September 2025 Travel News: Airlines, Accessibility & Reopened Parks

September 2025 Travel News: Airlines, Accessibility & Reopened Parks

Christopher and Ashleigh guide you through a packed September news roundup, blending the latest airline updates, travel tech, and U.S. destination highlights—plus a hands-on homemade limoncello break inspired by Italian adventures.

• Spirit Airlines restructures, impacting Detroit travelers and staff. (hhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/09/23/spirit-airlines-furloughs/86308574007/)
• Southwest announces future flights to Alaska, offering new options for budget-conscious adventurers. (https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2025/10/02/southwest-airlines-announces-first-ever-flights-to-alaska/) 
• Iceland’s Play Airlines abruptly shuts down and cancels flights (https://www.frommers.com/tips/airfare/icelands-play-airline-shuts-down-effective-immediately/)
• Delta partners with Maeve to develop a hybrid regional jet, aiming for lower emissions on short routes. (https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Delta-Maeve-partnership-hybrid-regional-jet)
• Delta’s new JFK–Porto nonstop starts May 2026, great for Portugal fans;  (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/09/26/delta-porto-portugal-transatlantic-summer-2026/86370206007/)
• American Airlines debuts an AI tool to book flights by experience, not just destination. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/10/02/american-airlines-ai-booking-tool/86456534007/)

In the midst of the news, Ashleigh shares the results of months of steeping homemade limoncello, using a Pasta Grammar recipe. The duo compares their version to Sicilian store-bought, noting a tart, slightly fiery finish—best enjoyed in a limoncello spritz (three parts Prosecco, two parts limoncello, one part soda water). A practical tip: use organic lemons for safety and flavor, and be mindful of spoilage.

• Apple AirPods can now live-translate conversations (https://www.travelandleisure.com/apple-live-translation-new-features-11812134)
• Norwegian cancels and shifts sailings for four ships (with refunds and credits for affected guests) (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2025/10/01/norwegian-cruise-line-cancellations/86458176007/)
• Virgin Voyages introduces airline-style tiered pricing for cruises (https://www.frommers.com/tips/cruise/virgin-voyages-new-airline-style-tiered-pricing-heres-what-each-class-will-get-you/)
• Timeout Magazine’s Best Cities of 2025 list (https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/travel/time-out-reveals-worlds-50-best-cities-for-2025)
• Grand Canyon North Rim reopens after fire (
• https://www.presstelegram.com/2025/09/25/ grand-canyon-reopening/)
• 26-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopens after Hurricane Helene (https://abc11.com/amp/post/hurricane-helene-popular-section-blue-ridge-parkway-reopens-brings-hope-communities/17861070/)
• Oregon becomes the first state to be accessibility verified, thanks to Travel Oregon’s partnership with Wheel the World. (https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/oregon-becomes-first-state-to-be-accessibility-verified)
• Dollywood announces the world’s first family hybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride, set for spring 2026 (https://www.travelandleisure.com/dollywood-new-ride-nightflight-expedition-11812606)
• Philadelphia’s new Calder Gardens museum opens, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and architecture. (https://www.frommers.com/trip-ideas/arts-and-culture/calder-gardens-philadelphia/)

For honest, practical travel news and a dash of thoughtful spontaneity, tune in to this episode of the Go See Do Explore Podcast with Christopher and Ashleigh.