The drop in air travel continues to affect airports and airlines across the country.
Denver International Airport (DIA) reported just over 300,000 people passed through the hub between December 20 and 27, a 45-percent drop from last year. In 2019, more than 555,000 people passed through DIA.
While it's a significant decrease from last year, Thanksgiving saw much lower numbers. At DIA, there was a 60-percent drop in travelers compared to the previous year's Thanksgiving travel window. Across the nation, 1.17 million travelers were screened by TSA on the Sunday following Thanksgiving this year, compared to a record-breaking 2.9 million on the Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2019.
The drop in air travel is a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted plans across the country and forced many to rethink flying. DIA and other airports continue to enhance their safety measures to keep travelers comfortable while in the air and the terminal. Some airports are now offering COVID-19 rapid tests available within 20 to 30 minutes. The tests, which cost $200 without insurance, are available in terminals at five airports:
- Denver International Aiport
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- Boston Logan International Airport
- JFK International Airport
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Since requiring masks and social distancing in May, DIA has introduced various safety measures and guidelines to keep travelers safe and comfortable while passing through. At-risk travelers can use VeriFly to reserve their own train cars and times to pass through TSA. Eats Delivered allows you to order food on your phone, and someone will deliver it to where you're sitting—by your gate, at a table, etc.
Read more of DIA's COVID-19 guidelines and measures here.
Did you fly over Christmas week? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.