CHARLOTTE – Last we really do need to talk about airlines. Even though airlines got more “Sympathy Headlines” than the rest of the travel industry, they got a far higher percentage of government assistance than any other sector of the Travel Industry, including Travel Consultants. That becomes very evident when one researches how many Hotels, Resorts, Travel Agencies, and Bus Companies perished during Covid, compared with how many airlines perished. There are actually more airlines doing business in the world today than there were pre-Covid. During the downturn in travel, many of the upscale aircraft were mothballed in the desert. During the recent recovery, Barbara and I have traveled since January and found ourselves on the workhorse 737 more times than we care to remember. Fuel efficient,intermediate-range, and with a low employee to passenger requirement, the 737 ruled the air, along with 1 or 2 others. Some of the flights we took could have been served by wide-body aircraft, that may have been replaced due to passenger occupancy levels or efficiency. Whatever the reasons, it seems airlines were very slow to bring widebody aircraft back into service. I was more than pleased when I was able to book 3 of our local residents on a United Airlines 777 to Hawaii. They enjoyed “Lie Flat” seating and full service for the flight. The new 787 Dreamliner has been added to the fleet for several airlines. Itis equipped with “Lie Flat Pods” in which you get lie flatbeds along with a TV and walls surrounding you. Once Europe opens up fully again, I anticipate we can get you on these widebody jets once again. At this time most of Europe is talking about only allowing fully vaccinated visitors. Please stay in touch with your Travel Consultant if you are planning any European travel soon, but please start planning.

Please call Phil or Barbara at (980) 406-1650.  We are proud members of the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce.