Travel has picked up in a big way, but most travelers say they are worried the Delta variant is going to affect their plans. Travel can get expensive even if you get a good deal on flights, there are additional costs like hotel and food to think about. With that kind of expense, a new survey shows travelers are worried COVID will derail their plans again this year.
Airlines have seen a spike in the number of people wanting to travel, and it's caused problems around airports nation wide because there has not been enough staff to keep up with the number of travelers.
"People are have been very antsy after a year plus being bottled up. people have gotten their vaccinations. a lot of the world is opened to Americans. people want to travel," says Willis Orlando, Flight Expert, Scott's Cheap Flights.
Now there is a new question-- how will the Delta variant impact travel. Scott's Cheap Flights asked its members how they are feeling about travel. Most people- about 75-percent- say they are somewhat or very worried about the Delta variant, and a similar number say the Delta variant has impacted travel plans in some way. About 25-percent say they will only be flying domestically for now.
Despite the tension, Orlando says he expects travel to remain possible for vaccinated Americans.
"We don't expect to see wholesale border closures like we saw pre-vaccines. We may see tighter restrictions. Counties like Spain who have said Americans can come no matter what-- they may go back to their previous status where they said if you are vaccinated or can show a negative test, then you can enter," says Orlando.
Most surveyed travelers say they are comfortable with these protections, saying that a place's vaccination rates would impact their decision to visit, as would COVID case counts. If you are a vaccinated traveler, do have your proof of vaccination card handy. even for domestic trips. Some places are requiring them before you can enter a building or a show. If COVID case counts are a concern, you may be required to wear a face mask indoors even if you are vaccinated.
For more local news delivered straight to your inbox sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.