Good morning. It's Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026. Here’s what matters before your next trip:

Passengers on a Delta flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta encountered an unauthorized Wi-Fi network that appeared to imitate the aircraft’s legitimate connection.

Delta said no aircraft systems were hacked and that flight safety was never affected. The crew temporarily shut down the plane’s Wi-Fi while the incident was investigated, and the FAA is now looking into what happened.

The incident is a reminder that airplane Wi-Fi should be treated much like airport or hotel Wi-Fi. A network name that looks legitimate doesn't necessarily mean it is.

Travelers should also be cautious about what they do once connected. Experts recommend avoiding sensitive activities such as online banking, corporate logins and password changes on unsecured networks.

Not always.

Large hotel chains often offer express checkout, allowing guests to leave without waiting at reception. Charges for things such as minibar purchases or other incidentals can usually be settled automatically.

Smaller independent hotels may work differently, particularly in Europe, where local taxes or final bills may need to be handled at checkout.

Even when it's optional, stopping by the desk can still be worthwhile. You can review your final bill, report a problem, ask for transportation help or simply make sure everything is settled before leaving.

American Airlines came out on top for domestic flight deals in a new analysis covering more than 45,000 routes over a year.

Its huge network and sheer number of flights helped push it ahead of Delta, Southwest and United. American also moved up from No. 2 in the previous year's ranking.

The bigger surprise is that the winner wasn't a budget carrier. While airlines such as Breeze and Avelo can offer extremely low fares, the analysis found that major airlines are increasingly competing aggressively on price.

For international deals, United took the top spot, followed by American and Delta.

A hurricane doesn't have to hit your destination to ruin your vacation.

Flights can be delayed because aircraft or crews are stuck somewhere else, while resorts that are technically open may still be dealing with power problems, damaged facilities or hidden structural issues.

Travel insurance can also become complicated once a storm has been officially named. Buying coverage after the storm is already known may leave certain losses uncovered.

For travelers who want more flexibility, Cancel For Any Reason coverage can provide an additional safety net, although it costs more and usually has to be purchased shortly after the initial trip payment.

For many travelers, choosing a destination now starts with what's on the plate.

Recent research suggests roughly three-quarters of travelers consider themselves culinary travelers, with local food playing an increasingly important role in where they go.

And travelers aren't stopping at the traditional food capitals. Northern Greece, Cyprus and Puglia are gaining attention as people search for regional dishes, local ingredients and experiences that feel less touristy.

The appeal goes beyond restaurants. Cooking classes, food markets and meals with locals can provide a more direct connection to a destination's history and culture.

The new Siari Riviera Nayarit is less about simply putting a luxury hotel on a beach and more about connecting guests with the region around it.

The resort sits along Mexico's Pacific coast and incorporates Huichol influences throughout its architecture, food, wellness experiences and design. Its 86 suites and villas emphasize indoor-outdoor living, many with private plunge pools and expansive ocean views.

The resort is also intentionally remote. That makes it appealing for travelers who want to settle in, relax and enjoy the property, but less ideal for those who want to spend their vacation exploring nearby towns.

Its large wellness center, local-inspired dining and guided coastal activities are designed to make staying on property the main event.

Your phone is one of the easiest things to lose at airport security because it's small, valuable and constantly being handled.

Instead of placing it loose in a security bin, keep it secured inside your personal bag when possible. That reduces the chance of leaving it behind or having it mixed up with someone else's belongings.

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— Confucius

Written by the Boarding Soon Editorial Team

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