February 3, 2022 Good morning! You are probably well aware that there's a huge winter storm plowing through much of the continental United States. Twenty five states from Texas to Maine are being affected and the storm is wreaking havoc on travelers. As of 10:45am (PT), over 4,700 flights have been canceled to, from or within the United States and an additional 4,000 have been delayed. My advice is to stay home and take advantage of airline waivers to avoid the headache. But if you absolutely must travel, here's what to do if your flight is severely delayed or canceled.
My Dad's Second Bout With COVID
As I wrote in Sunday's newsletter, my 93-year-old dad has tested positive for COVID-19 for his second time in five months. Here's an update on how he's doing the second time round as well as a good reminder for all of us.
TSA Security Checkpoint Numbers
Every morning, I look at the TSA's security checkpoint numbers to get a sense of the state of the travel industry. The numbers have definitely creeped up from last week and I think (and hope) that with COVID cases falling, they will continue in this trend. If you plan on traveling this year, check out today's travel tip below.
Incredible Two-For-One Deal Across the Pond in Lie Flat Seats
Speaking of saving money on airfare: Just in time for Valentine's Day, this two-for-one deal will allow you and someone special to fly across the pond to Paris or Milan in lie-flat seats. Check out the details here.
This Week's Travel Products
These Budget-Friendly Wireless Earbuds are the Best Bang For Your Buck
Last week, we shared a tip that the Apple AirPods Pro were deeply discounted at one of their lowest prices ever. That sale is now over (they're still on sale but for $197 vs $179) but we'll keep you posted if the price drops further. But if that price is more than you're looking to pay, you'll want to check out these wireless earbuds, which are currently on sale for $29.99 and are the best bang for your buck. Check them out here.
RELATED: How To Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
The Mini Travel Speaker That Works Great At Home and On the Road
While you might not be looking to blast music on the go, this mini travel speaker really delivers, whether you're at home or on the road. Connect it to your Alexa devices for significantly improved sound quality and use it to stream music, audiobooks and podcasts. Plus, it's so small and inexpensive that it doesn't hurt to throw it in your travel bag just in case. Read more here.
Why You Need to Use Privacy Shields
You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve seen people make this privacy mistake at airports and on airplanes. That’s why I never get on a plane without this inexpensive product.
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Video: British Airways Jet Comes Close to Crashing at LHR
Speaking of bad weather ... did you see that heart stopping video of a British Airways jet landing at LHR yesterday? See the video here.
Can't Get Enough Wordle?
You probably read the big news that Wordle, the word puzzle sensation that's taken the Internet by storm, was acquired by the New York Times. And while the game seems to be universally loved, one complaint that many users have is that you can only play once a day. If you're eager to play more frequently, then you'll want to check this out. Read the story here.
Today's Travel Tip
Traveling in 2022? This is How to Save a Lot of Money and Miles Right Now
If you're planning to travel this year, you can save a lot of money (and miles!) by doing this. Read the story here. | 
