Good News: 7 Positive Signs in the Travel Industry

Good News: 7 Positive Signs in the Travel Industry

Is travel returning to normal? It may not be pre-pandemic normal, but in the past few weeks, we’ve seen some of the most hopeful signs of travel industry recovery since April of last year. Here are just a few positive signs in the travel industry!

1. Delta fills middle seats May 1st
2. Food service returns
3. Hotels selling out
4. New hotels ready for service
5. Airport lounges re-opening
6. Disneyland is open
7. Airlines are prepping for travel boom

1. Delta fills middle seats May 1st

Early in the pandemic airlines began blocking middle seats in order to give passengers more space. Throughout the year we saw each airline open middle seats back up one by one. Delta will officially be the last airline to re-open middle seats beginning May 1st. That’s definitely a milestone! Of course, if your passengers still want a little extra space to themselves, price out a cabin upgrade for them.

2. Food service returns 

Do you remember how we used to complain about the limited food service on board flights? Ah, those were the days. After a year of no in-flight service on many airlines, we really missed that extra service to look forward to! Almost all airlines have now resumed in-flight service. Here’s a bit more information on what to expect.

3. Hotels selling out

During our many conversations with travel agents lately, they keep telling us the same thing. Hotels and resorts are selling out FAST! Some of the most popular properties are booked all the way through the fall. Do you have favorite properties to recommend to your clients? Now is the time to pick up the phone and put your well-earned connections to use. Get the inside scoop on how fast your favorite hotels and resorts are selling out and get the space booked asap!

4. New hotels ready for service

Not only are our old favorites selling out quickly, but brand new ones are ready for reservations! While we were all busy dreaming of future trips this past year, hotel brands around the world were busy preparing for the comeback. Hundreds of really cool new properties popped up in some of the world’s dreamiest destinations. Will your clients be some of the first to check out one of these incredible locations?

5. Airport lounges re-opening

It seems like there was no aspect of the travel industry that COVID did not touch. And airport lounges were one of those things. Only a small handful have remained open over the past year, but that is slowly starting to change. More lounges are opening up. And while familiar amenities such as showers and buffets may stay closed for a while, you will gradually see more options for a place to relax, do some work, and enjoy some refreshments while on the go! For a great, detailed guide to airport lounges in the current climate, take a look at this reference.

6. Disneyland is open

While Florida’s Disney World has been open since July of 2020, Disneyland reopened last Friday… for the first time in foreverrrr! Actually, for the first time in 13 months! And while they are currently only opening for California residents, we imagine it won’t be long before everyone can join the magic.

7. Airlines are prepping for travel boom

As more countries prepare to welcome travelers once again, airlines all over the world are bracing themselves for an influx of business. There are call centers to be staffed again and planes to be prepped for flight. Searches for airfare have shot up and, by some estimations, travelers are spending 20% more for a vacation on average. The furious demand for travel is so strong and sudden that many are calling the phenomenon “revenge travel.” After a year of losing so many important events and experiences to COVID, people are ready for adventure.

Travel agents, we would LOVE to hear what positive things are happening in your world! We’ve heard so many positive things from you over the phone and by email the past few weeks. Keep the good news coming — drop us a comment below!