Welcome to our new Friday newsletter! We're here to keep you apprised of all the major goings-on in the world of travel, and this week, sadly, it feels like a big mess. And it is, with parts of Yellowstone closing down (maybe for the rest of the season) and the ongoing chaos at European airports. Hours-long security lines, delayed and canceled flights and scenes of disarray have challenged passengers as the industry scrambles to deal with staff shortages and increased demand now that most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and summer travel is underway.
It's mayhem, and I feel sorry for the airport and airline staff who have to deal with stressed-out passengers (we all know that airports generally don't bring out the best in people) and take on additional pressure in lousy working conditions. Not to mention the people who have missed flights and vacations. Good luck out there.
Sasha Brady News and features editor
European airport mayhem
Your summer travel plans may be upended by airport bedlam
If you are flying in Europe this summer, here's an explainer on why the situation is so messy and what you can do to prepare for potential cancellations, delays and scheduled airport strikes.
Parts of the beloved national park are going to remain closed for "substantial amount of time"
And for climate crisis news that puts everything into perspective, Yellowstone remains closed to visitors after record-breaking flooding cracked roads and even swept away one building on Tuesday. Officials warn parts of the park could be out of bounds all summer long.
Hey, it's Sasha again. I learned the hard way on a recent trip that problems in one European airport can cause major headaches elsewhere.
So, my plane was delayed getting to Nairobi from Amsterdam due to staff shortages at Schiphol. When it landed at 1am, there was a scramble from airline staff to get ready for take-off. The pilot announced we had seven minutes to be seated otherwise we couldn't leave. "Dramatic, no?," I thought… "they can't keep us here."
Lol!
Flight attendants rushed to secure bags in overhead lockers and pleaded with passengers to take their seats. The countdown continued over the PA, the urgency in the pilot's voice increasing as he brought us down to two minutes. The vibe was "fleeing the zombie apocalypse." We didn't make it out. The airport had closed.
Pilots tried to negotiate with air traffic control to no avail. Ground staff had gone home, and we couldn't leave the plane. We were stuck in our seats, munching on dusty granola bars, until the airport reopened, which meant we didn't take off until 5am. Four hours on the tarmac later.
More travel news you can use
Japan is finally allowing tourists in - but its entry policy is super strict
8 questions tourists should ask before traveling to Dublin
Travel mayhem isn't restricted to airports as the cost of living crisis wreaks havoc with travelers' budgets. In Dublin in particular, visitors have complained of soaring car rental costs (with one couple quoted over €18k for a 10-day rental) and ballooning hotel prices. If you're traveling to Dublin, here are eight questions you need to ask yourself before you go.
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