01/03/2026
Sharing with you what I message my travel clients. It is an ethical travel advisor's duty to inform, educate, and assist their clients when unusual things occur in the world, things that can affect their current or future travels. If you ever wondered what value a travel advisor offers, this is a prime example.
🇻🇪 Venezuela Airstrike Update for Travel ~
Yesterday, the U.S. launched military strikes in Venezuela, targeting areas around Caracas, including airports and military installations. The situation has escalated quickly, and Venezuelan airspace is now closed to most international flights. Several nearby Caribbean and U.S. airports temporarily suspended operations for safety checks, resulting in delays and cancellations across the region.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING SOON, AIRPORTS & FLIGHT IMPACT
Flights in and around Venezuela, as well as connecting routes through parts of the Caribbean and South America, are being rerouted or canceled.
Airports in Miami, San Juan, and other cities are experiencing significant delays as airlines adjust flight paths and schedules.
If you are flying anywhere in the region this week, expect disruption and consider your options. If you need help, I'm happy to chat. There is NO estimated timeline on how long this disruption will last.
IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY TRAVELING
Stay where you are and contact your airline directly. Start flight tracking on FLIGHTY or FLIGHTRADAR24. Flight schedules are changing hour by hour.
Head to the airport if you have a confirmed flight. Delays can change quickly. Cancellations need to be rebooked, and sometimes this is easier in person, but can also be done automatically on your airline app. Most cancellations are operational and outside airline control; however, all they can do is put you on the next available flight either to or from that destination.
If your flight is SOON, consider canceling and rescheduling for another time. Get a credit from the airline. This choice is NOT covered by insurance if you make it BEFORE a cancellation has occurred but it is definitely a good option, allowing you to go to a different destination using the credit or traveling on a future date.
IF YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING VACATION
Enroll in STEP before you travel! Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
Monitor your airline app and travel advisories daily. Airspace closures often ripple out for days, even after fighting stops.
Contact your travel advisor before making any changes. They can assist in making pivots and give you options, even if they are not ideal.
Keep travel insurance handy and review what’s covered under “political unrest” or “travel interruption.” In many cases, insurance does NOT cover stuff like this so make sure you UNDERSTAND your policy.
BOTTOM LINE:
Be patient, do not take out your frustration on airline staff, stay informed, and lean on your travel professional, who can help you navigate the logistics. Sometimes, you need to sit tight, don’t panic, and keep your plans flexible.
This will have significant effects on the travel industry immediately and for many months to come. It's incredibly disruptive to MILLIONS of people.
Caribbean destinations affected today include:
• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
• Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN)
• Ponce, Puerto Rico (PSE)
• St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT)
• St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX)
• Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
• St. Maarten (SXM)
• Barbados (BGI)
• Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS)
• Aruba (AUA)
• Curaçao (CUR)
• Bonaire (BON)
• Antigua (ANU)
• Grenada (GND)
• St. Lucia (UVF)
• Georgetown, Guyana (GEO)
