As the violence in Mexico disrupted travel and the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, and amid the US Department of State's Worldwide Caution,
travel advisors are counseling clients not to panic about their spring break plans.
While the number of cancelled flights throughout the Middle East is daunting – a CBS News story said that FlightAware, a flight-tracking
service, reported that upward of 2,400 flights were canceled on Sunday – advisors said they are not witnessing any major travel concerns regarding spring break trips.
Spring Break Travel Being Impacted?
“At this time, we have not seen any significant cancellations directly affecting our clients, but we are proactively monitoring itineraries, especially those connecting through major international hubs, so we can step in quickly if adjustments are needed,”
said Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel Services.
“Over the past few years, travelers have become more adaptable to schedule adjustments, and working with a travel advisor ensures they have immediate support if disruptions occur,” she added. “For travelers heading to Europe or domestic destinations,
trips can continue as planned with normal situational awareness.”
The biggest impact on her clients’ travel plans is the prospect of flight schedule changes or re-routings, particularly on itineraries that pass through or near the Middle East, Migliaccio said. “Airlines are adjusting routes as needed, sometimes with
little notice, so it is important for travelers to keep an eye on their flights and remain flexible.”
On a broader level, Migliaccio said she is “reminding clients that this is simply a situation to stay aware of and not a reason to cancel or panic.”
She is also encouraging customers to stay informed by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, reviewing their travel insurance for trip interruption coverage and allowing extra time at the airport for international departures.
From Mexico to the Maldives: Managing Logistics, Not Fear
For Janel Carnero, a luxury advisor with Embark Beyond many
spring trips remain largely unaffected beyond the Middle East. “We are absolutely managing the ripple effects in specific regions,” she said. “The main concern for travelers right now shouldn’t be panic but rather the logistical realities of sudden
airspace closures, flight re-routings and local shelter-in-place orders.”
“The last nine days have been incredibly tense, long, and demanding,” she added, noting that the agency is in “an all-hands-on-deck” mode.
“We have had to rapidly adjust everything from clients impacted by the sudden road blockades and airport closures in Nayarit, Mexico, last week, to this week’s airspace closures over the Maldives, to counseling families traveling to Egypt who are understandably
worried about proximity to the strikes in Iran,” Carnero said.
Travel Is Shifting, Not Stopping
Her biggest piece of advice to clients is to lean on their advisors while staying flexible.
“With everything happening globally, this past week has highlighted exactly why travelers use a professional and solidified the deep trust we share with our clients, Carnero said. “Travel is not stopping; it is simply shifting.”
The agency is receiving thousands of messages a day as its “network of advisors helps each other in real-time – making adjustments to current bookings, securing new ones and providing concrete, factual answers to our clients every step of the way,” she
added. “We are there for them 24/7.”
For her part, Suzy Schreiner, owner of Azure Blue Vacations, sends notes out to clients with immediate travel plans, unless contacted
directly by others.
“I always keep my responses brief, positive and directed towards official resources,” she said. “In the case of the most recent advisory, it is not likely that, say, my clients flying to Ireland will necessarily be affected by airport closures, but I
do advise them to keep an eye on their flights, plan for possible delays and get to the airport early.”
And Schreiner puts a positive spin on that.
“I like to ‘lighten the mood’ by stating that early airport arrival gives them an opportunity to start their vacations with a glass of champagne!” she said.
While the U.S. State Department recommends Americans exercise increased caution, the impact on spring break travel should be minimal, especially for those using travel advisors.
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