US prepares for large influx of vaccinated tourists

You USA get a flood of international visitors crossing their borders by air and land from Monday (8) after lifting travel restrictions for much of the world’s population that had been first imposed in early 2020 to combat the spread gives Covid-19.

United Airlines’ expected volume is about 50% higher in total international passengers arriving in the country on Monday compared to last Monday, when about 20,000 were counted.

And Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian warned travelers to prepare for the front rows in the first few days.

“It’s going to be a little tricky at first. I can guarantee that there will be queues, unfortunately”, said Bastian, creating that the company “will solve this”.

Delta said that in the last six weeks since the US reopening was announced, it has seen a 450% increase in bookings at international points of sale compared to the six weeks prior to the announcement.

White House spokesman Kevin Munoz said on Twitter: “As we expect high demand once the US lifts existing air and ground travel restrictions on Monday, we are taking critical steps to prepare, such as making additional resources available . “

The Biden administration has made several calls with US airlines to prepare them for the large influx of travelers who will begin arriving at US airports and has warned travelers crossing Canada and Mexico by land or ferry to get ready for longer waits from Monday.

For Bhavna Patel, a flight from London will take her to New York on Monday to see her first grandchild after more than a year of watching him grow up via FaceTime.

The previous rules barred most non-US citizens who, in the previous 14 days, were in 33 countries – the 26 Schengen Agreement countries in Europe (no border controls), China, India, South Africa, Iran, Brazil, Great Britain and Ireland.

The US Travel group said countries represent 53% of all foreign visitors to the United States in 2019 and as border communities were hardest hit by the loss of tourists crossing from Mexico and Canada.

The group estimates that the drop in international tourism “has resulted in nearly $300 billion in lost export revenue” since March 2020.

US airlines are increasing flights to the Europe and other destinations that were affected by the restrictions. And they’re planning events on Monday, with executives welcoming travelers on some of the first flights.