Benefits of PAL–Southwest partnership for travelers

Now passengers of nonstop Manila to SFO flights have seamless connections to the US cities where Philippine Airlines does not directly fly to. The same applies to those flying from Manila to Seattle with their final destinations located elsewhere in the US. The PAL-Southwest partnership facilitates single-ticket journeys to the final destination in the United States through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Honolulu.

Precisely, you can book flights between USA and Philippines with seamless domestic travel to/from Chicago, Phoenix, Austin, Houston, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Detroit, Denver, Charlotte, Boston, and other US cities. It eliminates the hassles of booking Southwest Airlines’ tickets separately and the worries about Southwest Airlines’ paid baggage allowance in the US. On top of that, Philippine Airlines’ checked baggage allowance (according to your travel class and fare type) applies to your domestic leg with Southwest Airlines.

EVA Air and China Airlines also partnered with Southwest

It seems that Southwest Airlines is an emerging populist carrier feeding international flights to and from USA. Other Asian carriers, like China Airlines and EVA Air operating flights between USA and Taiwan, have chosen Southwest Airlines as their interline partner. In August 2025, EVA Air signed an interline agreement with Southwest, allowing its travelers to fly far and wide in the US through LAX, SFO, ORD and SeaTac airports. China Airlines’ interline partnership with Southwest will take effect in January 2026.

Southwest’s new wheelchair policy applies to Philippine Airlines

Starting in 2026, Southwest Airlines will end its long-criticized wheelchair-first boarding policy. As a result, passengers transferring from Philippine Airlines to Southwest’s domestic flights within the US will no longer receive priority boarding at US airports. However, Southwest Airlines will continue to provide wheelchair assistance across its network.

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What is the new US entry and exit rule

According to the final rule published in the Federal Register in October 2025, the new US entry exit regulation requires CBP officers to take photographs and collect biometrics of all foreign citizens at airports, seaports, and land borders. The biometric data recorded when you arrive in the USA will be compared with the biometric data taken when you leave the country. If the departure data does not match the arrival records, you may face additional questioning, detention, or even deportation. In the worst cases, a mismatch can make aliens inadmissible to the United States for future travel.

Who are exempted from the new US entry exit system?

The Department of Homeland Security has clearly stated that the new biometric entry exit system applies to all non US citizens. Children below 14 years of age and elderly travelers over 79 years will also be photographed. The rule will remain mandatory for all visa categories including tourists, students, workers, and transit visitors. Only US citizens and US nationals are exempt from this biometric rule. The US-born children of foreign citizens fall under the exempt category since they are American citizens by birth.

Does the new US entry-exit rule apply to Green Card holders?

A big NO. Green Card holders are lawful permanent residents but not US citizens. Therefore, they must follow the same biometric entry exit procedures as all other foreign nationals. When Green Card holders travel internationally and return to the USA, CBP officers will require their photographs and record biometric details at arrival and departure points. Only their US-born children may be exempt from the requirement.

What is new about this system for foreigners’ entry to and exit from USA?

For many years, the United States has collected biometric information from select groups of foreign nationals during arrival. What is new is that the US government will now enforce a mandatory biometric entry exit system for all visitors and Green Card holders. Every traveler entering or leaving the USA will be photographed. The new entry-exit rule of the US is designed to reduce visa overstay cases, identify travelers using fraudulent documents, track individuals who violate immigration laws, and strengthen national security.

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With millions of fans expected to attend the tournament across the US, Mexico and Canada, the US government is gearing up to make international travel smoother. During the launch of FIFA Pass at the White House, both FIFA President Gianni and US President Trump said the country is ready to welcome fans from every corner of the world. This is the first time the United States is coordinating a priority visa program directly with FIFA.

United States’ FIFA Pass: Key points

• FIFA Pass gives faster US visa appointments
• Only official ticket holders qualify
• Standard visa rules still apply
• Full instructions will be released in early 2026
• FIFA Pass does not guarantee a US visa. It only helps get earlier interview slots

Why the US Government Launched FIFA Pass

Since this is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, the United States is seeing a huge influx of visa applications from fans across Asia, Europe, Africa and other regions. The 2026 edition will  feature 48 teams and over 100 matches across three North American countries. The US will host most of the games, including 78 matches in 11 cities, from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Both Canada and Mexico will host 13 matches each.

Millions of FIFA lovers are already searching the US embassy and consulate websites for B2 visa interview slots, alongside best flight deals to USA from China, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and other countries. Countries like the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and several others often face long US visa waiting times, which is why the US government introduced FIFA Pass to expedite the visa interview process. Look no farther than iEagle.com for unbeatable flight offers for the FIFA 2026 World Cup fans!

To support this, the US government is

• deploying hundreds of additional visa officers globally
• increasing interview capacity
• improving the visa scheduling system
• coordinating directly with FIFA for ticket verification

How to use FIFA Pass: Step-by-step guide

• Step 1: Buy your official FIFA World Cup ticket. Only official tickets are valid. Unofficial or resale tickets will not be accepted.

• Step 2: Wait for the FIFA Pass portal to open in early 2026. US Consulates and FIFA will share guidelines and verification steps.

• Step 3: Register your ticket on the FIFA Pass portal. This will connect your ticket information with US visa systems.

• Step 4: Complete the DS-160 visa form. This is the standard US visa application.

• Step 5: Once verified, you will get access to earlier and faster visa interview slots.

• Step 6: Attend your interview. Carry all required documents, including original FIFA match tickets.
• Step 7: Once your visa is approved, book flights to US host cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.

Does FIFA Pass Guarantee a US Visa

No. FIFA Pass only gives faster interview appointments. It does not replace any US immigration rules. B2 Visa approval to you will still depend on

• your documentation
• Your DS-160 form
• your background check
• your travel history
• your interview outcome

FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales Updates and Key Dates

FIFA World Cup ticket sales began on 10 SEP 2025, followed by a second phase from 27 to 31 OCT, with more than one million tickets already allocated. The third phase will open on 5 DEC 2025, allowing fans to request tickets for specific matches. A final sales window is planned for Spring 2026. Buying tickets early is important because FIFA Pass eligibility requires an official match ticket.

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That simple plea marked the launch of a nationwide initiative, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” a civility campaign by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The aim was not fashion policing but reviving a sense of decorum in air travel. The message was clear: when travel gets hectic, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday season brings the busiest travel days of the year, maybe what you wear can help shape how you behave.

Passenger behavior at airports and on flights has been a growing concern for the authorities. The FAA recorded more than 11,000 unruly passenger reports in the last few years. A study by a US travel group noted that one in five travelers admitted losing their temper at least once during a trip. In another survey, passengers listed lack of space, long lines and fellow travelers as the top reasons for stress. So the government’s logic is that better manners can lower tension and maybe even prevent small conflicts from turning into something bigger.

While Secretary Duffy focused on attire, his comments sparked a larger discussion. Many airlines, especially on long-haul business class flights, provide pajamas and slippers for inflight comfort. Premium cabins on Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Air India routinely include designer sleepwear for overnight flights. The nuance is that Duffy’s message targets boarding and airport behavior, not changing into pajamas after takeoff. The goal is to balance comfort and respect for shared spaces.

Under “The Golden Age of Travel” campaign, travelers are encouraged not only to avoid pajamas and slippers but also to show kindness and courtesy, while parents are reminded to keep an eye on their children’s behavior when flying. Duffy also urged them to help fellow passengers with overhead luggage, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to flight attendants, keep their shoes on, avoid putting feet on seats, and be mindful when reclining seats in economy class.

But the Internet had other plans. Netizens turned this into a complete debate show. On social media, one comment read: “I’ve got 99 problems and someone wearing pajamas on a plane ain’t one of them.” Others pointed to real frustrations. “Fix the tiny seats. Fix the delays. Don’t police our pajamas,” wrote one user on a travel forum. Another added that no matter what you wear, cramped overhead bins, long security lines, and overbooked flights make travel miserable — just a dress code won’t change that. One viral comment said the government should fix flight delays before fixing pajamas.

Many saw Duffy’s call as out-of-touch, especially during long flights to Taipei, Manila, Cebu, Beijing, Bangkok, and Singapore where comfort matters more than sophistication. Yet, some voices backed the idea. A few frequent flyers said airports often look sloppy. They believe better attire could improve overall mood. Some lifestyle experts even pointed out that clothes can influence behavior, and perhaps a neat shirt encourages a calm attitude more than bed‑time shorts.

The debate highlights a tension between comfort and civility. The campaign “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You” does not enforce rules but nudges travelers to consider how small actions and choices, including clothing, affect others in shared spaces. It also comes at a time when airlines are grappling with operational pressure, security challenges, weather-induced flight cancellations and growing passenger expectations after 43 days of the US government shutdown. However, DOT Secretary Duffy’s message is a playful reminder – air travel is also a shared social experience.

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Standing on the Baima Mountain in Chongqing, each of the two massive statues – one male and one female – holds a rotating platform. Swinging from ground level to the sky high reach, the Flying Kiss Ride overwhelms you with a most enticing panorama of lofty mountains and lush green valleys. Reflecting/enlivening the Chinese mythical story of two lovers, the statues appear to blow kisses as they reach the peak. 

China elevates cultural love through its Flying Kiss Ride in a contrasting theme park environment, and this cultural emblem is catching the attention of globetrotters.

In a short time, the Internet is overwhelmed with this not-to-miss ride story. The Flying Kiss Ride not just boosts your adventure streak, but takes you on a trip to a mythological love story. Its surrounding waist-high security gates simultaneously protect and allow you to move freely across the platform. Notably, the no-safety-harness feature makes it one of the most terrifying rides that you have ever come across in your lifetime. The climax of your adrenaline rush, as you reach the highest elevation, will efface the COVID backdrop in the blink of an eye.  

Travel enthusiasts’ elation can be clearly gauged by the stunning amalgamation of history and amusement in this thrilling ride. Get ready for an upbeat adventure on the Flying Kiss Ride in China.

The Flying Kiss Ride  (Baima Mountain) is a 2.5-hr road trip from the Chongqing International Airport and is a 3-hr drive from Beijing. Both Chongqing and Beijing are just a short domestic flight away from Shanghai International Airport. You can also enjoy breathtaking sightseeing across tea plantations and mountain valleys en route before hopping on to the thrilling ride.

Don’t let the pandemic beat your lust for adventure. Book your flights from USA to Beijing or Shanghai for cheap airfares and set the clock back to the pre-pandemic times. Log on to iEagle.com and get set – go!  

The post China’s Brand New ‘Flying Kiss Ride’ is World’s Tallest Attraction with No Seat Belts and Safety Gears appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Philippines’ vaccination policy for inbound travel

If you are fully-vaccinated and can provide a proof of the same; you may be exempt from quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines. The quarantine policy for international arrivals in the Philippines is similar to other countries. The final vaccine dose or the single-dose vaccine for passengers needs to be at least 14 days old prior to their arrival in the country.  You can check the approved list of vaccines with your airline.

Vaccinated travelers also need to produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 48 hours prior to their departure from the United States. They also require to self-monitor their symptoms for the next seven days upon their arrival. Manila International Airport’s arrival procedure may be different from other airports or destinations in the Philippines. So, it is advisable to be in the know of the entry requirements before you book cheap flights to Manila or anywhere in the Philippines.

Philippines’ Quarantine Policy

Non-vaccinated passengers need to undergo a 14-day quarantine period in a government-approved facility. On day 5 of the quarantine period, those testing negative for COVID-19 get some respite. They can complete the rest of the quarantine period at a private accommodation. Though they shall self-monitor their health for symptoms for the rest of the time.

Children below the age of 12 (those who cannot be vaccinated) need to follow the quarantine guidelines as applicable to their parents or accompanying guardians. Minors who are three years or younger and asymptomatic are exempt from testing. Minors with symptoms are required to undergo testing as per the protocol for safe arrival in the Philippines.

Other Requirements

Foreign nationals arriving in the Philippines or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila shall purchase insurance for all COVID-19 treatment expenses. The minimum coverage requirement is USD 35000.

Foreign nationals travelling to the Philippines shall carry a proof of return travel as they need to produce it to the authorities at the airport. The return travel date must be within 30 days from the first day of arrival in the country. International travelers also need to register on the ‘Traze’ app, which is used by the authorities for the purpose of contact tracing.

You must fill in a ‘Case Investigation Form’ without your vaccination and personal details, at least three days before your arrival in the Philippines. You also need to register through ‘e-Health Declaration Card’ within a day of your departure. This form is for the Bureau of Quarantine.

The country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) is hopeful to further ease travel restrictions by April this year. This is the latest update on the Philippines’ proposed lifting of the inbound travel ban. The government initially planned to slowly reopen international travel. But since they require to restart consular services internationally, the plan is to also fully open up the country to foreign travelers.

The Philippines’ entry regulations may be revised anytime as the pandemic scenario evolves. Watch out this space for any revision of the guidelines until your departure on cheap international flights to Philippines from USA or any other country.

The post Traveling to Manila or Cebu City? Check Philippines’ Vaccination and Quarantine Policy for International Arrivals appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Vaccination drives being in full swing across geographies have set the passage to a V-shape recovery for Thailand’s tourism-backed economy, which is currently in doldrums. The country is mulling over plans to welcome vaccinated tourists and exempt them from 14-day mandatory quarantine. The plan under consideration is titled “Welcome Back to Thailand Again”. 

To be effective in the third quarter of 2021, Thailand’s ‘Welcome Back to Thailand Again’ campaign is aimed at attracting tourists who have been or will be inoculated with complete dosage of vaccines against the Novel Coronavirus. The entry requirements, except usual visas, will be far relaxed for them. Vaccinated tourists can head to their favorite beaches and islands without institutional quarantine upon arrival in Thailand.

“The Welcome Back to Thailand Again” plan, once in effect, is expected to save an estimated 400,000 jobs in the hospitality sector and keep a similar number of people employed in other tourism-related sectors. The government of Thailand is keen on executing the campaign; that’s why it is being promoted in the neighboring countries, including China. The Welcome Back to Thailand Again is the answer to ‘When will Thailand reopen for tourists?’

The post “Welcome Back to Thailand Again”: Vaccinated Tourists are Exempted from Mandatory Quarantine appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Long Table Lunch

Dubai Food Festival 2016 is all set to be a departure from the previous years. It will see the first ever long table lunch for 1000 guests at a time, on February 26 this year. 1000 guests will be treated to a specially designed three-course meal at the long table lunch, a culinary revelry among the events in the schedule of Dubai Food Festival 2016.

Popular in Germany, the long table lunch is a communal event with a street party atmosphere for a large gathering in downtown Dubai. It provides room for great conversation, communal harmony and gastronomic revelry. It will celebrate the most popular Dubai food.

The Dubai Long Table Lunch menu is designed by award-winning chefs from the Palace Downtown Dubai, the Address Dubai Marina, the Address Dubai Mall, Manzil Downtown Dubai and Vida Downtown Dubai. It promises to be a family-friendly dining experience at the Dubai Food Festival this year.

Dubai Restaurant Week

Besides the long table lunch, the Dubai Restaurant Week is the first-ever event to be held during the Dubai Food Festival 2016. 30 of the best restaurants in Dubai are participating to offer their unique merchandise during the Dubai Restaurant Week from February 25 till March 5. The Ivy, The Croft, Rang Mahal, Kiku, Junoon, Okku, Sea Fu, and Yuan and Zheng are some of the participating Dubai restaurants.

Celebration of Hidden Gems

What is the most exciting about Dubai Food Festival 2016 is the celebration of “Hidden Gems,” which are lesser-known eating joints serving great food across the culinary landscape of Dubai City. Since Dubai houses over 200 nationalities, there are many restaurants serving good food from different cuisines, but they are not widely known. That’s why residents and foodies are invited to discover these hidden gems which the festival authority will shortlist the best 20 from.

Dine with Celebrity Chefs

It is a cherished dream of foodies among the events of Dubai Food Festival 2016. “Dine with the Stars” is a most-awaited evening of incredible food in company of celebrity chefs. Guest chefs will share their personal stories over food at five-star restaurants in Dubai. Chef Manal Al Alem, a Middle Eastern cooking expert from “Queen of the Arabian Kitchen”, will grace the event. Among other eminent guests in attendance are international celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett from Australia.

Read More about Dubai

• How to Check in for Airport from Dubai Taxis
• How to Get Transit Visa at Dubai International Airport

Dubai Food Festival 2016 should not be a miss when iEagle Travel is booking cheap international flights to Dubai. The best flight is guaranteed for the lowest fare.

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180^th Anniversary of Texas Independence    

The most awaited and important of all Houston events in 2016 is the 180^th anniversary of Texas Independence and the foundation of Houston City. These two occasions will be celebrated through a number of events this year. The state of Texas earned independence from Mexico in an 18-minute battle between General Antonio Lopez and General Sam Houston in the year 1836, which led to the foundation of Houston City on the Buffalo Bayou in the following four months.

Space Center Houston to Get Space Shuttle Replica   

One of the most popular Houston tourist attractions, Space Center Houston is all set to unveil its newest 6-story complex, Independence Plaza, outside the main building. The Independence Plaza will feature a giant replica of the space shuttle and the first space shuttle aircraft from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to walk visitors through the stories of space exploration and surprise them with a unique museum experience. Both the space shuttle and the aircraft will exhibit a flight deck, cockpit, astronaut living quarters, and other things depicting the history of the Space Shuttle program. Evidently, inauguration of Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston is one of the most awaited Houston events in January 2016.

Sunset Coffee Building to Get Rooftop Event Space

Among the historic places to visit in Houston Texas, the Sunset Coffee Building is a symbol of the city’s industrial past. Built in 1910, it is one of the few remaining buildings in Houston downtown’s Market Square Historic District. The revival of Houston’s industrial history through the ongoing restoration of the Sunset Coffee Building is one of the Houston events in 2016. On completion of the renovation, it will have a rooftop event space and an outdoor plaza for hanging out. The building will also house a watercraft and bike rental facility.

White Oak Music Hall with Open-air Stage

The opening of a brand new music hall with an indoor concert space, an outdoor space, and a large two-story concert hall sprawling over a 5-acre area is also on the list of Houston events in 2016. Designed to be the best live music venue in Texas, the White Oak Music Hall will host hundreds of live music events a year. The Lawn at the White Oak Music Hall will boast an outdoor space with an open-air stage spreading over 17,000 square feet and treating visitors to the scenic downtown Houston skyline. The Lawn will accommodate a crowd of 3,000 people. Visit to the White Oak Musical Hall among the live music venues in Texas will soon be added to the list of things to do in Houston.

Lone Star Flight Museum to Get 40 Historic Aircraft

Among the Houston tourist attractions in Texas, the Lone Star Flight Museum is getting a huge makeover through relocation from Galveston to Ellington Field this year. Once relocated, the museum will have a 130,000 square feet facility with a permanent exhibition of 40 legendary aircraft, unique to America’s military history. It will house a new aviation learning center too. Among the places to visit in Houston Texas, this museum not only exhibits the technological development of the American aviation but also serves as a tribute to the sacrifices in service to the nation.

River Oaks District with 250,000 Square Ft Retail Space  

The River Oaks District, which was inaugurated at 2015 end, will be evolving into a grand hub of retail shopping in Houston Texas this year. Many brand retailers in food, fashion, luxury and hospitality will inaugurate their stores across 250,000 square feet of space at the River Oaks District. It is expected to be Houston’s answer to the Rodeo Drive shopping district in Beverly Hills, California.

Convention District with Gourmet Restaurants & Pedestrian Plaza

Part of the “Visit Houston” tourism project, the city’s Convention District is currently under a major renovation. It is going to house many gourmet restaurants on the ground floor facing Avenida de las Americas. With a new pedestrian plaza with cozy seating in the outdoor space, Houston’s Convention District is all set to be one of the Houston attractions for foodies since outdoor dining is among the best things to do in Houston Texas. A performance space and a public art gallery will also be there. Houston’s Convention District is a 1.5 million dollar project on a public and private investment basis.

Houston has good air connectivity with top cities across the world. International airlines operate cheap flights from Houston Texas to major destinations on the globe. Visit iEagle.com to book cheap airline tickets from USA to other countries.

The post Calendar of Texas is Full of Exciting Houston Events in 2016 appeared first on iEagle.com Travel Magazine.

Dubai is the first city to have this new-age facility in the Middle East. Passengers will be able to check in while traveling in taxis to Dubai International Airport. The first of its kind in the world, the new system will not only issue boarding passes but also weigh luggage and print luggage tags on the way to airports. It seems to promise a relief to regular air travelers who are often in a hurry.

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has proposed the traveler-friendly service to Dubai Airports. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is supervising the deal between both the entities. The advanced check-in system will be integrated to the taxi service in Dubai City soon.

According to Ahmad Khalfan Al Suwaidi, CEO of the DTC, this innovation by the RTA to scale up the level of convenience for Dubai’s residents and visitors will gain momentum across the Middle East. Travelers will be able to complete the check-in procedure and measure the weight of their luggage at the time of boarding taxis for the airport in Dubai, using the system available in taxis.

At present, the efficacy of the system is being evaluated at different levels to ensure maximum satisfaction and happiness of travelers. The check-in service in Dubai taxis will benefit not only travelers but also airports and airlines. It will reduce congestion at the check-in points at Dubai airports and help airlines to evade delay in departure of flights.

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