has a lesson for all travelers
If you think flying private or charter means you're immune to travel delays, think again. The New York Yankees learned that lesson this week while traveling to Florida for their American League Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. According to the Associated Press , the Yankees arrived at Westchester County Airport (HPN), just north of New York City, around 2:30 p.m. Thursday expecting to hop aboard their Delta charter and be in Tampa in time for dinner.
International travel packing guide: What I've learned to pack after decades of traveling the world
This post contains affiliate links and references to products or services from sponsors and other partners. We may receive compensation if you click on or make purchases through those links. I've been fortunate to travel to almost 100 countries and these days, I often travel internationally with my wife and our two kids, ages seven and 10, who have already been to more than 30 countries.
International Travel Packing Guide: What I Pack After Decades of Traveling the World
I’ve been fortunate to travel to almost 100 countries and these days, I often travel internationally with my wife and our two kids, ages seven and 10, who have already been to more than 30 countries. After decades of packing, unpacking, overpacking and occasionally forgetting something important, I’ve learned that packing well isn’t about bringing everything you could possibly need.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines just announced major changes: Here's what travelers need to know
Alaska Airlines invited me to Alaska Air Group's Investor & Media Day in Seattle yesterday and I'm so glad I went because they produced a ton of news. More importantly, much of it is great news for travelers, especially frequent fliers and those looking for a more premium experience. Since Alaska Air Group acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, one of the biggest questions has been what would happen to the two airline brands.
Trip report: Flying Alaska Airlines first class from LAX to Seattle
I was invited to Alaska Air Group's Investor & Media Day in Seattle yesterday. The airline covered my flight and hotel, so it was a no-brainer. Most U.S. airlines do this for media events, so it's nothing unusual. I wanted to be able to take my kids to school Monday morning but still get to Seattle in plenty of time for the 5 p.m. cocktail party. Alaska has at least nine flights a day between LAX and SEA, and I chose AS798, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Just Announced Major Changes: Here’s What Travelers Need to Know
Alaska Airlines invited me to Alaska Air Group’s Investor & Media Day in Seattle yesterday and I’m so glad I went because they produced a ton of news. More importantly, much of it is great news for travelers, especially frequent fliers and those looking for a more premium experience. Since Alaska Air Group acquired Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, one of the biggest questions has been what would happen to the two airline brands.
Alaska and Hawaiian Are Building Huge New Airport Lounges in Seattle, Honolulu and San Diego
If you think Alaska Airlines’ airport lounges are good now, just wait. I was in Seattle yesterday for Alaska Air Group’s Investor & Media Day, where executives announced a long list of investments in both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. There were new lie-flat suites, a new premium economy cabin, major Atmos Rewards changes and ambitious international expansion plans. But some of the biggest news, quite literally, involves the lounges.
Alaska Airlines Is Putting Lie-Flat Suites on Boeing 737s and Adding a New Premium Economy Cabin
I was in Seattle yesterday for Alaska Air Group’s Investor & Media Day and of all the announcements executives made, one really jumped out at me: Alaska Airlines is finally putting lie-flat seats on some of its Boeing 737s. That’s a big deal for anyone who has flown Alaska Airlines across the country, particularly on a red-eye. Related: Here’s my 2023 Newark to LAX trip report. Alaska Airlines Newark to LAX July 19, 2023.
Alaska Airlines Announces Major Atmos Rewards Changes, Including Three Ways to Earn Points
There was so much news coming out of Alaska Air Group’s Investor & Media Day in Seattle yesterday that one of the most interesting announcements for frequent fliers could easily get lost amid all the talk about lie-flat suites and massive new airport lounges. Alaska is making significant changes to Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program shared by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Johnny
Contact Johnny, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack