August 2025 Travel News: Big Airline Changes, Cruise News, and a Surprising Rental Car Perk

This week, Ashleigh and Christopher are back home (and out of the camper!) with a full roundup of the latest travel news. From airlines rethinking old rules to cruise lines rolling out bold new itineraries, here’s what travelers need to know before planning their next trip.

In this episode:

• TSA ends the “shoes-off” policy at many U.S. airports—and what might be next.

  • https://abcnews.visitlink.me/gpWALD
• Southwest finally joins the rest of the industry with assigned seating for flights beginning in January
  • https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/travel/southwest-airlines-assigned-seats-start

• Lithium battery rules tightening: what it means for chargers, cameras, and under-seat bags.

   

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/08/emirates-power-pack-restrictions-fire-danger/85573843007/

• Alaska Airlines expands overseas routes 

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/05/alaska-airlines-london-reykjavik-new-livery/85524743007/

• Spirit’s new Caribbean flights at budget-friendly fares.

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/05/spirit-airlines-belize-city-grand-cayman/85524290007/

• Delta to add flights from Boston for Patriot's Day

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/08/04/delta-new-patriots-day-flights-florida/85511420007/ 

• Princess Cruises unveils its largest Japan Deployment ever for 2027 

  • https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/princess-cruises-unveils-its-most-spectacular-japan-cruise-season-ever-with-exclusive-access-to-cultural-festivals-and-coastal-wonders-in-2027/

• Norwegian Cruise Line to build water park at private island

  • https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2025/07/norwegian-cruise-line-to-build-waterpark-at-great-stirrup-cay/

• Amsterdam to limit river cruises

  • https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Amsterdam-lays-out-plan-to-limit-river-cruising

• Smithsonian Journeys announces new river cruises with Amawaterways

  • https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Smithsonian-Journeys-unveils-new-river-cruises-with-AmaWaterways

• Amtrak’s new Acela trains and why they matter.

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/08/07/amtrak-new-acela-train-starting-service/85560474007/

• Wildfire damage at the Grand Canyon North Rim

  • https://azdailysun.com/news/local/impacts-of-dragon-bravo-fire-are-daunting-even-before-the-flames-are-out/article_dc6f2020-8092-4673-b7b5-e5cba8595bf3.html

• The Beak & Barrel to open at Magic Kingdom this month

  • https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/first-look-beak-and-barrel-opening-august-29/

• Disney World Deluxe Resort Guests can now book Minnie Van Service from the Airport. 
  • https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-minnie-van-airport-service-deluxe-resorts-all-guests/

• Avis launches new premium service at select airports 

  • https://www.travelandleisure.com/avis-launches-curbside-car-rentals-at-airports-11781977

• Why EU passport stamps are disappearing

  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/08/07/european-union-passport-stamps-removal/85562101007/

• A major lawsuit that could change how hotels set prices online.

  • https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/European-hotels-join-class-action-against-Booking-Holdings

Plus: a summer wine break featuring an under-the-radar white that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.