Travel question of the day: Simon Calder on a new route to Texas
Have a travel question that needs answering? Ask our expert Simon Calder
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q I see that Singapore Airlines is starting flights from Manchester to Houston, which is great for me because I live in Merseyside and have relatives in that part of Texas. But how come they’re allowed to fly that route (not being American nor European), and are there any downsides to booking it?
KM, Wallasey
A Singapore Airlines has long flown between Manchester and its South-east Asian hub, currently with a stop en route in Munich. From 30 October the airline will make the service to and from Singapore non-stop. Furthermore, its existing Singapore-Moscow-Houston service will be re-routed to go via Manchester, offering a valuable new link from the north-west to Texas.
The airline has so-called “fifth freedom” rights that allow it to fly, and sell tickets, between two countries outside its own borders – just as British Airways sells seats between Singapore and Sydney.
Singapore Airlines regularly wins awards for its high-quality flight experience – and it will be a real pleasure to enjoy those standards across the Atlantic. There will also be plenty of onward connections from Houston to other parts of the US, Mexico and South America using Singapore Airlines’ Star Alliance partner, United, which has a huge base in the city.
The only downside I can see is that, as a non-EU carrier, Singapore Airlines is covered by the rules on passenger care and compensation for delays and cancellation only when flying from Manchester – not from Houston. But personally I’d accept that possible inconvenience.
Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a reader’s question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet @simoncalder
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments