Air Travel Numbers Reach Lowest Points Since May
Demand for air travel has been steadily rising during the summer. But in recent days we have seen the lowest numbers since back in May 18.
The Transportation Security Administration reported the lowest air travel numbers of the summer on Tuesday. In August 1st, travel numbers reached the highest post-pandemic level.
A total of 1,468,219 people passed through TSA checkpoints on Tuesday, the agency reported. The number was at 2,238,462 on August 1. When comparing the two days with pre pandemic levels, Tuesday was at 73% and August was at 83% of the numbers reported in 2019 on the same week day.
The new Delta variant is likely to blame for the lower numbers in recent days. We have seen new restrictions brought back in some cities and states. Some officials are also urging travelers to reconsider their plans, such as Hawaii’s governor. The European Union is also reconsidering allowing Americans in over surging Covid-19 cases.
New cases and hospitalization have surged in recent weeks. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that 101,050 hospital beds are occupied by people receiving treatment for the virus. This is a 147% increase from the 40,791 patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 four weeks ago. It’s the highest level since January.
A Cars.com survey found that more than 20% of Americans have canceled their flights and are driving instead due to rising concerns. “The majority of travelers (62%) state they are concerned about the delta variant while traveling, with nearly 1 in 4 (24%) stating they have changed their destination due to an uptick of COVID-19 cases in a particular area,” the survey found. “For those who changed their travel location, most were planning to travel to Florida.”
“This year has undoubtedly been the summer of the road trip, and it’s clear the trend is here to stay as 87% of Labor Day travelers plan to hit the road this upcoming holiday weekend,” said Aaron Bragman, Cars.com’s Detroit bureau chief.
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this is an absolutely awful article ..does not compare apples to apples. Travel is down roughly 9-10% where it should be. Yesterday was 1.85… there is a normal drop off due to September travel being lighter. CHILL. people are out traveling and should continue to do so.
There is always a downtrend at this time due to the start of school. You also need to look at the mask mandate, testing requirements and now vaccine requirements in some places. Add to that the lack of business travelers, rental car shortage, air rage, crappy hotel service, employee shortages, border closures??? Anything else I missed. The airlines are lucky to have business at all.
It’s late August. Look at the TSA numbers. On August 24, 2019 did anyone write “Fewest Flyers Since May 8th!!!”
“Demand for air travel has been steadily rising during the summer. But in recent days we have seen the lowest numbers since back in May 18.”
Just like before the pandemic. It’s a well known phenomena called summer travel.
Exactly-many parts of the country including universities, are back in session. So not super surprising to me. But sure, we’ll blame the new variant.
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Traveling with a mask, especially on a long flight, is really unpleasant. I think a lot of people who have tried it aren’t anxious to travel again until the mask mandate is repealed.