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And other news that you may have missed.
This week in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: a high-speed train killed elephants in India; a deceased grandmother was wheeled onto an EasyJet flight and later pronounced dead; Rome has introduced fees for the Trevi Fountain; and American Airlines has ended miles for basic economy passengers.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
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Trevi Fountain to Charge Tourist Fee Starting in 2026
Beginning February 1, 2026, Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain will charge tourists €2 ($2.30) to see the monument up close. Visitors will still be able to view the 18th-century fountain for free from a distance. Children and people with disabilities will be exempt from the fee.
Last year, the site underwent renovations, and a queuing system was introduced to manage the 30,000 daily visitors. The new fee is expected to generate $7.6 million annually, which will be used to maintain the monument and manage crowds.
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A British family has been accused by eyewitnesses of smuggling a deceased grandmother onto a plane. The flight, which was scheduled between Malaga and London, returned to the gate after the crew realized a passenger had died. The incident ultimately delayed the flight for 12 hours.
Passengers alleged that the family wheeled a deceased passenger onboard, claiming she was tired and had fallen asleep. EasyJet denied these claims, stating that the 89-year-old had a fit-to-fly certificate.
One passenger posted a video on Facebook questioning why the airline allowed a dead passenger to board, describing the woman as slumped in a wheelchair with someone supporting her head. “EasyJet ground staff actually allowed someone who looked completely dead onto the plane and then, funnily enough, just as we were about to take off, they died,” the passenger claimed.
Related: When Flying, Why Don’t You Ever Hear ‘Is There a Doctor on Board’?
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Oakland Airport Allows Non-Passengers at Airports After Decades
Only a few airports in the United States allow non-ticketed passengers to go beyond security checkpoints. Oakland International Airport is the latest to offer this service, introducing the OAK Guest Pass Program last week.
Travelers can now pick up or drop off friends and family or access shops and restaurants beyond security. According to the website, “The OAK Guest Pass program is intended to allow visitors to spend time with their friends and family or shop and dine at the airport.”
Non-passengers can apply for a guest pass up to a week in advance, which is reviewed by the Transportation Security Administration. Approved passes are sent via email. Non-passengers must go through the same security checks as ticketed passengers, including restrictions on prohibited items.
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American Airlines Ends Points and Miles Earning for Basic Economy Fares
There’s bad news for budget travelers: American Airlines has ended the earning of points and miles for basic economy passengers. The least expensive fares now do not earn AAdvantage miles or loyalty points. The policy took effect last week.
According to a statement from the airline, basic economy passengers will still receive complimentary snacks and soft drinks, in-flight entertainment, and one free carry-on and personal bag. This change is part of the airline’s focus on offering more value to higher fare classes.
Related: Customers Do Not Like American Airlines. Here’s How It’s Trying to Win Them Back
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High-Speed Train in India Fatally Hits Elephants
A high-speed passenger train collided with a herd of elephants in the northeastern state of Assam, India, killing seven and injuring a calf. Five train cars derailed in the accident, but no human casualties were reported.
According to authorities, the train driver saw a herd of about 100 elephants and applied the emergency brake, but some animals were still struck. Assam is home to an estimated 6,000 elephants—one of the largest populations in India—and wild elephants frequently cross railway tracks.