Memorial Day Travel 2022
This past holiday weekend, we saw a lot of flight delays and cancellations. In fact as of noon yesterday, 1,051 flights had been delayed within, into or out of the United States and 342 were cancelled, according to FlightAware. What was the cause of this and what does this signal for summer travel?
According to airlines like Delta and American, these delays and cancellations were the result of severe weather in Miami and Denver. However, these delays are also the product of the surge travel this summer, combined with airlines reducing service due to fuel costs, covid cases and lack of staff. The pandemic exacerbated a pilot shortage by slowing down training and hiring - whilst creating a wave of early retirements in order to cut labor bills. The problem is that the process to become airline-qualified in the U.S. is lengthy and expensive, making the barrier to entry high. This combined with the rising cost of fuel and gas means for summer travel is that prices are going to rise and there will inevitably be some disruptions. Yet despite this - pent-up demand for travel means that people are definitely going to be out in force this year. The reason for that is, last year at this time, we were still coming off covid-19 restrictions and not everything was open. Now there's also fewer mask mandates and fewer restrictions.
So how can people best prepare for travel this summer?
Think outside the box and plan ahead. Maybe this isn't the year to fork out for expensive flights and expensive destinations. Take into consideration how far you want to go and mode of transportation, the size of your family, and how many days you can afford to be away. I know in my family, after a few years of feeling disconnected from culture and the outdoors, we are looking to include that in our travel (without having to pay to go abroad.) I have recently come across picturesque destinations like Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania - which grants access to The East Broad Top Railroad - a 150 year old railroad that recently started running again. As a National Historic Landmark, the train allows visitors to step back in time on a train ride through the natural landscape - aboard the only original narrow-gauge railroad east of the Rocky Mountains still in operation. The best part is that train tickets are only $20.00 per adult and $18.00 per child.
Are there some good destinations/options travelers should consider?
It's always smart to pick a hidden gem or consider all inclusive in a destination that might be 'off season' like Florida. Despite the weather warming up, it doesn't really get into the thick of rainy season until you hit late July/August. Places like Key Largo are just over an hour away from Miami Airport, making it an easy three day trip. The Bungalows Key Largo is a great adults all inclusive for example - that boasts everything from floating tiki boats – to sunset catamaran cruises, fine dining, two pools, a spa and more. You could also consider a shorter stay a boutique hotel within driving distance. In my case the summer hotspot of Rhode Island is just over two hours away where you can find hotels like The Shore House in Narragansett - which mixes nautical and traditional Victorian charm with convenient proximity to Newport and all that the area has to offer- from world class beaches to incredible seafood.