Hello - Was anyone else planning to take advantage of the Double Miles offer on this new route? I have not seen anything from Continental regarding plans - perhaps they are waiting it out like me to see how things develop? I'd like to take advantage of what seems to be a great fare, but what would happen if they decided not to fly the route?

I'd be flying XX-CAI-EWR-CAI-XX and had been thinking a few days in Cairo to see the pyramids. I could change this to Istanbul and get a flight that would only require an airport transit in CAI. Or do you think the military will be able to keep order and allow tourism to rebound? When should I book the flight?

I just got back from Cairo last month (was a lifelong dream that I finally lived out - got engaged in front of the Pyramids too!) and if you plan on going to the Pyramids, that is far enough away from Central Cairo that any plans shouldn't be affected. In fact, if you go and want to stay at one of the best places to see the Pyramids, stay at the Sphinx Guest House. It is directly ACROSS THE STREET from the Pyramids and they have a rooftop you can go up to and just drink tea and stare in amazement.

From what I've been reading, things are better there now...so even going into Central Cairo shouldn't be too much of a problem. It was just during the protests that things were a bit dicey.

If you need any information, just let me know! I can send you trip photos and an itinerary that we used for trip ideas you may want.

I would go ahead and book the flight, but maybe get trip insurance to keep your option open to back out in the event something over there flares up again.

Go ahead and book it...you will be fine...the last of the curfew is getting lifted in a few days, banks are re-opening tomorrow...stock exchange will open thereafter...the country relies too heavily on tourism...trust me...they are doing everything they can now to get everything re-vamped again in a jiffy...

Egypt is a beautiful country and you will love it...just keep in mind that summertime is extremely hot...

I loved my trip to Egypt 3 years ago, then there was tension too, mostly riots in bread lines, and at gas stations, nothing I was going to be doing. Arranged a car to pick me up at the airport through the hotel, and stayed at the Le Meridian Pyramids, and always arranged a car through them. Just be more alert than most places, and watch your surroundings. I do recommend the Le Meridian, great views, I had a room with a view of the Pyramids. It is on a noisy street though.

i paid less than $1k for a ticket in late august. the 2x miles sealed the deal for me. as for the warm temperatures that time of year, hopefully the tan will be worth it.

I cancelled a trip to Egypt, and am waiting until the State Department gives the OK to go. The question is how long will it be before a civilian police presence is fully restored? According to the US State Department, Libya, Egypt and Mali should be avoided.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...w/tw_5347.html

Travel Warning
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Egypt
February 18, 2011

The U.S. Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Egypt. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated February 6, 2011, to update information on the ongoing security and political situation in Egypt.

On February 1, the Department of State ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Egypt due to the ongoing political and social unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo remains on ordered departure status, with only emergency personnel remaining. All family members and non-emergency personnel have evacuated.

Due to continuing uncertainties regarding the restructuring of Egyptian government institutions, the security situation remains unresolved. Until the redeployment of Egyptian civilian police is fully restored, police response to emergency requests for assistance or reports of crime may be delayed. The Embassy�s ability to respond to emergencies to assist U.S. citizens is also significantly diminished. The Embassy�s current staff level reduces the ability to travel to areas outside of Cairo where the level of security remains unclear.