With tensions rising between the U.S. and Iran, there are many travelers who are concerned about international flights. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed airlines to avoid certain regions and airspaces, leading to disruptions and large safety considerations for passengers.
Despite these challenges, travelers looking to fly between the U.S. and the Philippines still have safe options, as airlines are altering their flight paths through alternative paths across Asia and Europe to keep travel services running smoothly.
What This Guide Will Cover:
- Best flight options for travelers to and from the US and The Philippines
- Which routes to avoid when traveling
- How travel insurance may help
What Are the Safest Flight Options To and From the US to the Philippines?
As of early March, some of the safest flight options to and from the US to the Philippines involve avoiding the Middle East and going through East Asia instead.
Routes via East Asia:
- Korean Air via Seoul
- All Nippon Airways via Tokyo
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore
Which Routes Should Be Avoided When Traveling to the Philippines?
With the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continuing, there are several locations in the Middle East that travelers should avoid connections through, including:
- Dubai
- UAE
- Bahrain
- Abu Dhabi
- Qatar
Avoiding such regions is crucial during this time, with suspensions of routes, airspace closures and safety risks.
Can Travel Insurance Protect Me During the US, Israel and Iran Conflict?
With cancellations, closures and re-routes of flights taking place during this conflict, many travelers are curious if travel insurance can provide coverage.
Travel insurance will likely not cover cancellations or disruptions if the war or act of terrorism is already known or announced prior to travel. However, if you were traveling and purchased insurance prior to the conflicts starting or warnings being announced, your plans and expenses may be covered.
If your policy has been purchased ahead of time, double check if such circumstances are covered, as exclusions and limits may apply. While war is not typically covered, acts of terrorism are.
How Can I Get the Help I Need?
Even though the U.S. and Iran conflict has disrupted many flight routes, travel between the United States and the Philippines is still possible. The best strategy is to book flights that travel across the Pacific or through East Asia, avoiding Middle Eastern transit hubs where most of the disruptions are occurring.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, our Customer Success Team is more than happy to help.
- Travel between the US and the Philippines is still possible, through routes across the Pacific and through East Asia.
- Recommended routes to the Philippines include connections through Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Travel insurance may not provide coverage if purchased after warnings are issued.
- Travelers who purchased insurance prior to conflict or conflict warnings may still receive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to and From The US and Philippines During Conflict
If my flight to the Philippines is cancelled, can I be covered by travel insurance?
In general, standard travel insurance policies will not provide coverage for cancellations caused by war conflicts once the conflicts have started. However, if you had travel insurance and were traveling before the conflicts or warnings being announced, you can be eligible for coverage if your flight to the Philippines was cancelled.
If I already had my flight booked and it flies over Dubai, what should I do?
With the second bomb incident in Dubai, it doesn’t look like flights over Dubai will be getting safer any time soon. If you already have travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, you can cancel your trip, receive a majority refund, and rebook your travels. However, if you did not already have travel insurance, your best option is to call your airline and cancel your flight. If your ticket was nonrefundable, they will most likely give you a refund in travel credits or a voucher for a future flight. Don’t risk flying anyway; your safety comes first. Just cancel your flight and rebook a safer flight route.
Will travel insurance cover me if I have to extend my trip in the Philippines due to the conflict?
Standard travel insurance will likely not offer coverage if you have to extend your trip if a travel warning has already been announced. However, if you were traveling before any conflict happened, already had travel insurance, and your travel is affected by the conflicts you can be eligible for coverage.
If I want to cancel my trip due to the US and Iran conflict, is this covered?
If you have purchased a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on to your insurance policy prior to travel, it can cover cancellations. However, if you feel uneasy traveling and are cancelling your trip due to the conflict but your destination is not an officially announced warning zone, you may not receive coverage.
Are acts of war or terrorism covered by any travel insurance?
Can travel insurance provide reimbursement if my flight to the Philippines is delayed?
Standard travel insurance policies will typically not cover travel disruptions, like delays or cancellations, caused by war conflicts once the conflicts have begun. If you already had insurance and were traveling before a warning announcement, then you can be eligible for coverage if your flight to the Philippines is delayed.
What expenses related to terrorism can be covered under travel insurance?
The expenses under travel insurance for terrorism coverage will vary depending on the type of plan. Travel medical insurance can offer coverage for injuries or illnesses related to a terrorist attack, and trip insurance can provide trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage related to a terrorist attack.
Will travel insurance cover additional hotel costs if I am stuck in the Philippines?
If you are stuck in the Philippines, most standard travel insurance will not provide coverage for extra costs you may need for a hotel, especially after a travel warning has already been issued. If you did already have insurance before, your expenses may be covered.
