Are you planning to travel this year? Here’s what you need to know before you book your flight and go to the airport.
Gone are the days of the $ 30 airfare that should attract business when the pandemic grounded almost everyone. Millions of people stuck at home last year give in to the urge to travel – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last week traveling is safe for those who are fully vaccinated – and start booking airline seats. The prices for these seats are rising, said Scott Miller, spokesman for Harrisburg International Airport.
The cheapest domestic leisure fares on March 15 were 26 percent lower than a similar week in 2019, but rose more than 6 percent from a week earlier, according to a CNBC report as quoted Harrell Associates, a company that tracks airfares. Average recreational prices were close to $ 187, nearly 9% more than a similar time in 2019, the report said.
“Domestic airfares are rising. While there are still discounts available, they no longer fall into the lap of consumers, ”JP Morgan airline analyst Jamie Baker told CNBC.
And those annoying exchange fees? USA Today reports That the waivers of airlines introduced during the pandemic, which allow travelers to change or cancel tickets without the usual penalties, are already beginning to forego basic economy tickets. So when you buy, be sure to check out the little guy. Miller suggests that travel insurance is an option to protect your money.
Airlines are pushing to ease COVID-19 restrictions so they can add more seats or expand international flights. The conditions people need to fly in are changing rapidly, and HIA officials say the best advice they can give is to always check for the latest information before booking or flying.
Here are some updates from nearby airports:
Baltimore / Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport
Parking: When it reopens, the parking price for BWI Marshall Airport Long Term A is 8 USD per day, the regular price. The daily garage and hourly garage at BWI Marshall Airport operated at reduced daily rates of USD 8 and USD 12, respectively, during the pandemic and are gradually being converted to regular prices. Starting April 15, the daily garage rate is $ 10 per day and the hourly garage rate is $ 16 per day. The resumption of regular prices for the daily garage ($ 12 per day) and hourly garage ($ 22 per day) is currently scheduled for October 1st.
Airlines: Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor, Contour Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, Express by Southern Airways, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country Airlines, United, Apple Vacations, Vacation Express
Social distancing: Travelers are asked to stay six feet apart when going through security and waiting in the gated area. Masks are required.
New Destinations: BWI announced a new non-stop service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Arrival and pick-up: Updates are published daily and are available Here for the latest information.
TSA Protocols: Updates include placing items in your carry-on racks in place of bins, lowering the mask for ID verification, and keeping others 6 feet away at all times.
Harrisburg International Airport
Parking: Long-term parking is currently closed. The cost of parking at HIA is $ 12 flat rate for both short-term and long-term parking.
Airlines: Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, United
Social Distancing: Travelers are asked to stay 6 feet apart when going through security and waiting in the gated area. Masks are required.
New goals: none
TSA Protocols: Updates include placing items in your carry-on racks in place of bins, lowering the mask for ID verification, and keeping others 6 feet away at all times.
Philadelphia International Airport
Parking: All parking garages are open. Prices vary and can be found Here. The PHL car parks offer $ 16 per day on the upper floors for passengers staying 72 hours or more.
Airlines: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, East, Frontier, Icelandair, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, Qatar, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country Airlines and United.
Social distancing: Travelers are asked to stay six feet apart when going through security and waiting in the gated area. Masks are required. Passengers are encouraged to carefully plan and prepare their trip using resources such as PHL.org/COVID19 and OrderatPHL.com for safe, contactless delivery of food.
New Destinations: American Airlines added a route to Asheville, North Carolina and Bozeman, Montana, starting April. Traverse City, Michigan; and Salt Lake City, all starting June.
Arrival: Passengers are requested to arrive 2 hours earlier for domestic flights and 3 hours earlier for international flights to accommodate new safety and social distancing procedures.
Pick-up: Drivers meeting passengers should wait in the cell phone waiting area, which is less than a minute from the arrival terminal.
TSA Protocols: Updates include placing items in your carry-on racks in place of bins, lowering the mask for ID verification, and keeping others 6 feet away at all times.
