Starting November 3, 2025, EVA Air will operate five weekly flights from DFW to Taipei and provide further connections to the Philippines, China, and Japan. While this route will most likely get Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, details about the aircraft are yet to be confirmed. The Taiwanese airline is also planning to serve two more cities—Boston (BOS) and Washington DC (IAD) in the next phase. However, details about these destinations are yet to be revealed by the airline. Stay tuned to get the latest updates on that!

The Dallas-Taipei travel market is quite small given only 24,000 passengers traveled along this route in a year, as of the July 2024 data. However, the airline is looking beyond point-to-point traffic and aiming to connect passengers from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex on flights to Philippines and other Asian destinations through Taipei. The decision to launch passenger flights to Dallas resonates with the airline’s vision of “Flying into the Future”. 

EVA Air’s upcoming Dallas route seems to be an alternative to the airline’s existing flights from Houston. It flies daily to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Direct DFW to Taipei flights will seamlessly connect Americans other than the Chinese and Filipino expats to Manila, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hanoi for holiday trips. Filipinos from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area will get one-stop Dallas to Manila flights via Taipei.       

In the next phase, two more US cities, Boston and Washington DC, may be connected directly to Taipei and neighboring countries. These cities have been shortlisted strategically since they house a considerable population of Asian immigrants including Filipinos who book flights to Cebu and Manila. As per the latest data, approximately 200,000 Filipino Americans live in the DMV region (Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia); and around 27,000 in Boston and neighboring cities. So they will get a seamless one-stop connection to their home destinations via Taipei.

The post It’s Official: EVA Air Flights to Dallas Taking off in 2025; Plans in Place to Connect Boston & Washington DC appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Currently, Philippine Airlines boasts a whopping market share of 40-50% in the US-Philippines travel corridor. It aims to further increase its market share by expanding its US network both through direct/indirect flights and codes-haring. PAL has picked Chicago, Houston, and Las Vegas strategically as these cities house hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. Let’s see what numbers have to say:

• Chicago: One of the top cities for Filipino Americans, with approximately 145,000 Filipinos living in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Houston: A major hub for Filipino Americans! The state of Texas houses more than 222,000 Filipinos, mostly concentrated in and around Houston, thanks to its size and diversity.
• Las Vegas: A great number of Filipinos (around 147,000) reside in the Las Vegas metro area due to ample employment opportunities in the hospitality and service industries​.

The post Philippine Airlines Plans Nonstop Flights to Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas in 2025; A Direct Competition to EVA Air appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

As per a report in the fiscal 2022, CBP confiscated more than 25 million forged goods from international travelers flying into the US. This suggests how serious the penalties can be if a passenger bypasses the rules of the CBP.

The CBP has intensified the enforcement efforts at the US airports to nullify the inflow of counterfeit items. As soon as the products of international brands are found to be fake, they are not only seized but also destroyed. There were quite a few instances where travelers have had goods confiscated upon investigation by the CBP officers.   

In one of the recent incidents at a US airport, a South Asian traveler was stopped and questioned about the brand authenticity of some items that he had bought for his family members in the US. The items were seized for having a fake brand label. Although he tried to get back the seized items, he suffered a loss to evade further penalties.

Counterfeit goods are prevalent globally, with major hubs in Asia. In China, key markets include the Silk Market and Han City in Shanghai, as well as the Garment Wholesale Center and AP Plaza. The Greenhills Shopping Center in Manila serves as a significant market in the Philippines, while South Korea’s Dongdaemun Saebit Market is notable for counterfeit products. These locations are known for selling a wide range of counterfeit items, posing challenges to intellectual property enforcement and consumer protection efforts.

So, to avoid facing any sort of penalty, let’s get well-informed about the US regulations for travelers with counterfeit brand items?

CBP allows travelers to carry only one counterfeit good of each apparel and accessory for personal use. Carrying more than one fake piece per category like shirts, handbags, shoes, wristwatches, is deemed to be an act of non-compliance of the CBP regulations that can lead to some serious consequences.

One of the recent reports suggest that the global market for counterfeit luxury items is estimated to be $4.2 trillion. The increased inspection at the US airports is in line with the efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights (IPR) of international brands, specifically those based in the US. 

In essence, the major intention of such heightened investigation is to enhance the safety, economy, security and mitigate environmental risks posed by the forged goods flowing into the US.

The post Traveling to USA with Counterfeit Brand Items? Check Regulations to Evade Seizure of Items or Penalties on Your Arrival appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

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.

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.

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.

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