Predictably, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory following yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels.
The advice for Americans traveling in Europe was equally predictable: “U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation.”
RELATED: The World’s 10 Most (and Least) Expensive Cities
Other recommendations:
Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions. Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency. Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
What gives these boilerplate warnings extra heft is this pronouncement: “Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation.” No hedging there. No “might be” or “could be” or “alleged to be.” The State Department apparently knows that further attacks are planned, sooner rather than later.
The alert remains in effect through June 20.
I wouldn’t let the recent tragedy in Brussels derail a planned European trip. But neither would I dismiss the State Department’s warnings and suggestions.
Let’s be safe out there!
Reader Reality Check
How do acts of terrorism affect your travel planning?
More from SmarterTravel: This Week, American Devalues AAdvantage SeaWorld’s Killer Whale Program to End – Can Zoos Survive? For Sale: Virgin America?
After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Enter the Holland America Line “Choose Your Cruise” sweepstakes by March 31, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-day Holland America Line cruise for two to the winner’s choice of Alaska, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, or Europe, including most onboard meals.
It’s been awhile since Hyatt’s last systemwide bonus promotion. That will be remedied beginning next month, with a new offer that, at least for high-frequency travelers, will have been well worth the wait.
Enter the Jarlsberg “Perfect Pairing” sweepstakes by September 12, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a four-night trip for two people to Oslo, Norway, including air and hotel.
Enter the American Airlines “Your Vacation Spot” sweepstakes by April 1, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a $10,000 American Airlines Vacations travel voucher.
Update, September 18: The FAA has issued updated guidance regarding usage of Samsung Galaxy 7 phones in flight, stating “passengers may not turn on or charge the devices when they carry them on board a plane. Passengers must also protect the devices from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and must not pack them in checked luggage.” The statement does not mention if any penalties are associated with failure to comply with this guidance. Read the full statement here.
When American Airlines merged with US Airways, American’s disgruntled unions were unanimous in their support for what amounted to a hostile takeover of the much-larger American by Doug Parker and his mid-sized US Airways.
In April, when the FAA removed restrictions on additional flights at Newark Liberty International Airport, the hope was that other airlines would increase their share of the airport’s flights, in the process eroding United’s dominance and near-monopoly pricing in that important market.
In the airline’s first major initiative since replacing CEO Jeff Smisek with Oscar Munoz, United today announced details of a major upgrade to its international business-class product.