Author: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

The State Department was not able to issue passports, except for emergencies, for several months beginning in March, so there is a large backlog.

The reopening of The Mirage will leave just two MGM Resorts casino hotels in Las Vegas still shuttered: Park MGM and NoMad.

On September 1, Hawaii had intended to allow out-of-state visitors to bypass a mandatory 14-day quarantine by presenting a negative COVID-19 test.

The new flights, from non-hub cities including Boston, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and New York City, are aimed at holiday and winter travelers.

The airline says the confusing information affected travelers received is preliminary and that new flights will be arranged.

Many airlines have removed medical exemptions for face masks and are prohibiting certain types of face coverings.

The Seattle-based airline, big on the West Coast, is trying to spur fall bookings during the pandemic. The sale includes tickets to Mexico and Hawaii.

The CDC says travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. It also says most viruses don’t spread easily on flights.

Here are six things to keep in mind before you go down a planning rabbit hole for an international trip during a pandemic.

Visitors and residents violating Chicago’s 14-day quarantine after travel to COVID-19 hot spots are subject to fines of $100 to $500 a day.