By Dawn Gilbertson

Happy Friday! Before we get to this week's travel news, here's my periodic reminder to get your travel ducks in a row now if you're jetting somewhere for the long holiday weekend next week.

You know the drill: Triple check your flight reservations to make sure nothing has changed since you booked it; make sure your frequent flier number and Known Traveler Number $(KTN)$ are attached to the reservation; reserve that airport parking or ride to the airport; stalk the airline seat map if you're looking for a better seat; be prepared for higher bag fees and prepay them if possible; check those airport lounge entry rules; and, of course, do not cut it close getting to the airport.

In travel news this week, 18 American passengers from the expedition cruise ship struck by a rare hantavirus outbreak were transported to a specialist quarantine center after one tested positive and another showed symptoms.

United Airlines said it would resume flights to Venezuela in August after a long absence. American resumed service a couple of weeks ago.

Delta said it would stop serving snacks and drinks on super short flights, which earned the airline a spot on Ad Age's marketing losers of the week .

JetBlue Airways launched its first flights to Italy, with nonstop service from Boston to Milan. And United said it would add nonstop service between San Francisco and Sapporo, Japan, and Chicago and Tokyo Narita.

I found a resort fee I don't hate

I've been railing against resort fees for years. The extra nightly charges -- $50 is not atypical these days even at nonluxury properties -- unnecessarily jack up your hotel bill. And for what? Some of the listed benefits are laughable, like free local phone calls.

Well, I found one that actually came with a few valuable things. I booked a night at the Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach in Honolulu in late April. The resort fee, which it calls a destination fee, is $42 plus tax. Full disclosure: I didn't pay the fee because it is generally waived if you're staying on points or with a free night certificate. I was using the latter.

Still, I was pleasantly surprised by what was included. There were two reusable Path water bottles and a small tote bag with the hotel logo, which double as souvenirs. It also covers beach-chair and beach-toy rentals, a cost savings for anyone who has had to pay for either.

You also get a daily $5 food-and-beverage credit and discounts on attractions and tours.

I still don't like the mandatory fees. But if you're going to pay them, it's nice to get a little something of value.

Have you come across any particularly good resort-fee benefits? Send them to me at dawn.gilbertson@wsj.com.

This is an edition of the WSJ Travel newsletter, a weekly source of inspiration and advice for navigating your vacations and business trips, along with the latest travel news. If you're not subscribed, sign up here.

Notes From the Road

   -- New ways to experience some of New York's iconic attractions. 
 
   -- Meet the highflying repo men collecting Spirit's jets. 
 
   -- Think using a travel agent is quaint? Think again. 
 
   -- Golf vacations aren't just for golfers. Check out these family golf 
      vacation spots. 

One Good Tip 🎯

Planning a trip to Honolulu? If you don't splurge on an airport lei greeting, pick one up at a local Target. I was surprised to find a refrigerated case full of the fresh flower necklaces for as little as $13.99.

Travel Math 🧮

The increase in airline ticket prices over the past year, according to the government's latest inflation report.

And We Quote 💬

You Have Thoughts 🤔

...on my $60-a-night capsule hotel stay .

   -- "I shared a Quonset hut with another lieutenant for $1.50 a night apiece 
      at Fort DeRussy in Honolulu in 1969. I was hopscotching my way across to 
      my first assignment in Vietnam. I had about 45 days of leave and I wasn't 
      going to spend them in Baltimore. Had my first experience tasting papaya 
      and mango at the officers' club. Coming from the East Coast it was as if 
      it came from outer space." -- Jim Gulley, Maryland 
 
   -- "I stayed in a similar place in Singapore recently. I had a nine-hour 
      layover and it was a great way to get away from people in the airport and 
      sleep a few hours. I don't know about the pod hotel you stayed in though. 
      The lack of a door bothers me. Plus it seems a bit creepy that someone 
      could open your curtain as you slumbered." -- Larry Rhodes 

(Responses have been condensed and edited.)

Cheers and Jeers 🤷

Cheers to Delta for the speedy, reliable wheelchair service I witnessed traveling with my 84-year-old mom this month. Jeers to Breeze Airways and Royal Caribbean for achingly slow wheelchair service on the same trip.

About Us

Dawn Gilbertson writes WSJ's Carry On column covering all things travel. You can reach her at dawn.gilbertson@wsj.com or on X at @dawngilbertson. Sign up to get an alert every time Dawn publishes an article.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 15, 2026 08:25 ET (12:25 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.