Just days before entry to the US is set to be made easier for travelers around the world, Delta Airlines have reported a surge in activity that suggests travelers are taking advantage of the restrictions easing for the first time this pandemic. From November 8th, new regulations surrounding entry to the US will go live, making travel to the country easier for non-citizens from the UK and countries within the EU, whilst also making returning home easier for American travelers heading in the other direction.
The latest findings prove that demand for travel is high amongst those in the US, with international travel figures set to rise once more alongside domestic travel figures, which have remained high in the US despite staff shortages and sporadic mass cancelations. Here's a look at the demand for international travel, and a reminder of what is set to change tomorrow.
International Bookings Soar – Information For Travelers
After this year's much-heralded travel-packed summer of travel failed to get off the ground thanks to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, it comes as little surprise that Americans have been itching to get on an airplane and travel the world once more. With cases falling, levels of vaccination rising and entry restrictions dropping in most parts of the world, it seems like there could well be a winter of travel on the cards for many American travelers.
Delta Airlines have all but confirmed this will be the case by revealing just how much the demand for travel has hit their airline. According to Delta, the six weeks following the announcement that the US would be reopening saw a 450% in international bookings compared to the six week period before the announcement was made.
Delta is set to find themselves front and center of the demand for travel, with the airline operating as many as 139 flights from 55 international destinations – across 38 countries – that are set to land in the United States on the day the restrictions are eased, with a passenger capacity that exceeds 25,000 seats. This will be achieved through connection with its international partner airlines, which include the likes of Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic.
Delta have also recently streamlined their entry requirements for international travelers in order to try and combat long wait times and queues during what is set to be a manic period of travel. This news is set to be a relief to many travelers, who have been told to expect waiting times of up to eight hours in some of the busier airports in the US.
Speaking about the restrictions easing, Delta's Chief Executive Ed Bastian said:
“This is the start of a new era for travel and for many people around the world who have not been able to see loved ones for almost two years. While we have seen many countries reopen their borders to American visitors over the summer, our international customers have not been able to fly with us or visit the United States. All of that changes now.”
From tomorrow, fully vaccinated citizens and residents and foreigners will need proof of vaccination along with an antigen test taken within three days of travel. Unvaccinated citizens and residents will need an antigen test taken within 24 hours of travel. Unvaccinated foreigners will not be able to enter.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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