Travel Dispatch: A Chaotic Week for Air Travel

March 28, 2026

A person smiles, posing with a raised arm against a wall covered in vintage posters. Another photographs them on a street.

Visitors take photos in Bangkok’s popular Song Wat neighborhood. Lauren DeCicca for The New York Times

Dear Travel Fan,

This was a week of air travel chaos, with T.S.A. lines stretching for hours at some airports, a tragic crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York and the continuing disruption and anxiety caused by the war in Iran. Our reporters tackled this big question: Can air travel get any worse?

We also reported on the deployment of ICE agents to some airports and had advice on how to — maybe — cut your wait time if you are flying right now. It might take you by surprise to know that some U.S. airports do not use T.S.A. for security screening. Instead, they use a little-known program that let’s them hire private contractors. And their wait times have been in the minutes, not hours, throughout the shutdown.

In our Tripped Up column this week, Seth Kugel explores why a reader who rented a car was charged almost $600 extra for returning it early.

At times, it can be hard to remember all the good things about travel, but we’ve tried not to lose sight of them. Spring is upon us and we’ve got a roundup of hotels that let you take advantage of the countryside, whether you’re in New England, Sweden or Austria. Our 36 Hours column ventures to Raleigh, N.C., where there are parks and hiking trails to explore. And we’ve got a report from Bangkok on new happenings on the art, restaurant and bar scenes. (The Thai capital made our 52 Places to Go in 2026 list.)

If you’re a space fan, we’ve got the details on going to see the Artemis II moon launch, which is now scheduled for the beginning of April.

On Friday night, President Trump issued an executive order to pay T.S.A. officers after Congress failed to reach a deal. Here’s hoping that smooths things out.

Wishing you safe and happy travels,
Amy Virshup

OPEN UP YOUR WORLD

What’s New in Bangkok

From back-street wine bars to world-class museums, new spots are sprouting up all over the world’s most visited city.

By Seth Sherwood and Lauren DeCicca

People walk through a park where pink blossoms are appearing on trees. A public art installation in the shape of an enormous ring rises from the grass.

Mike Belleme for The New York Times

36 Hours

36 Hours in Raleigh, N.C.

A leveled-up dining scene, upgraded greenways and public art await weekend visitors to this Southern capital.

By Ingrid K. Williams and Mike Belleme

Beneath a blue sky, a green valley dotted with houses is surrounded by forest mountains, with more rugged, snow-topped mountains in the background.

Das Edelweiss

5 Country Retreats Where You Can Celebrate Spring

From a high-design pavilion in upstate New York to a horse-farm-turned-hotel on a Swedish island, these new or renovated getaways revel in nature.

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

A large white and orange rocket stands beside a tall metal launch tower. Both reflect in the calm water in the foreground.

Cassandra Klos for The New York Times

How to View the Artemis II Moon Launch

The first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years is coming up. Here’s how to see it at sites in and around the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL

A busy airport terminal with many people standing in long lines. A few people walk past digital displays.

Dave Sanders for The New York Times

The Lines, the Prices, the Anxiety: Can Air Travel Get Any Worse?

Travelers are waiting hours at security checkpoints, paying top dollar for tickets and worrying about safety after a deadly crash at LaGuardia.

By Christine Chung and Ceylan Yeğinsu

An illustration shows a cartoon character shaped like a dollar sign looking at its watch with an impatient look. A blue signboard next to the character reads “Rental Return” and has two arrows on it.

Matt Blease

Tripped Up

Help! Budget Charged Me Almost $600 for Returning a Car Early.

An American who rented a vehicle for a two-week European vacation brought it back to the airport just a few hours ahead of schedule. Why did the price nearly double?

By Seth Kugel

People walk and queue in a large, mostly empty airport terminal with many stanchion-roped lanes. Signs read, “B C Gates” and “Checkpoint.”

Jason Henry for The New York Times

These Airports Don’t Use T.S.A. Your Current Wait: Minutes, Not Hours.

A handful of airports, including San Francisco and Kansas City International, participate in a program that lets them rely on private screeners instead of T.S.A. agents.

By Gabe Castro-Root

Many people gathered closely in a large room, forming multiple lines. Blue barriers are visible, some individuals carry bags.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Is There Anything I Can Do to Shorten My T.S.A. Wait Time?

With lines stretching for hours and passengers missing flights, fliers are desperate to ease the wait at security. There are some steps you can take, but no guarantees.

By Elaine Glusac

Adam Gray/Reuters

ICE Agents Are Now Patrolling U.S. Airports. Here’s What to Know.

The deployment comes as a battle over Department of Homeland Security funding has led to closed security checkpoints, long lines and missed flights.

By Gabe Castro-Root

Feedback, thoughts, tips? Email the Travel desk at travel@nytimes.com.

Make a friend’s day: Forward this email.

Did you get this from a friend? Sign up for the Travel Dispatch here. You can always find our latest stories here.

We have more newsletters you might like!

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Travel Dispatch from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Travel Dispatch, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times Get The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your Email Privacy Policy Contact Us California Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth