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The FAA Prohibits Flights Departing Turkey From Entering the US
Zach Honig
Contributor
July 16, 2016
•
2 min read
The FAA Prohibits Flights Departing Turkey From Entering the US
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This is terrible news for Turkish Airlines, one of the Star Alliance's largest international carriers. Due to the ongoing situation in Turkey, the Federal Aviation Administration has banned all aircraft departing from Turkey from entering the United States — including planes that stop at another international airport before continuing on to the US.
Here's a statement explaining the decision from the US Embassy in Turkey:
U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens that routes to Istanbul's Ataturk airport are open; however, we are still hearing reports of sporadic gunfire. Security at Ataturk airport is significantly diminished and U.S. government employees have been instructed not to attempt to travel to and from Ataturk airport. Per the Federal Aviation Administration's notice to airmen (NOTAM) dated July 15, 2016, U.S. airline carriers are prohibited from flying to or from Istanbul and Ankara airports. All airline carriers, regardless of country of registry, are prohibited from flying into the United States from Turkey either directly or via third country.
The notice to airmen was likely issued following entirely nonexistent security at IST airport last night, in which non-screened individuals were seen walking throughout the secure area, including on the tarmac. Until the airport and all aircraft on the ground can be throughly inspected, it's impossible to declare the airport secure.
While there aren't currently any US airlines that operate service to Turkey (even with a connection), Turkish Airlines does offer service to a handful of destinations in the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The airline will not be able to operate flights to any of these destinations until the FAA restriction is lifted, which could take days, weeks or even months.
If you're currently booked on a flight operated by Turkish Airlines, or your itinerary includes flights that connect in Turkey, contact the airline that issued your ticket to discuss your options. If your flight is canceled, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Were you planning to fly from the US to Turkey soon?
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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. |
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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.Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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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.
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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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- Annual Fee is $325.
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