And other travel news you may have missed.
This week in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: Japan Airlines is starting a two-year trial with humanoid robots; three people have died on a small cruise ship due to a suspected virus outbreak; a passenger was removed from a flight for refusing to hang up their phone; and a group of foreign tourists exposed themselves while traveling in a tuk-tuk in Thailand.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
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Japan Airlines Is Testing Humanoids as Baggage Handlers
Amid labor shortages and increasing tourist numbers, Japan Airlines is testing humanoid robots to help ease workers’ loads. During a two-year trial period, the Chinese robots will assist with ground operations such as loading and unloading cargo containers. The airline hopes that, in the future, these robots will also take over cleaning duties in cabins and operating ground support equipment.
With an aging population, Japan has automated many parts of daily life. By having robots handle physically demanding labor, the airline aims to unburden its employees. However, the airline notes that security operations will remain the responsibility of humans.
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Airline Removes Passenger for Not Hanging Up Phone
A Delta Air Lines passenger traveling from Miami to Atlanta was removed from the flight for not hanging up the phone despite numerous requests. The airline said crew members asked the passenger not to use the phone while the plane was taxiing. The passenger did not comply and became “disruptive.” Fellow passengers also urged the person to be considerate. Due to the non-compliance, the plane returned to the gate, and the passenger was removed from the flight. The plane departed an hour late, and the airline apologized for the inconvenience.
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Foreign Tourists Expose Themselves While Traveling in Tuk-Tuk
A group of foreign tourists is facing criticism after photos of them exposing themselves went viral. The unidentified tourists stood up in the vehicle and pulled their pants down, exposing their private parts to motorists.
Inappropriate tuk-tuk stunts have become common and are leading people to question Thailand’s visa-free policy. In February, a video of two French tourists engaging in a sex act in a tuk-tuk drew criticism in Thailand. A man and a woman were recorded behaving inappropriately in full view of others on the road. They were later identified, blacklisted from the country, and deported.
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Three Die on Cruise Ship Due to Suspected Virus Outbreak
Three people cruising on the MV Hondius in the Atlantic Ocean have died. Hantavirus has been confirmed in one individual from the U.K. who is currently hospitalized in Johannesburg, South Africa. Hantavirus is a rare infection caused by rodent droppings. It typically has flu-like symptoms, but patients can develop respiratory issues as it progresses, and it can also lead to heart failure.
The ship, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, set sail three weeks ago from southern Argentina and stopped in Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, Nightingale Island, and other locations. A 70-year-old Dutch national became unwell first and died on April 11. When the ship docked at St. Helena on April 24, his body was removed, and his 69-year-old wife also disembarked. The cause of death was not determined. While returning to the Netherlands, his wife also became ill and died. She was also Dutch.
The third person, a German national, died on board Saturday. Two other people are currently unwell on the ship. However, the company has stated that hantavirus has not been confirmed in these two cases.
The ship is currently off the coast of Cape Verde with 149 people of different nationalities on board.
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‘Love Actually’ Door Goes Up For Sale
On May 7, the white door from the romantic comedy Love Actually is going up for auction. The popularity of the door, located in London’s Notting Hill, has forced its owner to deal with fans for decades. Travelers hoping to photograph the door will have to look elsewhere.
Priced up to $6,780, it is being sold at Omega Auctions. The auction house’s manager, Dan Muscatelli-Hampson, said, “Our vendor enjoyed the process of being part of the film but is hoping that someone else can take over ownership and that she might have a little bit of a relief from the thousands of Notting Hill tourists hoping for a snap in front of its most famous door!”