In travel news for April 18, 2022 we have an update from the CDC, American Airlines, and we talk about the recent increases in airfare prices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dropped all countries from it’s highest COVID risk category. The CDC is changing how they define risk designation moving forward. Starting today, the Level 4 risk category will be labeled as “Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel” and will be reserved for extreme scenarios. The Level 4 designation means that there is a very high level of COVID cases and should be avoided by all travelers regardless of vaccination status.
In March the average price for airfare around the world increased by 20% according to CNBC. Staffing problems are one of the main reasons for the sharp increase in price, many airlines have been decreasing the number of flights on their schedules as they continue to hire and Train necessary staff. Rising fuel prices are another key factor with the cost of jet fuel having risen by about 50% since the beginning of the year. The increase in airfare has not slowed demand, many airlines continue to see strong demand moving forward into the summer travel months.
It’s been two years since passengers of American Airlines could order an alcoholic beverage but that’s now changed. Starting today on flights of greater then 250 miles passengers aboard American Airlines flights can order beer, wine, and spirits. American, like many other airlines, stopped serving alcohol in the early days of the pandemic and was slow to resume sales given the sharp spike in unruly behavior. American will continue to provide non-alcoholic beverages and snacks and will start to phase in new menu items throughout the year. Other airlines have already brought back inflight alcohol sales, including United and SouthWest Airlines.