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As the world resurfaces after two years of pandemic lockdowns, and many people across the country are finally ready to fly again, airlines around the world are trying to deal with the unprecedented demand they are facing.
Excited travelers have been locked up for more than two years and are just eager for their next summer vacation.
There is no doubt that people are willing and able to fly by plane, so much so that airport staff and airlines can hardly keep up.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, declared that March 2022 was the airline’s best-selling month in its history. Airlines fly across the country with record passenger loads, and airports suffer from unbearably long wait times for passengers.
The airline industry has surely experienced the worst of the disruption due to COVID, and no other sector has been facing so many financial damages, restrictions and changes over the past couple of years.
Attempting to revive the airline industry from these hardships takes time because at the heart of all the challenges that airlines face is a staff shortage.
The workforce is the heart of any flight operation.
Yes, there is an aircraft shortage that has effectively ended airlines’ entire summer routes this year and reduced operations on other routes, but staff shortages at airlines and airports are the real cause of potential summertime chaos.
Without proper staffing, airlines are collapsing under increased demand, which is exactly what is currently happening and will likely continue this summer.
Hiring airline employees can take months between grueling background checks and lengthy training assessments.
The result: a recipe for disaster now that the demand for air travel is back and airlines simply cannot meet that demand.
The question travelers should ask themselves now is:
“How do I navigate this chaotic summer of travel?”
Passengers can’t control the shortage of staff and planes, but they can control how they prepare for the flight.
One of the simplest ways to make your life a lot easier for your trip this year is to submit your travel documents early!
Many airlines will allow you to check-in for your flights 24 hours before departure if you can provide them with your travel documents. This will include proof of your vaccination, as well as a negative Covid test.
Some airlines will let you send your documents directly to them for verification, but there is an app called VeriFly that works with many airlines on this issue.
Using the VeriFly app is a great way for travelers to save themselves from long lines at the airport.
VeriFly is a free and secure digital health app developed for airlines that allows users to upload vaccination and test records and complete health checks before boarding the airport.
American Airlines, Alaska, Iberia, and British Airways are a few of the airlines that they, along with other airlines of the world, use to simplify the documentation process needed for passengers to check-in for their flights.
Once your documents have been successfully verified using the app, you will be able to check in at the airport on a separate line designed for VeriFly travelers. This makes the whole process much easier and faster.
Consider enrolling in Global Entry
Signing up for the Global Entry program is a great way to save some time at the airport and avoid the lines. A trusted US travel program that allows you to enter the country quickly and efficiently. A big advantage of this program is that you will also get a TSA PreCheck.
Another option is CLEAR, Quick way to enter security lanes at many major airportsincluding Phoenix, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Denver, and many more. While it is a pay-per-play service, it can make a huge difference in reducing the travel problems of frequent flyers.
Book direct flights
It can be tempting to book a flight with multiple layovers to save a few dollars. However, this travel season is considering booking your next trip with the fewest stops possible. The fewer flights you take to your destination, the less likely you are to be delayed or cancelled.
minimum:
No matter where you’re headed this summer, expect longer-than-usual queues and waiting times. However, if you want to make this travel season as painless as possible, plan ahead, get all of your ducks in a row before you travel, and make sure you sign up for Global Entry (TSA PreCheck).
Use the VeriFly app and make your life easier by submitting all your travel documents ahead of time.
Read more:
Travel insurance covering Covid-19 for 2022
5 busiest airports in the US and how to beat the queues
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions It can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm entry of your citizenship and/or any changes to travel requirements prior to travel. Travel Off Path does not endorse travel against government warnings
