Travelers in Europe face record heat; UK transit officials urge caution
First came long lines at airports, then challenges with luggage. Now travelers in Europe must contend with another factor: Mother Nature. Temperatures could reach triple digits this coming week in parts of Europe, adding an extra layer of hassle to an already complicated summer travel picture.
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U.K. leaders met Saturday to discuss the record heat forecast for the early part of this week, with government meteorologists predicting temperatures could reach as high as 104°F in London. The country's Met Office (the UK's version of the National Weather Service) has issued its first-ever “Red Warning” ahead of the impending extreme heat, which has hit other parts of Europe in recent days.
Accuweather calls this Europe’s worst heat wave in well over 200 years, and it's had a profound effect across Europe. Southern France has faced wildfires, with more than 3,000 firefighters now working to put out the flames, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a tweet Friday.
The fires are prompting evacuations in parts of France, including in Bordeaux, a popular region for tourism.
Related: Why flying out of hot, high airports is tough
Meanwhile, London transit officials worked this weekend to inspect air conditioning units on the Tube and rail lines and prepare for tracks that could be at risk of bending and buckling under the extreme temperatures.
Transport for London (TfL), which operates the UK capital city’s Tube and rail lines urged people to stay home during the early part of the week.
“Customers should only use London’s transport network for essential journeys,” TfL Chief Operating Officer Andy Lord said in a statement Saturday.
The warnings come at a time when more U.S. travelers are visiting Europe than at any point in recent years, with COVID-19 restrictions significantly loosened both in the U.S. and overseas.
If you or a loved one is expected to be in Europe this coming week, it's a good idea to start planning ahead. For travelers in London, that could mean considering sightseeing options that don't involve a trek too far across the city, given the recommendations to avoid too much travel on public transportation.
While U.S. travelers are accustomed to air conditioning domestically, they won’t necessarily find it everywhere abroad. While many of the large hotel chains in London have air conditioning, many other places do not. That could mean not being able to cool down an Airbnb or rental property the same way you could at your home in the midst of a heat wave.
Travelers on a trip within Europe may want to pick indoor tourist activities on Monday and Tuesday. Those who expect to be outdoors on the hottest days may want to plan accordingly, with extra water and light clothing.
The same can be said for those expecting to fly on the hottest days. In Amsterdam, where temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s early this coming week, passengers have had to wait in security lines outdoors when air traffic volume has surged this summer, so you should be prepared for that possibility.
Related: Tips if you're headed to Europe this summer
This summer in Europe has already been challenging for many travelers who have had to contend with travel disruptions and crowds. Now record heat is forcing yet another layer of potential discomfort on visitors.
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Rewards Rate
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.Earn 80,000 PointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees