And other travel news you may have missed.
This week in travel, we’ve uncovered several stories that might have flown under your radar. Among them: the TSA is making another airport security improvement; passengers applaud a quick-thinking Delta pilot for saving their lives; and a Spanish destination has issued 10 rules for travelers.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
TSA ADDS FAMILY LANES AT CHECKPOINTS
Last week, Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security secretary, announced that the Transportation Security Administration will add lanes dedicated to families and military members at security checkpoints. The program, Families on the Fly, launched in Orlando, Florida, and will expand to other destinations where families often travel with children, she said. In addition, a special lane for military personnel will be expanded nationwide; it is currently available at 11 airports.
These changes follow the recent announcement that travelers no longer have to remove their shoes at checkpoints.
MALAGA INTRODUCES 10 NEW RULES FOR TOURISTS
The city of Málaga in southern Spain has launched a new “Improve Your Stay” campaign to discourage the bad behavior of tourists. There are 10 strongly suggested rules that the city wants tourists to follow, including dressing appropriately (no swimsuits outside the beach), keeping noise down at night, using bins and toilets, and not riding bikes or scooters on pedestrian paths. Last year, the city introduced fines for littering and loud noise of up to €750 for violators.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Across Spain, locals have expressed discontent over mass tourism, and protests have erupted in many southern European countries.
Related: If You’re Traveling to Spain, Expect More Tourism Protests
DELTA PILOT APOLOGIZES FOR HARD TURN TO AVOID BOMBER JET
A regional plane operated by SkyWest narrowly avoided a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber jet, and the pilot apologized to passengers for an aggressive maneuver made to prevent a collision. The Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely, and SkyWest is investigating the incident.
In a video uploaded by a passenger on the flight, the pilot explained that the fast-moving jet was approaching. The air traffic controller asked him to turn right, but the pilot saw the plane on the right, which he conveyed to the controller. He was then asked to turn left. “I thought that was the safest thing to do was turn behind it,” the pilot said to the passengers. “Long story short, it was not fun, I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding,” he concluded, after which an applause broke out.
@azamora616 #plane#nearmiss#flight3788 @delta ♬ original sound – Andrea
TOURIST BOAT CAPSIZES IN VIETNAM
A tourist boat carrying 53 people capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday during a sudden storm, killing at least 36 people. Most of the tourists were from Hanoi, the capital city. More than 20 children were on board; miraculously, a 10-year-old boy survived by staying in an air pocket inside the capsized boat.
Another survivor, who discarded his life jacket and swam to safety, recounted that it had rained for 15 minutes when the boat began to shake and overturn. “I tried to breathe. But more water came in. I took a deep breath, got rid of my life vest and dove down. I saw a streak of light and followed it to swim out, escaping the boat, and then I climbed on the overturned boat to look for help.” Along with others, he clung to the overturned boat and waited for rescue for two hours.
FERRY IN INDONESIA CATCHES FIRE
A ferry sailing from Melonguane Port to Manado City in Indonesia caught fire on Sunday. More than 500 people were rescued, and three people died. Videos on social media showed screaming passengers jumping into the water as smoke and fire billowed from the ferry.
The coast guard and rescue boats evacuated 568 people from the sea. The fire began in the stern and was extinguished within an hour. The official log had registered 280 passengers and 15 crew members, but the number of survivors was more than double.