Author: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

The travel rush occurred despite CDC advice not to travel this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mirage casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip plans to close all midweek operations into February. And it’s not the only one temporarily closing.

The 69-year-old man was traveling from Orlando to Los Angeles when he became ill. The plane diverted to New Orleans, where he died.

The TSA has screened more than 3 million holiday travelers this weekend. The surge comes despite CDC’s recommendations to stay home amid the pandemic.

United officials confirmed a passenger, who it said died at the hospital, had COVID-19 symptoms but did not confirm he was COVID-19 positive.

The traditional holiday travel season kicks off this weekend, but COVID travel will be anything but traditional at airports and on planes.

The New York-based airline is adding 24 new routes in 2021, the latest airline to move planes where travelers are vacationing during the pandemic.

With the new California flights, due to begin in spring 2021, Southwest Airlines has announced 12 new destinations this year.

Travelers due to fly to or from the East Coast this week can change their flights without the usual penalties. But there is fine print.

Airlines began eliminating costly ticket change fees in August, but the policy was initially limited to U.S. flights.