As country faces pilot shortage, demand for flight schools soar
The country's pilot shortage problem predates COVID-19, but the pandemic made the problem worse. Now, airline companies are working to train more people to fly the planes they have.
Startup airline company to begin low-cost flights between Phoenix area and Los Angeles in May
Avelo, a low-cost airline, will start service at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in May, just in time for the summer months. The airline is focusing on leisure destinations because many are ready for a relaxing vacation after staying at home for much of 2020.
Travel woes: Travelers waiting in line for hours to get a rental car in Arizona
Travelers to Arizona are finding it hard to get a rental car for their visit to the Grand Canyon State.
CDC updates guidance for cruise ship industry in conditional sailing order
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the next phase of its conditional sail order for cruise ship operators Friday.
Steam Saturdays: Restored vintage locomotives take passengers to the Grand Canyon
It's full steam ahead on a train to the Grand Canyon. The locomotives are scheduled to get moving on the first Saturday of the months starting April 3 through October. https://www.thetrain.com/events/steam-saturdays
Sky Harbor Airport bustling with travelers during Easter weekend
More than 100 million Americans have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and now the CDC has issued new travel guidelines as airports start to stack up again.
CDC clears domestic travel for vaccinated people, but still advises mask-wearing
The new guidelines say vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread the virus, but the CDC still recommends safety measures like wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing.
Leopard Aviation expands fleet of pilot-training aircraft
Leopard Aviation, a new flight school located in Scottsdale and Mesa, has expanded its fleet of pilot-training aircraft. More information at www.leopardaviation.com
Businesses near U.S.-Mexico border struggle with boundaries’ closure
In border towns across the U.S., small businesses are reeling from the economic fallout of the partial closure of North America’s international boundaries.
Most pet owners say they'd pay extra to bring animals on a plane: Survey
20% of pet owners told Value Penguin they would pay $300+ to bring an animal on a flight
Royal Caribbean will begin Bahamas cruises for vaccinated passengers in June
Royal Caribbean announced a summer lineup of cruises available to fully vaccinated adults and children under 18 with negative test results.
FAA proposes thousands of dollars in fines for 2 travelers who refused to wear face masks on flights
Two passengers could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines for allegedly interfering with — and in one case assaulting — flight attendants who instructed them to wear face masks.
Spring break travel setting pandemic records at airports despite officials urging people to stay home
With case rates going down, vaccine rates going up and restrictions across the country relaxing, it's a recipe for a busy spring break travel season.
FAA extending zero-tolerance policy amid COVID-19 pandemic for unruly passengers
The FAA has slapped hefty fines on two separate passengers in recent weeks, and announced it will be extending its zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers for as long as the CDC and TSA’s mask mandate is in effect.
TSA looks to disinfect airport bins with ultraviolet lights to prevent COVID-19 spread
The Transportation Security Administration wants to add another layer of protection for passengers against COVID-19.
Is Sky Harbor expected to see pre-pandemic spring travel numbers this year?
March was typically Sky Harbor's busiest month before the pandemic. Heather Shelbrack with the Sky Harbor Aviation Department says the airport is seeing an increase in travelers this year but we're not back to pre-pandemic numbers.
US travel on the rise as COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up, but medical experts warn pandemic isn’t over
Some destination hot spots are already seeing waves of travelers as COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up, but medical experts warn the pandemic is not over yet.
Man arrested, faces $250k fine after refusing to wear mask, urinating in flight cabin while allegedly drunk
The 24-year-old told flight attendants he had several beers and “a couple of shots” before the flight.
JetBlue passenger facing $14,500 fine after refusing to wear mask or stop drinking his own alcohol, FAA says
The FAA says the man not only refused to keep his mask on but also kept drinking alcohol he brought onto the plane for his flight to the Caribbean.
As COVID-19 vaccinations ramp up, AAA warns 2021 travel will likely be a different experience for many
For many who may be planning a future trip after being vaccinated against COVID-19, AAA says it will likely be a different experience for many who haven’t traveled over the past year.