Author: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY

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 2 million holiday travelers this weekend. The surge comes despite CDC recommendations to stay home amid the pandemic.

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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Americans should stay home for the holidays but urges those who travel to take two COVID-19 tests.

If layoffs occur, they would be the first in the nearly 50-year-old company’s history.