The travel industry is in a real crisis. It's the perfect storm of events that will be hard to contain in the short term but certainly should not come as a surprise. No point in blaming anyone now, the writing has been on the wall for 12 months or more. The minute vaccines were introduced, consideration should have been given to what happens when the floodgates of travel finally open.
At the moment, airline staff are trying to save the sandcastle from the rising tide. You have people missing funerals, weddings, graduations and connections to vacation destinations. Bags are being held up for weeks. Frontline airline staff are stressed, ground crews are in disarray and multiple flights are being delayed or cancelled. Angry passengers are trying to explain their own personal circumstances and desperate situations to overworked and tired staff. Tears flood down the conveyor belt where bags once travelled.
It's easy to just blame the airlines but one needs to understand that these companies through the pandemic stood down thousands of staff, in most cases just to survive and remain in business. This is an industry that didn't just slow down, it stopped dead in the water in some parts of the world. You just don't restart an entire global airline industry that quick. Airlines are struggling to employ staff to cover the workload as there is a critical workforce shortage. Regulations also play a big part, by law aircrews are required minimum breaks between flights and there are just not enough backup crews.
I do although think the airlines could have foreseen this issue earlier. You didn't need to be Nostradamus to understand that everyone is going to want to travel for summer vacations after covid restrictions were lifted.
I think this issue will be replicated in the southern hemisphere through their summer Christmas period with a serious lack of resources and staff in the airline industry. The Australian Government has stated that Australians have saved over 26 million dollars in personal savings throughout the pandemic. That bucket list holiday is looking mighty inviting with those savings.
We have forecast for a long time now that the travel industry, post-pandemic, will see a massive ebb and flow. Like a rising tide, we'll see demand initially surge dramatically then slowly dissipate. High demand means higher prices. As the tide goes out and prices reduce this will only then create demand again. Yes, this is normally associated with a seasonal ebb and flow, but I am forecasting the highs will be much higher and the lows the same. I think travel for the foreseeable future will fluctuate beyond capacity at times meaning many broken dreams from cancelled or delayed flights.
The culmination of so many factors is contributing to so much stress on travellers and airline staff. This has a multiplier effect that flows onto cruises, accommodation, events and attractions.
Here are some tips to consider if you are travelling in the near future or are planning on travelling in the next 12 months. "Be prepared, be very prepared".
Check your passport expiry date now. Renew it well in advance of travelling as passport delays are being reported in many countries. Don't book a 'last-minute' holiday without first checking your passport expiry.
If you are within 5-6 hours of your destination, consider driving or taking a fast train. Especially in Europe with the great fast rail network. For example, those flying from New York to Paris with connecting flights to Amerstdam could consider high-speed rail options from Paris to Amsterdam and avoid any delays or connection issues with luggage. Especially when there are multiple reports of baggage delays.
If you need to fly, consider arriving at least a day before connecting to cruises. Spend the night at a hotel near the airport and relax, rather than stressing about making the connection with tight timeframes and possible delays.
Book the earliest or first flight in the day even if that means setting your alarm clock for 3 am. These early flights are most likely to be least affected by delays or backlogs.
Consider using Airtags in your luggage. These won't stop any airline problems, but you'll be able to see exactly where your luggage is, even if you can't do anything about it.
Review your travel insurance to ensure its comprehensive covering delays and cancellations.
If at all possible, take carry-on luggage only. I know this is sometimes unrealistic, but if you can, now is the time to do it?
Arrive at the airport early, but not too early as you might just contribute to the congestion. It's important to check the best available arrival time with your airline. Be patient, check-in, clear security, find a bar and relax.
Most of all, remember the frontline airline staff are not responsible for this situation. Treat them all respectfully and be patient. While you might be concerned and stressed about making a connecting flight, that staff member has most likely heard how another traveller has missed a funeral, a wedding or other important life event.
This shouldn't deter you from travelling, but we must all do what we can to minimise potential issues. We need a new sense of preparedness in travel. Plan for more lengthy stopovers, look at more flexible options and cover ourselves for the worst-case scenario.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
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