The increase of travel this weekend is a sign that ‘back to normal’ is getting closer; however, there is still quite a ways to go. The over two million travelers this past Friday only amounts to 74% of travel on June 11, 2019.
The condition of airlines in the United States
During 2020, airlines suffered major hits. Companies like Delta, United, Southwest, etc., had no choice but to lay off workers. Not only did profits significantly decrease, but the reduction in travel greatly reduced the need for many airline workers.
Even as travel rates increase in 2021, airlines are far from profitable; in fact, they are still losing money, as things currently stand. However, airlines do remain hopeful that the summer time will engender a boom in travel that ultimately contributes to their bottom line.
While international travel remains much lower than previous times, domestic travel has reached its pre-COVID levels. With the rise in travelers, however, people are advised to arrive at airports at least several hours before their flights are scheduled to depart.
