CAI Cairo flight connections
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2
CAI Cairo flight connections
Hi,
I'm set for an amazing trip to Asia but I am supposed to return from Bangkok through Cairo. There are no other awards left at my rewards level, and as this is an extensive trip, I've used all my miles. Should I be worried about the current US State Dept travel warning about just connecting through the Cairo Airport?
Would love some help from some experience travelers!
Thanks,
Cheryl
I'm set for an amazing trip to Asia but I am supposed to return from Bangkok through Cairo. There are no other awards left at my rewards level, and as this is an extensive trip, I've used all my miles. Should I be worried about the current US State Dept travel warning about just connecting through the Cairo Airport?
Would love some help from some experience travelers!
Thanks,
Cheryl
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 2, 2015 at 8:05 am Reason: Restore original post title
#2
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,933
#3
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
I wouldn't sweat it. Unless they shut down the airline or the airport, which doesn't look likely, a quick connection through the airport isn't going to be a problem. Despite what you read on the news, there are plenty of people going about their daily business in Egypt.
#4
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
Where is the State Department warning about connecting through the Cairo airport? I don't see that. I would be cautious about travel to Egypt, but not about just connecting through the airport. Unless there's an actual warning I haven't seen.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: PDX/AUS
Programs: AA-UA-AS IHG-SPG-Carlson
Posts: 4,562
I don't think the warning mentions connecting at airport.
I would do it, although I suppose
it kinda depends on the connection,
i.e. is it one that could easily mis-connect?
Same airline?
I would do it, although I suppose
it kinda depends on the connection,
i.e. is it one that could easily mis-connect?
Same airline?
#6
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
I wouldn't worry about safety, but I would worry about the possibility of getting stuck for an extended period at the airport, if there's some problem with your outgoing flight. At least make sure you have clothes with you!
#7
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,933
Seriously, I traveled in and out of BKK for several years when the "Red Shirts" burnt down parts of Sukhumvit, and we were staying one block away @ The Marriott. I managed to avoid flying in and out of Suvarnabhumi when the "Yellow Shirts" occupied all terminals. These disturbances also caused us to hold up in our condo for a few days when the military did a Coup d'état. We heard explosions for 2 days below our hotel and a kid in the army from my wife's village was shot in the chest on a street in Bangkok, and was killed while we were there.
Thai's love Farangs, but many Egyptians hate American's, so just a word to the wise, don't always willy-nilly follow FTer's advise, especially when they are sitting safely at home telling you to Go-4-it!
On a tour of Egypt about 15 years ago we had 2 guys with Uzi's escorting us on our bus and on our flights for 10 days because as we were told, some dissidents want nothing more than to stop foreigners from going there to screw up Egypt's economy by causing tourists to stay away.
I agree with others, transiting the airport should be fine as I'm sure that there is more than enough army personnel around to make travel safe.
Have a fun and safe journey!^
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
On a tour of Egypt about 15 years ago we had 2 guys with Uzi's escorting us on our bus and on our flights for 10 days because as we were told, some dissidents want nothing more than to stop foreigners from going there to screw up Egypt's economy by causing tourists to stay away.
#11
Suspended
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
I would guess that if you're ready to return from Bangkok and there is a further State Department advisory or evacuation then UA would probably be willing to reroute you on a less convenient route without charging you more. I guess that's not guaranteed, though.
#13
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
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Posts: 7,657
There is no impact on flights to and from CAI.
#14
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,961
I would feel safer connecting through CAI now than a few days ago. Either is safe enough. But no one can tell you that there is no risk, and everyone's risk tolerance and psychology is different.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Flying Through Cairo Airport
I have a United award travel flight from BKK to JFK with a 5 hour layover in Cairo. United will not reroute me because the flight to Cairo is on Egypt Air and due to limited availability of this route in August, my only other option is to shell out another 30K miles to fly business class.
What do the experts advise I do? Is it safe to transit through the Cairo Airport?
What do the experts advise I do? Is it safe to transit through the Cairo Airport?