Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – As the conflict in Iran goes on, air travel around the globe is being disrupted.
Newswatch reporter Jonathan Schwitzerlette talks with experts at Virginia Tech about what travelers can do to prepare for their business trips and vacations.
Spring break is just around the corner, but the war in Iran is causing problems for travelers domestically and abroad. Professors of hospitality and tourism at Virginia Tech, Nancy McGehee and Mahmood Khan, weigh in on the war’s effects on travel.
“Whether it’s plane, train, or automobile, no matter how you’re traveling, those rising fuel costs are going to have an impact on either what goes in your gas tank or the tickets that you purchase,” said McGehee.
Khan added, “Where the disturbance is taking place is in the center of the world. And so all the flights that are coming in and going—they get interrupted.”
With flights rerouted and grounded in the Middle East, the effect is being felt across the rest of the world as there are fewer options for flyers. But despite all the roadblocks, the experts still believe eager travelers shouldn’t cancel, as long as they plan accordingly.
“Plan the trip well ahead of time,” said Khan. “Be sure that you take into account all the conditions of the destination…”
Travelers should also check with the Department of State for any international travel advisories, see if flights are being delayed, and look into travel insurance—especially policies that can be cancelled anytime.
But above all…Travelers should act quickly.
McGehee warns, “If you’re planning on flying, make those ticket purchases sooner rather than later, because I anticipate that the prices are going to continue to rise.”
At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do to avoid issues. If all else fails, take McGehee’s advice:
“Pack your patience, know that there are going to be potential delays… Allow yourself at least 2 hours at the airport if you’re going domestically and three if you’re going internationally. There are probably few better places than to consider a staycation in southern West Virginia, so you might want to think about that as well.”
