What Travelers Need to Know About the Military Coup in Turkey
Update: The following airlines have now issued travel waivers:
Turkey is a fantastic country to visit. TPG loved his time there, despite encountering some security challenges upon his return to the US, there have been fantastic airfares and we recently shared several reasons to consider planning a trip of your own. Unfortunately, following the recent terror attack at Ataturk Airport (IST) and now tonight's military coup, it may be wise to consider other destinations, instead.
First, to recap Turkey's current situation, it appears that the military is attempting a coup in order to take power from President Erdogan. Wikipedia has the most comprehensive coverage of the event, but note that sources may be unverified. According to reports, the military coup began around 11pm local time on July 15. It appears that the military has taken control of some of the country's infrastructure, including the state television network. Additionally, all flights to and from IST airport have been canceled.
If You're in Turkey Now
The first thing you need to do if you're in the country now is to let your friends and family know that you're safe, so they don't use limited resources in an attempt to contact you. If you can't call or text, post an update on social media if you have access to VPN (as social media is otherwise blocked), or contact one family member and ask them to update others on your behalf. Despite the President's suggestion to take to the streets, you should stay indoors, and don't head to the airport, bus or train stations until you can confirm that it's safe to travel (and that travel options are available).
As we've recommended in our post Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling Abroad, you should also register for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so US government officials in Turkey can contact you for evacuation if necessary. If you're staying at a hotel, contact the staff for updates as necessary, and consider monitoring local news reports and the US State Department's Twitter account.
Here's the latest update from the US Embassy in Ankara:
U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that shots have been heard in Ankara and both bridges in Istanbul, Bosphorous and Fatih Sultan Mehmet, are now closed. The Turkish Government states that elements of the Turkish army are attempting an uprising, security forces are taking action to contain it, and some buildings are under blockade. We urge U.S. citizens to contact family and friends to let them know you are safe. We have seen reports that social media is blocked, but you can contact friends and family by email, telephone, or SMS. We encourage U.S. citizens to shelter in place and do not go the U.S. Embassy or Consulates at this time. Monitor local press for updates, avoid areas of conflict, and exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of any military or security forces.
If You're Planning a Trip Soon
As the airport is currently not accepting flights, it's very likely that your travel plans will be impacted if you're planning to fly to or through IST within the next few days. While most airlines have yet to issue travel waivers, if your flight is already canceled you may request a change or refund now. If your flight is still scheduled, contact the airline and request to change or cancel your flight for a refund, unless you still want to travel to Turkey and your flight is operating as scheduled.
As Turkish Airlines is a major Star Alliance carrier and partner of Air Canada, United and many international airlines, it's possible that you may be booked on a flight issued by another airline but operated by Turkish, so be sure to check your itinerary. As these flights will most likely require a connection in Istanbul, contact the airline that issued your ticket and request to be re-routed through another airport on a flight not operated by Turkish.
If You're Visiting in the Future
Your decision of whether or not to travel to Turkey soon will likely depend on the outcome of today's military action. If you decide not to travel as planned and your bookings are non-refundable, your travel agency, airline or hotel may be willing to make an exception given the circumstances. While airline travel waivers are only valid on certain dates, once they're issued (likely tomorrow morning), the airline may allow you to cancel your travel even for dates far into the future, or an agent may opt to allow you to apply the value of your ticket to another booking without paying a change fee. If all else fails, call your credit card issuer to see if you're eligible for a credit or refund of some of the charges related to an unused trip.
Are you currently visiting Turkey? Please share your experience in the comments below.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.