Despite the ongoing pandemic, this holiday travel season is already exceeding the numbers seen during Thanksgiving weekend. Social media feeds are filled with posts from family and friends who downplay COVID-19, while stores are crowded and families continue to let their children sit on unmasked Santa’s lap. As COVID cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities reach alarming highs, many remain undeterred, choosing to travel by air, inevitably contributing to a further increase in cases.
According to The Washington Post, air travel in the days leading up to Christmas surpassed 1 million passengers per day for three consecutive days. This spike marks the highest weekend travel volume since the pandemic began, breaking the previous record set during Thanksgiving. Over the past Friday to Sunday, a staggering 3.2 million passengers were screened.
These travelers are moving forward against the guidance of health experts, including the CDC, who aim to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as healthcare systems face immense pressure. Many hospitals are nearing capacity due to the surge of cases, resulting in potential delays for patients seeking care for other conditions. Yet, some prioritize family visits over public safety, leading to eye rolls from those who understand the gravity of the situation.
The weekends surrounding Thanksgiving were also record-breakers, with traveler totals of 3,052,139 prior to the holiday and 2,961,120 afterward. This surge has led to significant increases in COVID-19 cases in several states shortly thereafter. While airports are doing their best to implement safety measures—like enhanced sanitation protocols—these efforts may only provide a false sense of security.
Amid these challenges, the TSA has adjusted regulations regarding hand sanitizer, allowing one 12-ounce container in carry-on luggage, as long as it is screened separately, which may slow down the security process. Nonetheless, while over 3 million travelers during a global pandemic is troubling, it is still less than half of the numbers from the same period last year.
The CDC emphasizes that travel increases the risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19, recommending that individuals postpone travel and stay home to protect themselves and others. For those who must travel, the agency advises getting a flu vaccine, wearing masks, and washing hands frequently. Ultimately, the safest course of action remains staying home.
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In summary, the pre-Christmas travel surge highlights a concerning trend of increased air travel despite the ongoing pandemic. It underscores the ongoing struggle between personal desires and public health recommendations as families prioritize holiday gatherings.
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