To make flight connections as hassle-free as possible, Delta Air Lines is planning to eliminate baggage recheck-in for international arrivals in USA. At present, travelers are required to collect their checked-in bags after arriving at an international airport in the USA, go through customs, and then recheck-in the bags for their connecting domestic flight. This will end once Delta rolls out the through baggage check-in policy, wherein the airline will transport your checked bags all the way to your final destination, thus saving you the time and hassle of rechecking bags on connecting flights.

The pilot program, in its first phase, will be rolled out for travelers from South Korea’s Seoul Incheon International Airport and Japan’s Tokyo-Haneda International Airport at the earliest this year. Delta will then extend the program to cover its passengers from London and Frankfurt, and eventually, for all US-bound travelers from Asia and Europe with onward domestic connections in the US. 

Delta Airlines currently operates nonstop flights from Seoul to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), and Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW). International passengers arriving at these Delta hub airports won’t have to re-check-in baggage for onward domestic connections to New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Honolulu and other US cities in Delta’s domestic network.

At present, only those travelers arriving from foreign airports with the US Preclearance facility can skip baggage recheck-in and customs clearance (among other inspections) upon arrival in USA.

The likely elimination of the current baggage recheck-in mandate will enable travelers to lounge away for some extra time between flights. This may also bring down minimum connection time for your flights, meaning layovers will be shorter in future. As per reports, Delta Airlines is in talks with the US government officials regarding a pilot trial in 2024. Hope other US airlines would follow suit sooner or later.

The post Delta Air Lines to Eliminate Baggage Recheck-in for Passengers from Seoul & Tokyo, with Domestic Connections in USA appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Once it starts to take delivery of A350-1000s, EVA Air is most likely to penetrate the US market, launching more direct routes to USA. The ultra long-range aircraft with 410-seating capacity is expected to be deployed on EVA Air’s popular long-haul routes to Seattle, San Francisco and other cities across North America. The mid-range A321neo aircraft, to be delivered between 2029 and 2032, may replace old planes serving short and medium-haul flights to Philippines, South Korea and other destinations in EVA Air’s Asian network.

Meanwhile, EVA Air has also committed $350 million for an overhaul of its Boeing 777-300ERs –  the aircraft it predominantly uses to operate flights to USA. EVA’s enhanced flight frequency to Seattle will also be served by Boeing 777-300ERs. As part of its summer schedule, EVA Air will operate three more flights to Seattle, increasing its service frequency to Seattle from seven weekly flights to 10 weekly flights. It serves Los Angeles and San Francisco with three daily flights. New York, Chicago, and Houston are other destinations in EVA Air’s US network. 

With 87 weekly flights between North America and Taipei, EVA Air’s summer schedule not only caters to the high demand for flights to/from USA, but also facilitates one-stop connectivity to neighboring countries such as Philippines and South Korea via Taipei. EVA Air operates daily flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Seoul from its hub, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Travelers from Chicago, Houston and Seattle can seamlessly connect on Eva Air flights to Philippines via Taipei as there are no nonstop service on these routes at present.

Why You Should Travel on EVA Air Flights to/from USA  

One of the only ten Skytrax 5-star airlines globally, EVA Air has established itself as a world-class airline with its commitment to highest service standards. A modern fleet and expansive route network make it a popular choice among direct as well as connecting travelers to/from USA. 

A relatively young airline, EVA Air has revolutionized air travel with innovative offerings, the most significant of which is Premium Economy. EVA Air is credited with introducing the world’s first premium economy cabin as an intermediate travel class between economy and business classes. The airline called it “Economy Deluxe” – an affordable upgrade to economy in terms of seating, space and service. The airline has perfected its Premium Economy since then and today, EVA Air’s premium economy flights are very much in demand in the US-Asia travel corridor. 

Eva Air’s Boeing 777-300ERs have premium economy seats with 38 inches of legroom and are equipped with an 11-inch LCD touch screen. Replicating a business-class like luxury, the airline provides its premium economy travelers with overnight amenity kits and exquisite PAYOT products. 

Flying with EVA Air is fun too, prove the airline’s special livery jets. The Hello Kitty-themed flights, currently serving Chicago in USA along with 2 other Asian destinations, are a favorite among family travelers. Traveling on Sanrio-themed flights is a different experience altogether, and it starts right from checking-in at a special Hello Kitty-themed check-in counter at Taipei Airport. From inflight amenities to services, every experience onboard features the cute little characters from Sanrio world. The next time you book EVA Air’s flights to Chicago, do check out the availability of the special jets on your travel dates.  

When it comes to transit city sightseeing, EVA Air has curated special sightseeing tours for its passengers transiting via Taipei. You can opt for any of the four guided city tours lasting 5-6 hours to make the most of a layover at Taipei Airport. Planning a trip from USA to Asia? Look no further than iEagle.com for EVA Air’s best flight deals to and from USA.

The post Why You Should Travel on EVA Air to/from USA: Enhanced Frequency, Modern Fleet, Premium Economy appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Booking Philippines Airlines’ best deals for Seattle-Manila nonstop travel has already started at iEagle.com, a leading air-ticketing partner of Filipinos in America. You can also check out iEagle.com for Philippines Airlines’ cheapest tickets to Manila from New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The one-way flights to Seattle will depart from Manila Ninoy International Airport’s Terminal 1 at 10:40 PM on the scheduled days. And the flight from Seattle to Manila departing at 11.40 PM will take around 14 hours to arrive in the Philippines.

Philippines Airline (PAL) will deploy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the new route. The 370-seat aircraft features a spacious business class cabin with full flat beds and ‘myPAL’ Wi-Fi connectivity. The upcoming service to Seattle will also serve as a gateway to other cities in Washington and Oregon for the airline. It will also facilitate seamless connections to Cebu, Davao, Caloocan, Bacolod, and other cities in the Philippines.

Seattle is also the focal point of several other Asian airlines’ US network expansion plans. Major Taiwanese carriers – EVA Air and China Airlines – are expanding their service to Seattle, thus offering more options for travelers flying from USA to the Philippines via their hub in Taipei. The new routes and increased flight frequencies will enhance connectivity between Seattle and Philippines, starting this June.

Taipei-based China Airlines will also take off for Seattle on 14 July 2024, heating up the competition with EVA Air and other Asian airlines in the US-Philippines travel corridor. China Airlines’ A350-900 flights to Seattle will be operated five times a week. Soon, travelers from Manila and Cebu will also have a new option other than EVA Air for their connecting flights to Seattle and nearby destinations in the West Coast of USA.

Taiwan’s EVA Air, one of the best airlines for one-stop flights between USA and Philippines, is increasing its service frequency to Seattle. The airline will add three more flights to its weekly schedule for Seattle, beginning from 25 June 2024 to 7 September 2024. At present, EVA operates daily flights to Seattle, facilitating one-stop connections from Manila, Cebu and Clark in the Philippines via Taipei. Currently, EVA Air flies to Manila from Taipei thrice a day.

The airline will deploy Boeing 777-300ER with 56 to 64 premium economy seats for the upcoming additional flights to and from Seattle. At present, it uses Boeing 787-10 aircraft with 342 seats in the two-class configuration to fly daily to Seattle. This means, travelers flying from Seattle to the Philippines will soon get to experience EVA Air’s award-winning Premium Economy (the airline won the Skytrax award for “Best Premium Economy Cabin” in 2023).

The post All about Upcoming Nonstop Flights from Seattle to Manila and One-stop Flights from Seattle to Philippines via Taipei appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

United Airlines’ new checked baggage fee 

United Airlines raised the baggage check-in fee by $5 for first and second bags. The increased fee came into effect on February 24. Now, you have to pay $40 for the first checked bag and $50 for the second bag when traveling on United Airlines’ flights within the USA. Economy class travelers can avoid the hike by prepaying the fee before 24 hours of the flight departure. For those who confirm their travel with checked bags and pay the fee in advance, the first and second bags incur $35 and $45 respectively.

American Airlines’ new checked baggage fee

One of the largest US airlines operating flights to 270+ domestic destinations, American Airlines serves millions of travelers every year. Its baggage fee, slightly lower than competitors like United and JetBlue, has been another favourable factor for budget-conscious economy class travelers. Recently, American Airlines too announced significant changes to its baggage policy, revising the fee structure for checked bags, oversize and overweight bags.

The airline is now charging $40 to check-in the first bag for travel within and between USA, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. It offers a $5 discount on the first checked baggage fee for passengers who pay online before arriving at the airport. The fee for the second checked bag is $45, whether prepaid online or at the time of airport check-in.

American Airlines’ updated fee took effect on February 20, 2024. So, for flight tickets booked prior to this date, the checked baggage fee remains $30 and $40 for first and second checked bags respectively as per the previous checked baggage fee chart that the airline had implemented for 5 years.

JetBlue’s new checked baggage fees 

JetBlue is one of the first airlines to increase checked baggage fees in 2024. The airline revised its baggage fee chart for domestic travel at the start of February. According to the updated fares, it now costs $45 to check-in the first piece of baggage on your domestic flight within the USA, Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean. Economy travelers need to pay $60 to check-in a second bag.

However, prepaying online for your checked bags at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of flight can save you $10 each on your first two checked bags. Travelers who add checked bags at the time of booking or before airport check-in will be charged $35 and $50 for the first and second bag respectively.

Can you avoid/reduce the checked baggage fee?

One way to save on checked baggage fees is by prepaying for your bags at the time of booking or before 24 hours of flight departure. Most airlines offer a $5-$10 discount on checked baggage fees to passengers checking-in at the airport. Certain travelers, such as elite members of airline loyalty programs or those using airline-branded credit cards, typically enjoy the privilege of receiving one complimentary checked bag or a discounted fee for checking-in bags on domestic flights.

Why are US airlines increasing checked baggage fees?

The recent development in the US aviation industry came against the backdrop of soaring fuel prices, labor expenses and overall management costs. It’s not uncommon for airlines to adjust baggage fees in response to changes in operation costs. With fuel charges and maintenance costs on the rise, airlines are struggling to return to profit in the post-COVID recovery phase. Consequently, major US carriers are resorting to increasing baggage fees to cover the inflated cost of transporting bags on short and medium-haul flights.

Moreover, baggage fee is among the major sources of ancillary revenue for airlines. According to recent data from the United States Department of Transportation, US airlines generated nearly 6.8 billion dollars in the form of baggage fee in 2022 and more than 5.5 billion dollars in the first nine months of 2023. This explains the trend of hiking checked baggage fees. More US airlines are expected to revise baggage fees taking cue from major carriers like JetBlue, American and United Airlines.

“By adjusting fees for added services that only certain customers use, we can keep base fares low and ensure customer favorites like seatback TVs and high-speed Wi-Fi remain free for everyone,” says JetBlue.

The post US Airlines Hike Checked Baggage Fee; Know whether You can Avoid Paying Extra for Checking in Your Bags appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Starting 29 October 2023, United Airlines will be operating daily nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila. The airline will deploy the largest aircraft in its fleet, Boeing 777-300ER, to operate its transpacific route to Manila. This wide-body aircraft offers 60 business class seats, 24 seats in premium economy cabin, and 266 seats in the economy class. Travelers booking United’s business class tickets to Manila will have access to the airline lounge at departing airport.

What are the nonstop flights between USA and Philippines?

At present, Philippine Airlines is the only airline operating nonstop flights from USA to Philippines. The airline flies nonstop from four US cities to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), the main international gateway to the Philippines. Here are the details of all the upcoming and existing nonstop flights from USA to Manila, the Philippines.

• Los Angeles (LAX) – Manila (MNL) by Philippine Airlines
  • Average flight time: 14 to 15 hours
  • Frequency: Double daily flights
• San Francisco (SFO) – Manila (MNL) by Philippine Airlines
  • Average flight time: 14 h 45 min
  • Frequency: Daily flights
• New York (JFK) – Manila (MNL) by Philippine Airlines
  • Average flight time: 17 hours
  • Frequency: Four flights a week
• Honolulu (HNL) – Manila (MNL) by Philippine Airlines
  • Average flight time: 11 hours
  • Frequency: Five flights a week
• San Francisco (SFO) – Manila (MNL) by United Airlines (29 October, 2023)
  • Frequency: Daily flights

Since the pre-pandemic times, demand has been on the rise for nonstop flights to Manila from Chicago, Seattle, and Texas where there is a sizable Filipino population. Understandably, nonstop Seattle, Chicago, and Houston to Manila flights are highly anticipated as the Philippine Government is looking forward to expanding air connectivity with the US in order to make long-haul travel comfortable for Filipinos and American travelers.

Whether you choose to fly nonstop or prefer connecting flights, you can stop by iEagle.com for cheap flight tickets to Cebu, Manila, and Clark City. iEagle.com, a trusted travel-booking partner of Filipinos in America, offers Philippines Airlines’ low fare deals for USA to Manila travel.

The post List of Nonstop Flights between USA and Philippines including United Airlines Direct Flights to Manila from SFO in OCT 2023 appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Filipinos with normal passports are eligible for visa-free entry to Taiwan. The Taiwanese government extended the visa-free entry program for Philippine passport holders until July 31, 2023. Filipinos, without a tourist or transit visa, can stay up to 14 days in Taiwan. Precisely, Filipino passengers of EVA Air can book a multi-city trip to Clark City from Houston with a long stopover in Taipei through July.

EVA Air is a Skytrax-certified 5-star airline. Recently, it has been adjudged as one of the 10 safest airlines in the world by AirlineRatings.com. EVA Air’s Premium Economy introduced in 1991 was the first of its kind in the world. Currently, Premium Economy is known as Elite Class on the Taiwanese carrier’s long-haul international flights. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston has been in the airline’s network since 2015.

Clark International Airport, EVA Air’s third gateway in the Philippines, serves Central Luzon, and Metropolitan Manila to some extent. Booking flights to CRK is an alternate way to travel to Manila during peak seasons, as Manila International Airport is a 50-mile drive from Clark City. Interestingly, northern Luzon Island beaches popular with tourists are nearer to Clark City Airport than Manila Airport. Travel time to the northern part of Luzon Island will be shorter for tourists from the US and Taiwan once EVA Air flights to Clark City become operational.

The post You can Now Book EVA Air Flights for Houston to Clark City Travel Starting in March 2023 appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

What is Real ID?

Real ID is a state driver’s license that meets a new set of federal security standards for domestic air travel within the United States. In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, in response to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. This Act imposes a set of security standards for license issuance and production, along with prohibiting Federal agencies from accepting certain ID cards from the states that do not meet the Act’s standards.

Real IDs can be used to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, and avail of certain federal services. US citizens who are traveling domestically via air will not be allowed to board the flight in case they don’t have a Real ID or any other acceptable form of identification. The Transport Security Administration does not require children under 18 to provide identification while traveling with a guardian within the United States. However, the guardian must have acceptable IDs. On the other hand, the Real ID cannot be used for land or sea travel, be it domestic or international.

How to get a Real ID? 

To get a Real ID, one must visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, along with a proof of identity, Social Security Number and two proofs of residence. For example, a birth certificate or valid US passport, a Social Security card or tax documents and a valid driver’s license with the current street address plus a recent utility bill. A Real ID can be recognized by a mark at the top of the card. There are five markings including a black star, a golden star, and a golden bear with a star.

Real ID-compliant US States

Currently, all the US states are Real ID-compliant except Oregon and Oklahoma, which are in extension; American Samoa and New Jersey are under review. TSA is currently accepting all driver’s licenses and ID cards from the states that are compliant or have an extension from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Deadline for Real ID

The final deadline for Real ID is October 1, 2020. In order to fly on commercial aircraft or access federal facilities, an individual must have visited their state’s driver’s licensing agency and obtained a REAL ID-compliant card, or an acceptable alternative such as a U.S. passport. Starting October 2020, federal agencies including DHS and TSA will only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Also Read: US IT Companies File $350 Million Lawsuit against USCIS

What IDs can be used instead of Real ID?

The alternate IDs that can be used instead of Real ID are – 

• US Passport
• US Passport Card
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• US Department of Defence ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by DMV
• Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 Personal Identification Verification card
• Foreign government-issued passports
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
• US Merchant Mariner Credential 
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID

According to DHS, enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by cities like Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered to be an acceptable alternative to Real ID-compliant cards. 

The DHS has stated that the Real ID is just a national set of standards that helps to make a citizen’s identity documents more consistent and secure. Real ID is not used to create a federal database of driver license information. On the other hand, each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances.

The post Real ID Act: All You Need to Know about Real ID Use, Application Process, Deadline, Alternatives appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

These days, multiple airlines offer over five different travel cabins including first-class, business-class, premium economy class, and economy class. Each of the classes has its own perks and amenities starting with pampering passengers to pick-up and drop service to hassle-free check-in and lounge facilities.

Premium economy is just an advanced version of the standard economy where the passengers are charged extra and are provided with a few extra perks and goodies. The perks include wider seats, extra legroom, priority boarding and more, depending on the airline you are traveling with. To get a better understanding, we’ll look into the difference between premium economy and standard economy along with the perks and amenities passengers are offered.

Air China: Premium Economy vs Economy 

Air China’s premium economy seats have a pitch of 39” (legroom) and do not recline. The seats have a multi-function meal table attached to them, along with a 12” HD screen, a personal storage space, a dedicated reading light, a personal USB port, and a power outlet. The airline only provides amenity kits for passengers on long haul flights. Passengers on Air China’s Premium Economy flights are allowed two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and one cabin baggage of up to 5 kg. 

Air China’s economy seats have an average pitch of 30-31” and the seat reclines an inch or two. Moreover, the in-flight entertainment depends on the type of aircraft you are traveling on; meal options include Western and Chinese. Check-in baggage allowance on Air China economy flights is the same as that Premium Economy of Air China permits.

China Southern Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy 

China Southern Airlines’ premium economy seats have a pitch of 35-38” depending on the aircraft; the seat is fixed at 123 degrees and does not recline. The seats have an adjustable headrest, a 10.8” screen, a dedicated reading light, a personal USB port, and a power outlet. China Southern Airlines’ premium economy passengers are allowed two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs) and one cabin baggage of up to 5 kg.

China Southern Airlines’ economy seats have a pitch of 32” with a fixed seat that does not recline. The seats have a personal 9” flat screen LCD TV, an adjustable headrest; meal options including Chinese and Western. Check-in baggage allowance on China Southern Airlines’ economy flights is the same as that of its premium economy.

American Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy 

American Airlines’ premium economy passengers are eligible for speedy check-in, fast security check, and priority boarding. The seats are 17.7” wide and have up to 37” legroom, with an adjustable headrest and footrest, along with a personal power outlet, a USB port, and free Wi-Fi. Also, passengers get the perks of having chef-inspired meals, complimentary beer, wine or spirit, a pair of noise-canceling headphones and an amenity kit. The baggage allowance for American Airlines’ premium economy flights comprises two pieces of check-in luggage, each weighing no more than 23 kg (50 lbs); one personal item, and one cabin bag that fits under your seat.

American Airlines’ economy aka the main cabin seats have 31” of legroom and are 17.2” wide. The seat just reclines an inch or two. On economy flights with American Airlines, passengers get perks such as complimentary snacks and drinks, along with a personal flat screen that has a wide variety of shows. American Airlines’ economy check-in baggage allowance is the same as that of the premium economy.

Delta Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy 

The perks of booking Delta Airlines’ Premium Economy or Delta Comfort Plus flights include priority boarding and seats with 34-inches of legroom. The features of Delta Comfort Plus include a dedicated overhead bin, a 9” screen, an amenity kit, a personal USB port and a pair of headsets. Moreover, Delta Comfort Plus flights also include Starbucks, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Delta Airlines’ Premium economy passengers can check-in two pieces of baggage for free; each weighing not more than 23 kg (50 lbs). 

Passengers of economy aka the main cabin in Delta Airlines are allotted with 32” of legroom. The seats are 17.2” wide and recline up to 4”. The amenities for main cabin passengers in Delta Airlines include complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, in-flight entertainment with a personal 9” screen and a pair of headsets. Check-in baggage allowance on Delta Airlines’ economy flights is the same as that of its premium economy.

Cathay Pacific: Premium Economy vs Economy 

Priority boarding is among the perks for Cathay Pacific’s premium economy passengers. They have access to a dedicated check-in counter at designated airports for speedy screening. The seats have a pitch of up to 39” and recline up to 8.5”, apart from having an adjustable footrest and leg rest. The features of Cathay Pacific’s premium economy flights include a 12” screen, an amenity kit,  a dedicated personal USB port, a power outlet and a pair of headphones. Passengers are also provided with complimentary snacks, drinks, and upgraded meals. Cathay Pacific’s premium economy flight tickets come with two pieces of check-in luggage up to 25 kg (55 lbs) each; two pieces of check-in luggage with a total of 35 kg (77 lbs) – in most flights, along with one cabin baggage of up to 7 kg (15 lbs).

Cathay Pacific’s economy seats have 32” of legroom and are 18.5” wide. The features for Cathay Pacific’s economy flights include a personal screen, a dedicated universal power plug under each seat, a pillow, a blanket, a pair of headphones, apart from the complimentary snacks and drinks. The baggage allowance for Cathay Pacific’s economy tickets are two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each; two pieces of check-in luggage with a total of 30 kg (66 lbs) – in most flights, along with one cabin baggage of up to 7 kg (15 lbs).

United Airlines: Premium Economy vs Economy  

There is not much difference between United Airlines’ Premium Economy aka Economy Plus and Economy Cabin. However, the United Economy Plus seats with 37” of legroom are more comfortable than the economy seats. The width of seats in both the travel classes – 17.3” – is the same though. 

Passengers of United Airlines’ economy class flights are allotted seats with 31” of legroom. The amenities include a 10” fully touch-controlled in-flight screen with limited content, shared USB ports, and universal power outlets, apart from complimentary beer and wine. United Airlines’s economy baggage allowance is one check-in bag of up to 23 kg (50 lbs), one personal item and one cabin bag that fits under your seat.

Air Canada: Premium Economy vs Economy 

As an additional benefit, Air Canada allows it’s premium economy passengers to access the airport lounge for free. The passengers are also eligible for priority boarding. The seats have around 38” of legroom and are 20” wide. The features for Air Canada’s premium economy tickets include an 11” personal screen, a dedicated USB port, a power outlet, an amenity kit, complimentary gourmet meals, drinks, and alcohol. The baggage allowance for Air Canada’s premium economy flights is two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin.

The economy seats in Air Canada are 17.3” wide and have at least 31” of legroom, along with an adjustable footrest. Air Canada’s economy class flights come with a 9” touchscreen TV, a pair of headsets, a dedicated reading light, a USB port, a power outlet, and complimentary meals and beverages. Baggage allowance for the economy tickets in Air Canada includes two pieces of check-in luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each and one cabin bag that fits inside the overhead bin.

The post Premium Economy Flights vs Economy Air Travel: Seats, Baggage Allowance, Services, Perks appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Philippines’ vaccination policy for inbound travel

If you are fully-vaccinated and can provide a proof of the same; you may be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines. The quarantine policy for international arrivals in the Philippines is similar to other countries. The final vaccine dose or the single-dose vaccine for passengers needs to be at least 14 days old prior to their arrival in the country.  You can check the approved list of vaccines with your airline.

Vaccinated travelers also need to produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 48 hours prior to their departure from the United States. They also require to self-monitor their symptoms for the next seven days upon their arrival. Manila International Airport’s arrival procedure may be different from other airports or destinations in the Philippines. So, it is advisable to be in the know of the entry requirements before you book cheap flights to Manila or anywhere in the Philippines.

Philippines’ Quarantine Policy

Non-vaccinated passengers need to undergo a 14-day quarantine period in a government-approved facility. On day 5 of the quarantine period, those testing negative for COVID-19 get some respite. They can complete the rest of the quarantine period at a private accommodation. Though they shall self-monitor their health for symptoms for the rest of the time.

Children below the age of 12 (those who cannot be vaccinated) need to follow the quarantine guidelines as applicable to their parents or accompanying guardians. Minors who are three years or younger and asymptomatic are exempt from testing. Minors with symptoms are required to undergo testing as per the protocol for safe arrival in the Philippines.

Other Requirements

Foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila shall purchase insurance for all COVID-19 treatment expenses. The minimum coverage requirement is USD 35000.

Foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines shall carry a proof of return travel as they need to produce it to the authorities at the airport. The return travel date must be within 30 days from the first day of arrival in the country. International travelers also need to register on the ‘Traze’ app, which is used by the authorities for the purpose of contact tracing.

You must fill in a ‘Case Investigation Form’ without your vaccination and personal details, at least three days before your arrival in the Philippines. You also need to register through ‘e-Health Declaration Card’ within a day of your departure. This form is for the Bureau of Quarantine.

The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) is hopeful to further ease travel restrictions by April this year. This is the latest update on the Philippines’ proposed lifting of the inbound travel ban. The government initially planned to slowly reopen international travel. But since they require to restart consular services internationally, the plan is to also fully open up the country to foreign travelers.

The Philippines’ entry regulations may be revised anytime as the pandemic scenario evolves. Watch out this space for any revision of the guidelines until your departure on cheap international flights to Philippines from USA or any other country.

The post Traveling to Manila or Cebu City? Check Philippines’ Vaccination and Quarantine Policy for International Arrivals appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Vaccination drives being in full swing across geographies have set the passage to a V-shape recovery for Thailand’s tourism-backed economy, which is currently in doldrums. The country is mulling over plans to welcome vaccinated tourists and exempt them from 14-day mandatory quarantine. The plan under consideration is titled “Welcome Back to Thailand Again”. 

To be effective in the third quarter of 2021, Thailand’s ‘Welcome Back to Thailand Again’ campaign is aimed at attracting tourists who have been or will be inoculated with complete dosage of vaccines against the Novel Coronavirus. The entry requirements, except usual visas, will be far relaxed for them. Vaccinated tourists can head to their favorite beaches and islands without institutional quarantine upon arrival in Thailand.

“The Welcome Back to Thailand Again” plan, once in effect, is expected to save an estimated 400,000 jobs in the hospitality sector and keep a similar number of people employed in other tourism-related sectors. The government of Thailand is keen on executing the campaign; that’s why it is being promoted in the neighboring countries, including China. The Welcome Back to Thailand Again is the answer to ‘When will Thailand reopen for tourists?’

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