HARRISBURG, Pa. — Despite lingering snow on the ground and chilly temperatures, many families across south-central Pennsylvania have spring break on the mind. Whether it’s for beachside relaxation or a thrill-seeking adventure, folks just want to escape the monotony of being stuck in their homes for nearly a year.
Air travel is already seeing an uptick since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Between Thursday and Monday of the Presidents Day and Valentine's Day weekend, the TSA screened over 5 million people nationwide, with Thursday and Friday exceeding 1 million people each day. It doesn’t seem like much compared to pre-pandemic times but it is a huge improvement from the overall trend since the pandemic started.
Scott Miller, a spokesperson for Harrisburg International Airport, says we are seeing a similar trend here in Pennsylvania. “Last Friday, the 12th, was our busiest day since the pandemic began," he tells FOX43. “We’re hoping to get up to 50%, maybe 60% of where we were two Marchs ago. That’s kind of our bellwether of where we hope to be. We’re at 40% now.”
As far as where people are going, Miller says hot and relaxing destinations are most popular these days. “It’s all leisure travel. There’s still not much business travel taking place, which makes sense. The flights to Florida are very very popular.”
For those who have not ventured out since the start of the pandemic, Miller wants you to be aware of some changes that have been made since the start of the pandemic. “A lot of things [are] done through your smartphone now," he says. "You can still get a boarding pass but most just want to do it by the phone. You go to TSA, same thing. They’re going to want to go through the checkpoint with your electronic boarding pass on your phone so they don’t have to exchange paper back and forth. You get to the gate, same type of thing. Everyone is trying to do as much touchless technology as possible. So use your airline app.” For those who don't have a smartphone, you can still travel. It may just take a bit longer in the airport so plan accordingly.
Miller adds general COVID-19 mitigation efforts like social distancing markers, protective shields, and mask requirements are also in place. Cleaning efforts have also increased. And the long-term parking lot at HIA is closed. Parking is now limited to the garages which are all connected to the airport. This is one more precaution to prevent people from crowding on airport shuttles. The rate to park in the garage is $12 per day.
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