It has been more than a week since the outbreak of wildfires in Los Angeles, and some might already be planning a visit, thinking that the worst part must be over now.
However, firefighters keep battling, and officials have warned that upcoming winds might push the destruction to continue in the areas already affected in LA, VisaGuide.World reports.
Taking into account the current situation as well as the warning of the officials, this article aims to provide answers to some of the main questions that you might have before deciding to travel to LA.
Are Flights Running at Los Angeles International Airport?
The Los Angeles International Airport is open and operational, with it seeing around 700 flights per day.
Through an official statement, the airport said that it is operating normally. However, the airport called on passengers to check their flight status directly with their airline to get the most up-to-date information.
LAX is open and operating normally. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline
All airport services have been operating normally, and no unusual delays have occurred.
Other airports nearby have also remained open and have been operating all the scheduled flights, with some minor disruptions last week due to the high winds.
This means that currently, it is safe to fly to and from LA. If there is any danger, the authorities will stop all flights.
Is It Safe to Visit LA & Are Attractions Open?
Depending on the location that you want to reach, some areas within LA are safe to visit, whereas others are not safe at all.
The wildfires in LA are mainly in the north of the city. However, other areas, such as those near Sunset Boulevard, which is a famous spot among visitors, have also been affected.
Palm Springs, among some others, remains unaffected by the wildfires. Thus, if you choose to visit areas that are far from the active zones, you are safer. Still, fires can move very quickly and unpredictably. Thus, all travelers are advised to travel with caution and check information with the authorities.
Regarding attractions, the Getty Center and Getty Visa museums are currently closed. The Getty Center will remain closed until January 20, whereas the Getty Visa will remain closed until further notice.
The Griffith Observatory is also closed and will remain so until further notice, and on January 10, the trails leading to the Hollywood sign were closed.
On the other hand, Disneyland remains open. An official announcement said that travelers do not need to cancel their trips to Disneyland “unless you intended to spend a significant portion of your trip in the LA area.”
Should You Be Worried About the Air Quality?
Shared photographs have shown that a considerable portion of the region has thick wildfire smoke. Even though this thick smoke is present in the affected areas, smoke can travel long distances, especially when there are powerful winds.
While the part of the LA you plan to visit might not have bad air quality, you should still take wildfire smoke seriously and check the air quality readings.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District said just last week that the wildfires have caused unhealthy air quality in Los Angeles County.
Considering this, if you intend to visit LA, it is highly recommended that you monitor the air quality and avoid areas where the quality is hazardous. However, if you have to be outside, you should wear a mask.
Travelers Advised to Have Travel Insurance When Visiting LA
While governments of foreign countries have not issued warnings against non-essential travel to the US for their nationals, and there is no special circumstance under which trips can be canceled and fully refunded, those planning to reach LA are highly advised to have travel insurance.
If you purchased a policy before wildfires became a publicly known event and your trip has been directly impacted by the fires, you are likely to have the charges covered. However, if the trip is not directly impacted, you are not eligible.
Despite this, VisaGuide.World advises you to have a valid travel insurance policy when visiting LA, especially during these times. Before heading to LA, make sure that your policy includes coverage for emergency evacuation. In addition, check with your provider that the policy also offers coverage for other unforeseen events that might occur so that you stay protected.