The Weekly Update: March 10, 2022 Issue

We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

What effects is the war in Ukraine having on travel?

As news of the war in Ukraine raises concerns about travel, here are key points to consider as the situation evolves. Updates as of 03/09/2022.

• What overall impact will this conflict have on travel? Recent sanctions against Russia have driven up fuel prices, leading to higher air travel costs, which will be felt more immediately by rental car users at the pump.
• Can I currently fly to Europe? While some US travelers express concern over their summer travel plans, airlines are still operating flights to most destinations, except conflict zones, and are avoiding Eastern European airspace.
• Is flying to Russia an option? Last week, the US government announced that it would close its airspace to Russian aircraft, joining other countries in implementing similar measures.
• Will my international flight be rerouted? According to the AP, many airlines operating in and near Ukraine are adjusting routes or canceling flights as a safety precaution to steer clear of potential conflict.
• How can I contribute? As we keep a close watch on the developments in Ukraine and Russia, here is a list of organizations you can support in Ukraine and beyond.

The TSA PreCheck

Alongside the ongoing developments in Ukraine and Russia, here are the other leading travel stories making waves this week.

• What’s the latest regarding travel mandates? Numerous domestic and international destinations have further relaxed COVID-19 regulations, offering good news for spring travelers – check out these highlights.
• BREAKING: TSA extends the mask mandate. While the CDC recently revised mask guidelines, today the TSA confirmed that masks are still mandatory for public transportation, including flights, until April 18.
• Regarding masks… Several cruise lines, such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, will no longer require masks in most indoor areas.
• TSA PreCheck expands to the Bahamas. The Transportation Security Administration recently declared that PreCheck travelers will receive priority at its first international site in Nassau.

Voices from the Community

Insights from our traveler community that can enhance your own experiences.

Explore iconic leaders at historic sites. In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we recently spoke with travel creator, drone pilot, and podcast host, Christine Lozada, about her adventures and her insights on empowering fellow women travelers. In this article, Christine shares her inspirations for traveling and safety tips that encourage spontaneous travel experiences. Visit the Travel Hacker blog to learn more about Christine’s journey and her recommendations for making the most of solo trips.