The Travel Show – April 11, 2026
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In this week's episode of The Travel Show, host Larry Gelwix delivers a comprehensive travel update covering rising airline fees, space tourism, cruise promotions, and global travel tips. He highlights the recent $10–$50 increases in checked baggage fees across major U.S. carriers, criticizing airlines for prioritizing profit over customer experience. Gelwix shares his excitement about the Artemis II moon mission and discusses the growing accessibility of space tourism through companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, with prices ranging from $450,000 to $50 million. He dives into current cruise deals, spotlighting Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian’s promotions, including 'free at sea' packages that aren’t truly free but offer value. Gelwix also explores the rare private island of Nihihau in Hawaii, the cultural significance of the UK’s new ETA fee, and the joys of river cruising on the Seine and Eastern Europe. He shares personal travel hacks—like using elevators in reverse on embarkation/disembarkation days—and emphasizes the importance of passport backups and mobile passport control. The episode concludes with a nostalgic look at the Concorde’s potential return and a reminder to book upcoming tours with Morris Columbus Travel.
Check baggage fees have increased by $10–$50 across major U.S. airlines, with Delta, United, and Southwest now charging for bags.
Space tourism is becoming a reality with suborbital flights from Blue Origin ($450K) and Virgin Galactic ($1M), and orbital missions from SpaceX costing $50M.
Cruise lines like Princess and Norwegian offer 'up to 60% off' and 'free at sea' promotions, but these often include hidden costs for upgrades.
Nihihau, a privately owned Hawaiian island, is accessible only via helicopter tour ($685) or boat tour ($315), with strict cultural preservation rules.
The UK now requires an ETA fee of $28 for short-term visitors, and travelers must use the official gov.uk site to avoid scams.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Airline Fees and the New Travel Wallet Tax
Larry Gelwix opens the show with a critique of rising airline baggage fees, detailing increases from $10 to $50 across major carriers like Delta, United, and Southwest. He highlights the loss of Southwest’s free bag policy and questions the ethics of airlines profiting from passenger fees.
Space Tourism: From Sci-Fi to Reality
“You can experience several minutes of weightlessness and witness Earth from space. It's going to cost you. With prices ranging from $450,000 per person for suborbital trips to over $50 million per person to orbit the Earth.”
Cruise Promotions and the 'Free at Sea' Myth
“They call it free at sea. It's not free, but is it worth it? You got to go in and you make that decision if you want the drink package, especially dining.”
Nihihau: Hawaii’s Forbidden Island
“It is a rural Hawaiian life. They do have an elementary school there, but the kids have to go over to Kauai for high school.”
UK’s New ETA Fee and Travel Scams
The host warns listeners about the UK’s new $28 electronic travel authorization fee and cautions against third-party websites that mimic official gov.uk sites to scam travelers.
“The legendary Concorde is slated to make a comeback maybe next year. President Trump's legislation lifted the previous ban, Fly Concord Limited plans to return supersonic passenger flights.”
“You can experience several minutes of weightlessness and witness Earth from space. It's going to cost you. With prices ranging from $450,000 per person for suborbital trips to over $50 million per person to orbit the Earth.”
“The Concorde last flew in the 1970s and 80s. It just didn't make commercial sense, but the legendary Concorde is slated to make a comeback maybe next year.”
Host
Guest
Larry Gelwix
person
Morris Columbus Travel
other
Delta Airlines
other
Princess Cruises
other
Nihihau
other
Royal Caribbean
other
Norwegian Cruise Line
other
United Airlines
other
UK Electronic Travel Authorization
other
Southwest Airlines
other
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