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November of 2020 marked the first real victory against the coronavirus. Pfizer and BioNTech announced their COVID-19 vaccine candidate was more than 90 percent effective in preventing volunteers from contracting the virus. In early 2021, several other pharmaceutical companies released their vaccine candidates and millions of vaccines were distributed around the world.
Now, NPR reports that more than half of the adults in the United States are vaccinated against COVID-19. The U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program went from zero to 50 percent in less than six months. In response to this incredible feat and the drastic reduction in COVID-19 cases, the Center for Disease Control updated its travel guidelines. Vaccinated individuals can now safely travel domestically. If you are flying within the U.S., you do not need to get tested or self-quarantine if you are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months. International travel restrictions are also beginning to lift in many countries.
Vaccinations are opening the door to business travel and vacation plans. But what will travel look like in this changing landscape? Will things go back to normal or will the coronavirus forever change the way we travel?
Private Charters are on the Rise
Since the beginning of the pandemic, private charters have seen a significant uptick in bookings. According to the Robb Report, first-time private aviation customers grew by 300 percent in 2020 as travelers sought to follow social distancing guidelines.
Now, many passengers are continuing to rely on private aviation. Once they fly private, they aren’t eager to turn back. Especially when charter membership programs, like Sky Pass, make private aviation flexible, convenient and accessible with inclusive, fixed-rates.
Making Up For Lost Time
Many travelers wish to make up for lost time. John Bevan, CEO of Dnata Travel Group, told CNN the average booking value increased by about 20 percent. Travelers are splurging on lavish accommodations and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. With so many vacations canceled and special trips postponed, they want to make their next trip extraordinary. Now is the time to safely go whale watching in Alaska, heli-skiing in the Rockies or sit courtside at the all-star game.
Traveling With Family
Travel experts also note they’ve seen an increase in large family groups vacationing together. Many families were separated for more than a year – not gathering for holidays and other special occasions out of consideration for high-risk relatives. Now, these families are vaccinated and ready to spend time with each other. Most people have spent more time at home in the last year than ever before and are ready to explore.
Travel Across the Pond
Search engine data shows that travelers are making plans to fly to Europe. After a year without museums, concerts or much in the way of culture, European cities are expected to be a popular vacation destination. People are eager to enjoy the fine dining, the architecture and the je ne sais quoi that makes Europe so unique.
Many people also have an excess of unused vacation time that makes this year perfect for longer trips abroad. People have not only missed the chance to travel, but also missed the opportunity to dream and plan their next big vacation. With so many iconic destinations, Europe is the perfect place to break out of your routine and experience something new.
Omni Air Transport
No matter where you travel, Omni Air Transport is committed to your health and safety. We continue to update our policies and procedures to reflect current CDC guidelines. In addition to our enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices we follow all state and federal recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Omni COVID-19 Policies
Learn more by reading our Up-to-Date Travel Restrictions
For business or leisure travel, charter opens up a world of possibilities. Like you, at Omni Air Transport, we are ready to explore and experience all the wonderful destinations that are now accessible thanks to the COVID vaccine. We are grateful to everyone that made it possible to get Omni and our valued clients flying safely.
Learn more about private charter with Omni Air Transport by calling (918) 836-3131.
