Is It Possible to Fly from Europe to the US via the UK or Ireland?
The situation surrounding travel restrictions is continuously evolving, and understanding the nuances of these changes can be crucial for individuals seeking to plan their journeys. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the possibility of traveling from Europe to the United States via UK or Ireland, despite flight restrictions imposed on citizens of the Schengen Area.
Understanding Travel Restrictions in Europe
It's important to clarify the specific restrictions in place. Although flights from Europe to the US have been impacted, not all European nationals are banned. For instance, citizens of the Schengen Area face these limitations. However, Swiss International Airlines has made a notable statement, maintaining flights to Newark and Chicago, suggesting that specific routes and airlines may still have operational exceptions.
The challenge comes from the fact that US airline policies require the approval of the passenger manifest for every flight to the US. Any passengers identified as being from the Schengen Area might face difficulties in boarding, as evidenced by the complications faced by individuals trying to fly from London or Dublin.
Alternative Routes and Airline Approaches
Despite these challenges, it is possible to circumvent the restrictions. For example, individuals can fly from Europe to countries like Morocco and then connect flights to the US. The key here is self-transferring rather than through-ticketing. When you self-connect, your departure airport only shows the flight from the Moroccan hub, avoiding the detection that could come with through-ticketing where the initial European airport is visible.
Moreover, recent reports indicate that various airlines are implementing temperature checks, which can add another layer of security to your journey. While this measure might lead to delays, it is a common precautionary step taken by airlines to ensure the health and safety of their passengers.
Misconceptions and Realities of Travel Policies
The situation is somewhat complex and can often be misunderstood. There is a common misconception that all flights from Europe to the US are halted. In reality, the restrictions apply specifically to citizens of the Schengen Area, excluding countries like Ireland, and some non-EU countries like Switzerland. This group is selected for no apparent reason, as passport checks are not health screenings.
However, the measures being implemented are more a show of action aimed at Trump's base voters to reassure them. It is clear that Wall Street and the financial markets are not swayed by such measures, and they will not be satisfied with minor changes like tax cuts.
Given the fact that the virus has already spread widely in the US, with almost certainly thousands of undetected cases due to a lack of testing, these travel restrictions are likely to be ineffective in curbing the spread of the virus while potentially damaging the economy. Weeks ago, measures like these, if taken with more exceptions, might have had some impact, but that time has long passed.
To sum up, while it is possible to navigate the current travel restrictions by finding alternative routes or airlines, the overall effectiveness of these measures is questionable. Individuals seeking to travel should stay informed and be open to adapting their travel plans as regulatory environments continue to evolve.