This Holiday Travel Season Could Scare You But Not Why You Think

Last year travel was almost scary because of Covid was in full effect and people didn't know what to expect. Although some people were still taking flights the planes were nearly empty and airports were a breeze to get through. This year will not be the same. According to experts vaccinated Americans will be able to travel and airlines hope that travel in 2021 will help make up for depreciated travel from 2020.

Although it's late October, there are many things that can cause a scare for this season's holiday travel. It isn't because of vaccinations or airport security. The scare will come from the economic changes large companies are creating to make up for last year's profits. It will also come from issues with the vaccine and who has taken it.

Did you know that only 60% of the TSA workers are vaccinated? This means those that are not vaccinated could get sick or get others sick int he process of getting travellers screened. This can be a scary thought for travellers who are vaccinated, because although the vaccine is said to help with Covid, those who have had both shots still report being able to catch Covid and get sick. A TSA Agent or Transportations Security Officer has many jobs at the airport. According to the Transportation Security Administration, "TSA are the face of the agency, the people on the front lines and the most important role at TSA". These are the people that screen the passengers and their luggage for safety prior to passing through to your airport gate for departure. According to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Statistics, In 2020, there were 21,928,708 people that passed through the Arizona Sky Harbor Airport. The lowest number since 2007. In 2019, there were 46,288,337 people that passed through the airport. They airlines are hoping to end the year with much higher numbers than 2020.

Some states like New York are requiring all TSA workers to be vaccinated by the end of November. If they do not comply they could have disciplinary actions taken, if they don't have an exemption or medical note.

Active travel restrictions could cause issues. Many states have lifted their traveling restrictions, but two states still have full active restrictions. According to Ballot Pedia, the two states with restrictions are Hawaii and Kansas. To enter Hawaii you must have a negative Covid-19 test or be fully vaccinated with a card to prove it. Otherwise you will have to quarantine for 10 days. To enter Kansas, if you are not fully vaccinated you will have to quarantine for 10 days.

We are not sure if more places will start having a vaccine policy for entry. This is one thing that could shake up the plans of traveler's and their families.

Flights have increased 55% in the last few months. According to Hopper, a travel app that keeps track of travel data and uses a prediction algorithm to make recommendations, Christmas flights have gone up by 55% from 2020 and although international travel has been more difficult they are up 30%. Hotel prices have risen by 40% from 2021 and nothing is expected to go down in the next couple of months.

We knew that cost would have to be made up somehow with travel, but these numbers can be scary when traveling with a family for the holidays.

Everything else is getting more expensive. If you haven't noticed that things around you, such as gas, housing, etc has started to increase as well. Currently, gas in Arizona is about $3.55/gal. According to AAA the national average gas price is $3.389. The highest is $4.114. So don't get to comfortable thinking you will drive the long distance instead of fly. You have to watch out for all the other high priced travel expenses.

With everything going on in the world of travel. You have to figure out what will work best for you and your family this holiday season. Contributing factors will be vaccination concerns, hotels cost, flight cost, fuel cost, time and money. Don't get scared out of a lovely holiday season. Make plans early and remember, other people are looking to travel and visit family as well. Stay safe, stay focused and stay traveling. Happy Travels.