
The war with Iran is having ripple effects across the world, including for travelers. Thousands of planned flights and excursions have been canceled, and many people aren't getting refunds for those canceled trips.
Amid the disruptions to travel, the airport security program Global Entry is returning to airports Wednesday.
The Department of Homeland Security says the program is being reactivated after it was suspended during the partial government shutdown. The fee-based program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers coming into the United States.
At the time of its suspension, DHS officials said it was reassigning personnel from the program to assist the broader traveling public. Now that it's back up and running, and war continues in the Middle East, it's putting a pause on international airspace.
Experts say paying for travel insurance and credit card protections such as trip interruption and cancellation insurance does little to no good in compensating travelers during acts of war.
"The vast majority of travel insurance policies, as well as those credit card protections... will not cover acts of. They certainly won't cover trips that you purchase from this point onward, knowing what's going on right now," said Eric Rosen, director of content of travel website "The Points Guy."
Longer security wait times could also be expected for Spring Break travel.
ABC News reports over 300 TSA officers have left the agency and the call-out rate has more than doubled since the partial government shutdown began.
When considering booking a trip over Spring Break or summer, travel experts say following these guidelines could help:
- Book refundable hotel rooms that you can cancel up to 24-48 hours in advance.
- Although it's sometimes the cheaper option, avoid booking "Basic Economy" airline tickets that won't let you change tickets or get a refund.
- Avoid third party travel booking when possible, and book with hotels and airlines directly.
And as always, check with your airline before heading to the airport in case any changes have been made. And give yourself enough time to get through security.