Number of People Flying is on The Rise

Personally, I don't think I would have a problem right now jumping on a plane and traveling somewhere. As a matter of fact, it sounds pretty awesome right about now.

I definitely didn't feel that way back in March when we really started to realize the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. When that first hit, I didn't want to go anywhere.

I don't think it comes as a big surprise to anyone that the air travel industry took a major hit during the coronavirus pandemic. At the time, the thought of traveling anywhere seemed terrifying.

According to WDIV & Transportation Security Administration data, in March, the number of fliers was already significantly lower than the year before. But in less than one week, it dropped by more than half — from 1,519,192 fliers to 548,132. And airports reached a low of 87,534 travelers on April 14 of this year, compared to the same time last year at 2,208,688.

If you're planning on traveling anytime soon, you'll notice things have changed a bit since life prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

Changes from TSA:

• Travelers must hold on to their boarding pass instead of handing it to an agent.
• Food must be placed separately from other items when going through the X-ray screening.
• TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. It will be screened separately.
• Passengers are encouraged to wear facial protection, and all TSA agents at security will be wearing facial coverings. 
• Passengers will be encouraged to practice social distancing while waiting to go through security. TSA agents will do the same.
• Some TSA officers optionally will wear eye protection and clear plastic face shields at some locations.
• TSA officers will continue the practice of changing gloves after each pat-down.
• Plastic shielding has been installed at many travel document checking podiums, divest, bag search and drop-off locations.
• There will be routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces in the screening checkpoint area.