Mom traveling alone from India to the US – are you avoiding Middle East layovers now?
Hi everyone,
I'm booking travel for my 65-year-old mother who'll be traveling alone from Delhi to New York for the first time.
Originally I was looking at Emirates, Etihad and Qatar because they're very popular among Indian travelers and there's usually a large Indian crowd on board, which I thought might make the journey more comfortable for her.
However, with the recent tensions in the Middle East and the temporary airspace closures we've seen, I'm wondering whether it's better to book a European connection instead (SWISS via Zurich, KLM via Amsterdam, Lufthansa via Munich/Frankfurt, etc.).
I'm not asking whether Gulf airlines are safe—I know they have excellent safety records and reroute flights when necessary. My concern is more about potential disruptions or uncertainty over the next couple of months.
For those who have recently booked travel for parents or older relatives:
- Did you still choose Emirates/Etihad/Qatar?
- Or did you intentionally switch to European airlines because of the current situation?
- If your parents traveled via Zurich, Amsterdam, Munich, or Frankfurt, how was their transit experience?
- If you had to book today for your own parents, which option would you choose and why?
I'd really appreciate hearing recent experiences. Thanks!