iEagle.com Travel Magazine https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/ Travel Magazine Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:18:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 EVA Air Announces Washington Dulles to Taipei Flights; Good for Asian Immigrants in DMV Region https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/eva-air-announces-washington-dulles-iad-to-taipei-flights/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/eva-air-announces-washington-dulles-iad-to-taipei-flights/#respond Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:45:09 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2520 EVA Air, a SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline, is accelerating its expansion in the highly competitive US–Asia travel corridor. A good response to EVA Air flights connecting Dallas DFW to Taipei and other key Asian cities, starting October 2025, motivated the Taiwanese carrier to open a new gateway in the US. EVA Air has officially announced Washington […]

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EVA Air, a SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline, is accelerating its expansion in the highly competitive US–Asia travel corridor. A good response to EVA Air flights connecting Dallas DFW to Taipei and other key Asian cities, starting October 2025, motivated the Taiwanese carrier to open a new gateway in the US. EVA Air has officially announced Washington DC as its destination in the east coast where EVA Air’s service has been limited to New York JFK for over 30 years.

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Taipei-Washington DC nonstop flights: Key details

The United States being the second largest international market for EVA Air, nonstop flights from Washington Dulles IAD to Taipei would further connect to Manila, Cebu, Beijing, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Ho Chi Minh City. Starting in July 2026, the new service may have four weekly roundtrip frequency. EVA Air would take around 16 hours for a one-way trip from Taipei to D.C., making it one of the longest nonstop flights.

Competition to EVA Air’s Washington Dulles-Taipei service

EVA Air is strategically targeting Washington Dulles IAD as its tenth US gateway, as few Asian airlines cater to the US capital city. Much to the pleasure of EVA Air, Washington DC is not among the US destinations of Philippines Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. Cathay Pacific stopped flying to Dulles IAD Airport in November 2020. Interestingly, the Washington DC to Taiwan route will see no competition between EVA Air and its arch rival, China Airlines.

Prospects of Dulles IAD to Taiwan for EVA Air

The DMV region encompassing Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, holds good prospects for the upcoming EVA Air flights between Dulles IAD and Taipei. Since other major airlines are neither serving this route nor connecting D.C. to other Asian markets, both direct traffic to Taiwan and connecting traffic to Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore will fill EVA Air seats.

Not only the Taiwanese, but also Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai immigrants from the DMV region will be looking to book EVA Air flight tickets for seamless connections to their home countries via Taipei. Look no further than iEagle.com for cheap flights to Taipei from USA. iEagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Asian immigrants in America, offers phone-only budget flight deals to Manila, Cebu, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Singapore.

 

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Philippines Airlines Takes Delivery of Airbus A350-1000; Know What It Means for Long-Haul Flights and Flyers https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/philippine-airlines-welcomes-airbus-a350-1000/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/philippine-airlines-welcomes-airbus-a350-1000/#respond Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:01:00 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2507 Philippine Airlines, the most punctual airline in the Asia Pacific region, took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, entering a new phase of its long-haul growth. The long-awaited induction of A350-1000 into the fleet is PAL’s first step towards fleet modernization, which aims to elevate passenger experience on transpacific flights between North America and the […]

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Philippine Airlines, the most punctual airline in the Asia Pacific region, took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, entering a new phase of its long-haul growth. The long-awaited induction of A350-1000 into the fleet is PAL’s first step towards fleet modernization, which aims to elevate passenger experience on transpacific flights between North America and the Philippines.

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How A350-1000 Supports Philippine Airlines Flights to USA

Philippines Airlines’ long-haul service network has long been demanding an upgrade to the existing fleet. The network comprises nonstop flights to Manila from New York JFK, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Toronto, and Vancouver in North America. Some of these routes are served by B777-300ER aircraft, while A350-900s cater to others. The long-range capacity and fuel efficiency make Airbus A350-1000 suitable for SFO to Manila travel and other high-traffic transpacific routes.

The new A350-1000 is expected to gradually complement and eventually replace older widebody aircraft on high-demand transpacific routes

PAL ramps up frequency between Manila and USA

Alongside fleet expansion, Philippine Airlines has been steadily increasing its international service frequency to meet the growing demand. Starting June 2026, the airline will ramp up its Los Angeles to Manila flights, with weekly frequency from 14 to 18. This expansion will strengthen connectivity between the Philippines and the US West Coast, a key market for both family, leisure, and business travel. Manila to Seattle travel on Philippines Airlines has already got an upgrade from three to five weekly flights.

Additional frequency enables travelers to book affordable flight tickets to Manila on flexible travel dates. At the same time, PAL has also strengthened its presence in US territories. Its daily Manila to Guam service is now complemented by weekly three nonstop flights from Cebu to Guam. Besides, Philippines Airlines’ nonstop Manila to Saipan flights are all set to resume in March 2026.

Look no further than iEagle.com for Philippines Airlines flight deals on USA to Manila and Cebu travel. iEagle, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Filipinos in America, books affordable travel between Philippines and USA with major airlines, including EVA Air.

What makes Airbus A350-1000 a better fit for PAL than Boeing 777-9

A350-1000 aircraft represents a leap forward in long-haul aircraft design, with performance and passenger comfort at its core, making it an ideal match for PAL’s long-haul network expansion. Compared with the Boeing 777-9, the A350-1000 delivers similar long-range capability while offering exceptional fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, thanks to advanced aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber composite structure, and next-generation engines.

The aircraft features a modern cabin experience across all classes, from Business to Economy. Business class offers a 1-2-1 layout with fully lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, intuitive inflight entertainment, and enhanced privacy. Premium Economy provides wider seats, extra legroom, and dedicated service for travelers seeking added comfort without the full business-class fare. Economy class on the A350-1000 includes optimized seat ergonomics, improved personal space, and larger overhead bins.

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Philippine Airlines Partners with Southwest to Offer Seamless Travel beyond Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/philippine-airlines-partners-with-southwest-airlines/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/philippine-airlines-partners-with-southwest-airlines/#respond Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:48:00 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2493 Philippine Airlines’ expansion in the US is finally taking off with Southwest Airlines being an interline partner. In November this year, PAL inked an interline agreement with Southwest Airlines to make travel seamless beyond its primary gateways in the US. It enables Filipinos to book their single-PNR flights from Philippines to US airports in tier […]

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Philippine Airlines’ expansion in the US is finally taking off with Southwest Airlines being an interline partner. In November this year, PAL inked an interline agreement with Southwest Airlines to make travel seamless beyond its primary gateways in the US. It enables Filipinos to book their single-PNR flights from Philippines to US airports in tier 2 and 3 cities. Filipino Americans and other immigrants from across the US can now easily connect to nonstop PAL flights to Manila through SFO, LAX, and SEA airports.

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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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USA’s New Photo-based Entry Exit System for All Non-Citizens Takes Effect This December https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/what-is-biometric-entry-exit-rule-usa-for-non-citizens/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/what-is-biometric-entry-exit-rule-usa-for-non-citizens/#respond Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:40:05 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2482 With a series of strict immigration measures, the US government is strengthening border checks for all foreign nationals. After introducing Visa Integrity fee and increasing CBP inspection procedures at the airports, the United States came up with a new entry exit rule for all US visa holders and Green Card holders. Under this new US […]

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With a series of strict immigration measures, the US government is strengthening border checks for all foreign nationals. After introducing Visa Integrity fee and increasing CBP inspection procedures at the airports, the United States came up with a new entry exit rule for all US visa holders and Green Card holders. Under this new US entry/exit system, photo capture and biometric data collection is mandatory for every non US citizen traveling to and from America.

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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?

Yes, it does. 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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All about FIFA Pass: How It Helps 2026 World Cup Fans Get Early US Visa and Cheap Flights to USA https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/what-is-usa-fifa-pass-who-can-apply-for-us-b2-visa-through-fifa-pass/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/what-is-usa-fifa-pass-who-can-apply-for-us-b2-visa-through-fifa-pass/#respond Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:51:05 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2466 Good news for FIFA fans across the world! The United States and FIFA have introduced FIFA Pass, a priority visa appointment scheduling system for official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders. The newly announced FIFA Pass aims to expediate US tourist visa interview appointments. The system will help FIFA fans travel to the United States […]

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Good news for FIFA fans across the world! The United States and FIFA have introduced FIFA Pass, a priority visa appointment scheduling system for official FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders. The newly announced FIFA Pass aims to expediate US tourist visa interview appointments. The system will help FIFA fans travel to the United States without visa interview delays. If you are looking to attend the 2026 World Cup tournaments in the US, you can plan your travel early and secure cheap international flight tickets well in advance.

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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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“Skip Pajamas for Jeans,” US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy Urges Flyers to Dress with Respect when Flying https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/usa-launches-civility-campaign-urging-travelers-to-ditch-pajamas/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/usa-launches-civility-campaign-urging-travelers-to-ditch-pajamas/#respond Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:39:00 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2457 “Wear jeans, not pajamas,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport on November 24, 2025. “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he urged travelers, recommending instead “a pair of jeans and a decent shirt.” His words came as part […]

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“Wear jeans, not pajamas,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport on November 24, 2025. “Let’s try not to wear slippers and pajamas as we come to the airport,” he urged travelers, recommending instead “a pair of jeans and a decent shirt.” His words came as part of a new push to restore courtesy and calm to crowded airports across America.

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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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No More Wheelchair-First Boarding in 2026: Southwest Airlines to Curb Wheelchair Misuse at US Airports https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/southwest-airlines-ends-wheelchair-first-boarding/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/southwest-airlines-ends-wheelchair-first-boarding/#respond Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:47:31 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2443 Wheelchair misuse at US airports has now peaked to the point where Southwest Airlines can no longer ignore it. Beginning 26 January 2026, the airline will officially end wheelchair-first boarding, a policy that became increasingly vulnerable to abuse as more passengers in the US used it for early access rather than genuine mobility assistance. This […]

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Wheelchair misuse at US airports has now peaked to the point where Southwest Airlines can no longer ignore it. Beginning 26 January 2026, the airline will officially end wheelchair-first boarding, a policy that became increasingly vulnerable to abuse as more passengers in the US used it for early access rather than genuine mobility assistance. This change impacts Southwest flights across the US and the arriving international passengers of Philippine Airlines, EVA Air, and China Airlines who have interline partnership with Southwest Airlines.

This year, Southwest began rolling out a series of changes that continue to challenge its long-standing image as ‘America’s most budget-friendly carrier’. The airline ended its iconic ‘Bags Fly Free’ policy with new checked bag fees effective from May 2025. It has also announced elimination of its five-decade-old open seating program from January 27, 2026.

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What is Southwest Airlines’ Wheelchair-First Boarding Service?

Southwest Airlines’ wheelchair-first boarding service allows passengers who requested wheelchair assistance to board the aircraft before all other travellers, providing early access to seats and overhead bins. Designed to help passengers with limited mobility, the policy also became a boarding advantage for many who don’t  require wheelchair support at all, leading to operational challenges, delays, and misuse across US airports.

Why is Southwest Airlines Ending Wheelchair-First Boarding?

Southwest’s internal data of recent years revealed the scale of wheelchair misuse. On one recent flight with only 85 passengers, 28 people requested wheelchairs during boarding. Yet only 2 or 3 needed assistance while deplaning. Some Southwest flights have even reported more than 100 wheelchair requests.

Staff reports suggest that over 80 percent of these requests come from passengers who do not require mobility assistance. The incentive is clear. Early boarding means guaranteed overhead bin space, less waiting time in line, and a more comfortable boarding experience.

Rules for International Travelers Connecting to Southwest Flights 

Southwest Airlines acts as a leading interline partner of several international carriers operating flights from the USA to Philippines, Taiwan, and other countries. Their international passengers connect on Southwest flights for domestic travel from major entry points in the US. are fully entitled to wheelchair assistance in the United States under DOT guidelines. While wheelchair assistance continues, passengers will no longer receive priority boarding solely due to wheelchair use.

How are Other Airlines Addressing Wheelchair Misuse?

Several non-US airlines around the world are also experiencing misuse of free wheelchair service. Air India, a major international carrier, has also experienced unusual demand for wheelchair assistance at airports. On some India–US flights, up to 90–120 passengers request wheelchairs, often to bypass long airport queues. Recently, the Government of India allowed airlines to charge able-bodied passengers for wheelchair use. This differs from the United States, where there is yet no such rule. 

Southwest Airlines’ decision to end wheelchair-first boarding will close one of the biggest loopholes in US aviation. Though the culture of ‘Airport VIP for free’ in the United States will continue, as most US airlines do not ask for medical certificates or documents to fulfil wheelchair requests.

Travelers React to Southwest Ending Wheelchair-First Boarding

The news of Southwest Airlines ending wheelchair-first boarding has drawn mixed reactions from travellers. Many welcome it as a much-needed step to reduce abuse and make boarding fairer, while others worry that passengers with genuine needs may face longer lines and difficulty securing preferred seats. Several travellers shared personal observations of passengers requesting wheelchairs just to board early and then leaving the plane faster than them, echoing the popular US airport joke about “Jetway Jesus.”

Subscribe to Fly High for significant travel updates, domestic and international. Fly High is a leading air travel news portal by iEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Americans and immigrants in the US. Look no further than iEagle for airlines’ Black Friday flight deals from USA to Manila, Shanghai, Cebu, Beijing, Bangkok, Addis Ababa, Taipei and other South Asian destinations.

Will Southwest Airlines continue to provide wheelchair assistance after ending wheelchair-first boarding?

Yes. Passengers will continue to get wheelchair support from entry to boarding through security, regardless of the fact whether they genuinely need it. The only change is that requesting a wheelchair will no longer give them the privilege of early boarding.

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China Launches Digital Arrival Card; Know Who Needs It to Enter China and How to Apply for It https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/all-about-china-digital-arrival-card-for-foreigners/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/all-about-china-digital-arrival-card-for-foreigners/#respond Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:09:33 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2429 Effective 20 November 2025, China is jumping on the international bandwagon – Digital Arrival Card. Like other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, India, and Indonesia, China has replaced the traditional paper arrival form with an e-arrival form for inbound foreign nationals, aiming to expedite their arrival and immigration clearance at all entry airports. […]

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Effective 20 November 2025, China is jumping on the international bandwagon – Digital Arrival Card. Like other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand, India, and Indonesia, China has replaced the traditional paper arrival form with an e-arrival form for inbound foreign nationals, aiming to expedite their arrival and immigration clearance at all entry airports. This upgrade for entry to China doubles convenience for foreign arrivals and aligns with modern travel standards.

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What is China’s Digital Arrival Card? 

The new e-arrival card to China is sort of electronic travel authorization (ETA). It is an online form that US nationals, citizens and other foreigners are required to fill out with their details for smooth entry to China. Digital Arrival Card must not be mistaken for an alternative to any Chinese Visa. Precisely, filling out this online within 72 hours prior to arrival is now part of China’s entry requirements for foreign travellers.

Who needs Digital e-Arrival Card to enter China? Who are exempted?

All foreign passengers of flights to China from USA and other countries must apply for China’s new e-Arrival Card, starting 20 November. The following are exempted to this requirement:

  • Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China
  • Non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
  • Group travellers entering with collective visas or under visa-free arrangements
  • Transit passengers staying within the designated port area
  • Cruise passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel
  • Travellers using fast-track entry lanes
  • Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles

How to apply for China’s Digital Arrival Card: Step-by-step guide 

China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) website makes it easy to fill out the e-Arrival Card form. It takes only a few minutes. The paper form will be gradually phased out from airports in China. If you are not able to apply for the new digital card in advance, you can do it at self-service airport kiosks on arrival or fill out and submit a paper form at the entry airport.

  1. Open the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat/Alipay mini-program
  2. Enter your passport information, travel itinerary, address in China, and other details
  3. Submit the form within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in China
  4. Save the QR code or confirmation screenshot for faster immigration clearance

Benefits of Digital Arrival Card to China

  • Faster immigration clearance at high-traffic airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao’an
  • Fewer chances for errors in the online form compared to paper forms
  • Greater convenience for frequent foreign travellers to China
  • Reduced wait time on arrival and quick exit or transfer to domestic flights
  • No stress to fill out the form during a flight
  • Verifiable data of foreign visitors makes it more efficient for the Chinese government to track their arrival, departure, and visa overstay.

I am a US national. Do I still need a visa along with the Digital Arrival Card and flight tickets to Beijing?

Yes, being a foreign national, you need a visa to China depending on your purpose of visit. Please note the new Digital Arrival Card does not replace China’s visa requirements for you.

I will travel onward to a third country after a 10-day transit-visa free stopover in China. Is the new Digital Arrival Card mandatory for me? 

Yes, it is. Whether you plan a 72-hour or a 240-hour stopover in China after 20 November 2025, you must have China’s new Digital Arrival Card for hassle-free entry and seamless immigration clearance.

Does China mandate Digital Arrival Card for US citizens of China origin? 

Yes, US citizens of China origin (precisely, Chinese Americans) do also need to apply for Digital Arrival Card whenever they travel to any province in China.

Subscribe to Fly High for more such travel updates and guides to China, Taiwan, Philippines, and other destinations. Fly High is a leading air travel news portal by iEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Americans and immigrants in the US. Look no further than iEagle for cheap flight tickets to Shanghai, Manila, Vietnam, Bangkok, Cebu, Chiang Mai, and other South Asian destinations.   

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Phoenix to Taipei Flights: Two Airlines Entering Arizona-Taiwan Sector with Connection to Manila and Other Cities https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/airlines-starting-phoenix-to-taipei-flights/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/airlines-starting-phoenix-to-taipei-flights/#respond Sat, 02 Aug 2025 18:14:30 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2415 The US to Taiwan travel corridor is expanding with airlines launching new routes and destinations this winter 2025. While EVA Air flights from Dallas to Taipei are nearing the scheduled take-off in October, two other airlines from Taiwan announced Phoenix as their new destination in the United States. Precisely, direct service between Phoenix and Taipei […]

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The US to Taiwan travel corridor is expanding with airlines launching new routes and destinations this winter 2025. While EVA Air flights from Dallas to Taipei are nearing the scheduled take-off in October, two other airlines from Taiwan announced Phoenix as their new destination in the United States. Precisely, direct service between Phoenix and Taipei is not just happening, it’s doubling up with China Airlines and Starlux Airlines.

Phoenix to Taipei flights, Arizona to Taiwan flights, airlines flying from USA to Taiwan, international aviation news
PC: Freepik.com | iEagle.com

This development in the US-Taiwan corridor opens further connections to Southeast Asian countries via Taipei for Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Thai immigrants in and around Arizona. Starlux Airlines and China Airlines would transform Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix into a significant US-Asia hub with flights to Taipei and beyond for Southeast Asians concentrated in the south coast of USA.

China Airlines

Among the best airlines operating between USA and Asia, China Airlines is the first Asian carrier to connect Taipei to Arizona, starting December 3, 2025. China Airlines will be operating Phoenix to Taipei flights for weekly three round trips scheduled as below:

Nonstop CI036 flights from Taipei (TPE) to Phoenix (PHX):

  • Departure from Taipei Taoyuan at 10:55 AM local time.
  • Arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor at 8 AM local time

CI035 flights from Phoenix to Taipei via Los Angeles

  • Departure from Phoenix at 11:55 AM local time
  • Arrival at Taipei Taoyuan at 9:30 PM local time the next day

The upcoming service to Phoenix, Arizona will solidify China Airlines’ presence in the southwest coast of USA. In the next phase, China Airlines may expand to Texas, a key market for EVA Air.

Starlux Airlines

Among the youngest airlines in the world, Starlux Airlines is close on the heels of China Airlines, with its plans in progress for nonstop Arizona to Taiwan flights. Starlux, renowned for its distinctive boutique flying experience since 2020, will lunch Phoenix Taipei nonstop service on 15 January 2026 with weekly three flights – Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Outbound flight (JX026) from Taipei to Phoenix:   

  • Departure from Taipei Taoyuan at 8:45 PM local time
  • Arrival in Phoenix Sky Harbor at 5:40 PM local time

Return flight (JX025) from Phoenix to Taipei:  

  • Departure from Phoenix at 10:45 PM local time
  • Arrival in Taipei Taoyuan at 4:55 AM local time (+2 days)

Both the Taiwanese carriers – China Airlines and Starlux Airlines – will be deploying the most advanced A350-900s with Premium Economy experience for nonstop PHX to TPE service with connecting flights to Manila, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand.

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Philippines to Get New Manila International Airport in Bulacan for $15bn: All about NMIA Project https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/new-manila-international-airport-bulacan-nmia/ https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/new-manila-international-airport-bulacan-nmia/#respond Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:31:22 +0000 https://www.ieagle.com/flyhigh/?p=2402 With airlines opening new routes to Manila, like EVA Air’s Dallas to Manila, and Qatar Airways’ Doha to Manila, a second international airport in the Philippine capital is a pressing need of the coming days. The Philippines being one of the visa-free countries for US visa holders and Green Cardholders, airlines are increasing weekly numbers […]

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With airlines opening new routes to Manila, like EVA Air’s Dallas to Manila, and Qatar Airways’ Doha to Manila, a second international airport in the Philippine capital is a pressing need of the coming days. The Philippines being one of the visa-free countries for US visa holders and Green Cardholders, airlines are increasing weekly numbers of flights to Manila from USA and other countries. The New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan is a right investment given the future projection of tourist inflows into the Philippines.          

New Manila International airport, second Manila Airport Bulacan, Philippines NMIA project details, new airports in Philippines
PC: smcinfrastructure.com.ph

Manila’s second international airport in Bulacan province 

Significantly larger than Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila’s second airport NMIA project would cost US $15 billion. The construction of the first terminal building is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with the first phase being anticipated to be operational in late 2028. Given the NMIA project details, the upcoming airport in Bulacan, 30 minutes north of Manila, is expected to the Philippines’ main gateway to the world in the future. 

Manila Bulacan International Airport Infrastructure   

The new Manila International Airport will be more advanced than Ninoy Aquino Airport in terms of area, runways, passenger capacity, and accessibility. NMIA would spread over 2500 hectares (6200 acres) along the Manila Bay, as part of the 12,000-hectare airport city project in Bulacan province. The second Manila airport project details include 4 parallel runways with the capacity to expand to six in the future.

Second Manila Airport NMIA Project Timeline

Bulacan International Airport, Manila will be constructed in a phased way starting January 2026. As per the NMIA project timeline, the first phase is expected to open with one terminal and two runways by late 2028 aiming to serve 35 million passengers a year, if things go as planned. On completion of all phases, the airport would have the capacity to handle 100 million passenger traffic in a year.

Philippines New Manila Airport Connectivity

Philippines’ New Manila International Airport will not only cater to Metro Manila but also neighboring areas like Central Luzon and CALABARZON. A comprehensive accessibility network comprising a 6-lane Expressway will facilitate commute between Metro Manila and the upcoming airport in Bulacan. There are plans to extend Manila Metro’s 7 Line to the airport for a great deal of convenience.

For decades, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been the primary gateway for flights to Philippines from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asian countries. In 2024 itself, NAIA served 50.1 million passengers; the overcapacity burdens the airport infrastructure. Manila’s second international airport will not only share the passenger traffic but also open more international routes to/from Manila. With two international airports – NAIA and NMIA, the Philippine capital would become a premier destination for travel and trade.

Subscribe to Fly High for news stories of the Philippines, the US, and other destinations. Fly High is a leading travel community portal by iEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner for Filipinos and other immigrants in the US. Look no farther than iEagle for phone-only budget flight deals (+1-855-359-3245) and cheap airline tickets to Manila from New York, San Francisco, and other US cities.

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