This is going to make a lot of people planning international travel very happy.
In this post:
US ending testing requirement as of June 12, 2022
It’s being reported that the Biden administration plans to end its testing requirement for inbound international travelers to the United States as of midnight on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
Under the current rules, travelers bound for the United States (regardless of vaccination status) need to get a rapid antigen or PCR test within one calendar day of starting their return journey to the United States.
Apparently this comes as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer feels this is necessary “based on the science and data.” For now this is being positioned as a suspension of the testing requirement, and it’s stated that the decision will be reassessed in 90 days, depending on the situation at the time.
The current testing requirement has been in place since January 2021, around the time that Biden first took office.
The travel industry will no doubt be excited about this development, since this has been a major point of concern for international travelers, given the risk of getting stuck abroad.
This is fantastic news
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is thrilled to see this news. Personally I find it disappointing that this policy stayed in place for so long, but I guess this change is better late than never, right?
Over recent months we’ve seen many countries drop testing requirements related to travel. This typically coincided with countries also dropping mask requirements and other coronavirus-related measures.
The reality is that for quite some time now, just about the only context in which the United States has had federal coronavirus-related restrictions has been for international travelers.
Even beyond the science not making much sense, the reality is that the international travel testing industry has become a complete money grab, and really shady.
Bottom line
The United States will finally be ending its international testing requirement as of June 12, 2022, which is welcome news. Travelers bound for the United States will no longer need to present a negative coronavirus test result within one calendar day of travel.
This is coming ahead of what should be a very busy summer for international travel, so this will save travelers lots of money and headaches.
What do you make of the US finally lifting its travel testing requirement?
Qatar airways coronavirus requirements link dhs give website, however dhs has not updated their requirements, can someone find out which websites have to be updated before an airline decides to waive the test requirements, please help, I am flying next week and want to avoid spending money if it's not required
It never made sense that Toronto to NYC (say) by plane required a test but not by bus or train.
Just checked in Lisbon going to Miami this morning June 12. Agent asked only for passports, didnt want to see even the vaccination cards. So glad this unnecessary madness is over..
I did that
Wait is the WH commenting on here
Ending that utter nonsense was LONG overdue. There remains the stupid discriminatory bans on the unvaccinated that need to go, with Canada being the worst culprit.
I flew from Zurich to Chicago on June 7 and a negative test was not required.
What about for foreign citizens that enter the United States? Even when testing was not a requirement if coming from certain countries or in certain situations foreign citizens needed it. Some did not need it if they were vaccinated.
It’s about time. I guess Sleepy Joe finally woke up from his nap.
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American Guest
June 10, 2022, 9:51 pm
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Steve Guest
June 12, 2022, 12:52 am
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1 more replyDon't you have some Mike Lindell TV to get back to?
who is he?
Why is this a Yay?!? Cases are up. Now more people will die and have long term effects from long Covid.
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Speedbird Guest
June 11, 2022, 3:42 am
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Watson Diamond
June 11, 2022, 3:48 am
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Alan Diamond
June 11, 2022, 1:52 pm
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ConcordeBoy Diamond
June 11, 2022, 12:37 pm
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3 more repliesLong covid has already been debunked along with a lot of the lies that they told. Time to move on, it's not 2020 anymore.
@Joe: There's no proven correlation between testing on arrival and increase in cases.
@speedbird: Long covid is real; there are studies coming out weekly about different effects.
In a French study half of those reporting the effects of long covid had NEVER even had covid.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2785832
So while it may be true for a few, it definitely is not nearly as prevalent as we are led to believe.
There was never testing required for domestic ops (that's 600Million annual pax in the USA alone), nor ever at land borders, and they stopped testing at seaports long ago... so what makes aircraft so special?
This NEVER made sense.
What a bad joke it was, one of the worst-performing covid-19 countries self-righteously mandating tests for entry. Travellers were far more liable to contract the disease in the US than bring it there from outside. But typical American hypocrisy. Glad someone's seen the light.
Unfortunately someone forgot to tell the cruise lines. You still have to test before getting on a cruise.
Remember always follow the science
Thank You Biden Administration
Cases are rising this summer just like inflation so masked up
Based on science. That’s good. Effective only on Sunday because today and tomorrow Covid is still a bad guy.
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Watson Diamond
June 10, 2022, 4:21 pm
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Hobbs Guest
June 11, 2022, 8:43 am
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Watson Diamond
June 12, 2022, 12:56 am
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2 more repliesI mean that's obviously to give airlines enough time to inform all their staff.
Some airline employees removed their masks mid flight after the court ruling. How much time do you need to say "no more."
I guarantee there were more that didn't, because they didn't find out until they landed. And even more still that were off the clock and didn't find out until they clocked in. The point is to avoid having different employees with different information, which would lead to chaos at the airport.
This is good news in nearly every way. The exception: international airfares, which have remained unusually low (especially compared to domestic fares) due to suppressed demand. But I'll gladly take the trade off.
Does this mean that visitors to the US no longer need to be vaccinated?
Good news! Glad to see finally have an administration that does things based on science.
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Regis Guest
June 10, 2022, 4:24 pm
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Gaurav Community Ambassador
June 10, 2022, 8:52 pm
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1 more reply100% based on politics = midterms + disastrous approval ratings.
International travelers are a miniscule part of the US electorate and this would be no where near the top of anyone's political issues.
I'm flying in to JFK via HEL with a 22 hr layover. Would've meant a fresh test in HEL costing about $85. Not to mention the additional stress from fear of testing positive. Boy, am I relieved.
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Anthony Parr Guest
June 10, 2022, 4:47 pm
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Susan Guest
June 10, 2022, 5:33 pm
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Franklin Guest
June 10, 2022, 6:20 pm
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Watson Diamond
June 11, 2022, 3:49 am
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Split Infinitive Guest
June 12, 2022, 1:45 pm
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4 more repliesIf your trip was all on one ticket, it would have been 24 hours before departure form you starting pint. All moot now anyway.
Unless you’re on a oneworld airline that uses VeriFLY. They confirmed to me less than a week ago that they only validate testing for the last, rather than the first flight, even when ticketed as a connection on the same PNR, contrary to (current) CDC requirements. Probably due to incorrect BA instructions. Forced me to do tests two days in a row.
Who uses verFLY though? Just check your documents at the counter.
@Franklin: Yeah Verifly is a garbage app. Tried it with BA both with and without my middle name, and in neither case did it actually sync to my PNR.
The guidance says if you exit the airport (which I am) then you will need a fresh test, unless there was no possibility of a getting a routing that had a shorter layover.
Would I entrust my travel plans to interpretation of the rule to an airline check in agent whose principal job perk is a polyester tie? I don't think so. :-)
So I am glad it is a moot point.
I just hope the airlines get the news.
I'm flying home Monday on Iberian. I'll check ahead of time to make sure they know I don't need the test.
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Never In Doubt Guest
June 10, 2022, 3:26 pm
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Watson Diamond
June 10, 2022, 4:19 pm
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1 more replyI gotta believe by Monday they should be clued in.
For those flying early Sunday? Your mileage may vary.
Just gotta show the OMAAT article to the check-in agent. /s
Awesome and welcome news for me personally and I am sure for all international travelers returning to the US.
I am currently in Turkey with my family and other than the hassle factor, biggest fear was what if one of us tests positive. You are scheduled to return home in less than 24 hours but all your plans are out the window.
So happy I don't have to worry about it.
I have been to a couple of countries these past 6 months where you automatically test positive unless you come to an "arrangement". They do adapt quickly...
Now the only US based travel industry that requires testing are cruise ships departing from the US. Its required pre-cruise, so hopefully that is the next domino to fall......
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Anthony Diamond
June 10, 2022, 12:46 pm
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Darren Guest
June 10, 2022, 1:03 pm
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Duane Guest
June 10, 2022, 2:03 pm
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2 more repliesHonestly testing pre-cruise makes sense, just like testing before events.
No it doesn’t make sense. You are testing for something very few people know they have. It makes no sense.
Not just departing the US. We had to test from our cruise in Italy.
And in the blink of an eye, the entire bloodsucking scam of the pre-travel "testing" industry disappears!
Another school shooting and 10 people dead, yipee!!!! NOOOOOOO!
No testing means more deaths in the US. Until the pandemic improves, a compromise is either everyone wears N95 masks or people get tested. It's not that hard. However, they should allow home tests that you can do at the airport with supervision.
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zagman1112 Member
June 10, 2022, 1:26 pm
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derek Guest
June 10, 2022, 10:17 pm
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Never In Doubt Guest
June 10, 2022, 3:24 pm
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Joe B Guest
June 10, 2022, 5:34 pm
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Samo Guest
June 10, 2022, 8:51 pm
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Alan Diamond
June 10, 2022, 7:03 pm
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Watson Diamond
June 11, 2022, 3:52 am
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Alan Diamond
June 11, 2022, 1:59 pm
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Watson Diamond
June 12, 2022, 1:02 am
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8 more repliesUntil the pandemic improves? What pandemic? Normal life is back buddy so you might as well get used to it. You can wear your own N95 mask for your own good if you want. Seems like you're still living in 2020 by your comment. If you can present any real evidence that pre-travel testing accomplished anything, I would be surprised. Every variant spread around the world with ease even with testing to it's pretty clear...
Until the pandemic improves? What pandemic? Normal life is back buddy so you might as well get used to it. You can wear your own N95 mask for your own good if you want. Seems like you're still living in 2020 by your comment. If you can present any real evidence that pre-travel testing accomplished anything, I would be surprised. Every variant spread around the world with ease even with testing to it's pretty clear that testing changed nothing in regards to travel, except for making travel an unnecessary pain in the butt.
P.S. I am still trying to figure out what school shootings have to do with pre-travel testing requirements being removed?
The school shooting comment is akin to this article's headlines stating "yay". That's like saying, "yay, the WTC collapsed".
People are now acting like there is no pandemic but everything now is the same as a year ago except a chunk of people vaccinated. That is exactly like doing no measures or precautions except some people are vaccinated. That strategy is flawed.
Poorly executed trolling?
Or someone who'll be scared forever, given that COVID is never going away?
You be the judge.
Agree. Covid is still around and long Covid is still unknown. Wish more of these non believers catch it and suffer first hand so they know.
People you refer to as "non-believers" most likely already had COVID (and many of them multiple times). If you live normal life, as most of them did throughout the pandemic, it's impossible to avoid it.
Your arguments are completely flawed:
1. N95 masks do not prevent infection. Just ask my doctor wife who always wore one at the hospital yet still contracted covid.
2. Home tests rarely if ever detect covid in its initial most infectious stage. My wife tested positive on a Thursday, I took a rapid test on a Friday, negative. The next afternoon I developed a fever and I subsequently tested positive.
So both...
Your arguments are completely flawed:
1. N95 masks do not prevent infection. Just ask my doctor wife who always wore one at the hospital yet still contracted covid.
2. Home tests rarely if ever detect covid in its initial most infectious stage. My wife tested positive on a Thursday, I took a rapid test on a Friday, negative. The next afternoon I developed a fever and I subsequently tested positive.
So both of your suggestions do absolutely nothing to reduce one's risk.
Omicron is much less lethal than earlier variants. Those at high risk should simply not fly when transmission rates are high but this advice applies similarly duriing flu season as well.
I agree with you on school shootings but one should also be just as concerned about all of the daily homicides in America. The CDC reported 19,384 homicide deaths in just 2020.
@Alan: N95 masks are imperfect, but they are proven to greatly reduce your chances of infection. I can guarantee your wife would have contracted covid much sooner (and possibly repeatedly) had she not been wearing one while working in a hospital.
You may find the following link useful:
https://stevekirsch.substack.com/p/evidence-from-the-cdc-and-idsa-that?s=r
N95s do not prevent transmission of respiratory viruses and this has been known for years. In her hospital nearly all of her colleagues have gotten covid and nearly all are vaccinated.
You linked some random guy's blogpost. Here's a CDC study that shows N95 masks are about 50% effective at preventing infection: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7106e1.htm#T3_down
It also lumps KN95 in with N95, so N95 will be at least as good.
Midterms are coming!
About time. Idiots.
Couldn't have said it better myself
It’s been pretty easy to take an old PDF result and just edit the date and time. Tons of people have been doing that.
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snic Diamond
June 10, 2022, 3:22 pm
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Anthony Parr Guest
June 10, 2022, 4:50 pm
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Ron Guest
June 12, 2022, 6:09 am
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2 more repliesMost people don't like to commit fraud. Which is what this is, because to fly to this country you had to sign an affidavit (physically or electronically) saying you tested negative.
Have you heard of a single person being prosecuted?
Yep. Get someone on upwork in India to do it for $10. Piece of piss
Basic question - do airlines still require that you attest you don't have Covid-19 symptoms before flying? I think they do. Given that, what happens if an airline denies you boarding due to a positive Covid-19 test (or visible Covid-19 symptoms)? Do they rebook at their expense?
Given the state of other travel requirements, removing this particular regulation makes sense, but there still needs to be some standardization of rules when it comes to flying...
Basic question - do airlines still require that you attest you don't have Covid-19 symptoms before flying? I think they do. Given that, what happens if an airline denies you boarding due to a positive Covid-19 test (or visible Covid-19 symptoms)? Do they rebook at their expense?
Given the state of other travel requirements, removing this particular regulation makes sense, but there still needs to be some standardization of rules when it comes to flying with Covid-19. Many people are booking trips for conferences and weddings and are having to cancel beforehand due to positive tests,
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beachmouse Member
June 10, 2022, 12:09 pm
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Never In Doubt Guest
June 10, 2022, 12:21 pm
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Takhliq Khan Guest
June 10, 2022, 1:02 pm
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jak Member
June 10, 2022, 1:54 pm
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Donna Diamond
June 10, 2022, 2:54 pm
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4 more repliesThe last few times with Delta domestic trips, I think I’ve gotten the attestation screen if I check in via web browser but not if I check in via app.
Rebook you at *their* expense?
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Flew DCA to Jfk then Jfk to LHR and LHR to IST this week. Wasn't asked about it at any point.
Flew American yesterday and was not asked during online checkin via the app, nor were we asked on the kiosk at the airport.
No declarations from AA or DL on recent flights from EU.
And in other news, the current colors on Air Force One remains as is while the proposed colors is scrapped.
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Never In Doubt Guest
June 10, 2022, 3:30 pm
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Mike O. Guest
June 10, 2022, 4:04 pm
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1 more replyThe colors on the *current* plane(s) were never going to be changed.
What was scrapped were the Trump proposed colors on the new planes.
The assumption is now that the new planes will have the same colors as the current ones, but that hasn't been confirmed.
I should've been more clear, but yes, the proposed colors have been scrapped for the upcoming VC-25Bs.
In my opinion, don't mess with a classic.
Hey Lucky, urgent question: We are flying out of Turkey on Monday morning (June 13th) and reaching US on Monday evening. Do you think we will need a test?
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Albert Guest
June 10, 2022, 12:05 pm
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DS Guest
June 10, 2022, 3:58 pm
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Nicholas Guest
June 10, 2022, 5:31 pm
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2 more repliesWhy would you need a test if it is being lifted Sunday at midnight?
I will be checking in around 5:30 am on Monday in Istanbul which is 10:30 pm EST in USA on Sunday. That’s why I am sort of confused.
It starts at midnight Sunday so you will be fine.
Considering this administration has been a complete failure on absolutely EVERYTHING so far, this is the one thing that they just did right. Now, if I only had any money left to travel overseas…..
I wouldn’t even give them actual credit for something they created/caused to begin with, other than me saying it’s about time, and about 12 months overdue.
Great news! So many issues getting airlines to even get it right. Just yesterday Lufthansa made me retest because both online submission and check-in agent at ATH do not understand the concept of UTC time zone that Emed puts on your results. How many people missed flights due to basic understanding issues?
Way go to Brodie
Make sure you’re masked up
Heading back to the US on Monday and thrilled I don’t have to navigate Frankfurt airport to find my testing location now
Yes! Finally.
With this I will now also be 100% unmasked in international trips.
Then don't go to Singapore or Malaysia. They're still mandatory indoors.
Long overdue! I hope it never comes back.
I spent 4 hours in line at Dublin Airport last week, and talked to several travelers that had to pay between $3-5k for a week's hotel and fare differences after testing positive for the virus. That's an insane additional expense to be stuck for just for the (often-unreliable) single failed test result. I've had friends buy literally a dozen of those BinaxNow Antigen kits and test themselves over and over until they get a single...
I spent 4 hours in line at Dublin Airport last week, and talked to several travelers that had to pay between $3-5k for a week's hotel and fare differences after testing positive for the virus. That's an insane additional expense to be stuck for just for the (often-unreliable) single failed test result. I've had friends buy literally a dozen of those BinaxNow Antigen kits and test themselves over and over until they get a single negative they can use to travel.
Glad this madness is finally ending for the USA!
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Franklin Guest
June 10, 2022, 6:21 pm
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Mr. Obvious Guest
June 11, 2022, 7:30 am
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1 more replyIsn't not traveling while positive still the right thing to do though?
And what exactly did you (we) do the last 70 yrs before this liberal pandemic? You never tested before getting on a plane. If you felt ill you simply skipped the trip or dealt with it (as did average Joe sitting next to you on the plane had to do). Liberals did their dirty work creating the most division this country has ever seen but now realize they have gone too far and have to attempt to reign it in before midterms.
I love it, but I fear I won't be able to get all my points deals now on international travel anymore. It's been amazing traveling to Peru, Colombia, South Africa, Egypt, Europe, and the Maldives during the pandemic with easy business class award availability and no crowds... Sigh... The devalues will come for international flights soon just like it has for domestic currently.
Why did you travel during the pandemic
It’s great news, after the initial raft of passengers booking who were hesitant due to the testing requirement, I hope to see a reduction of airfares across the board.
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Never In Doubt Guest
June 10, 2022, 12:13 pm
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June 10, 2022, 12:22 pm
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June 10, 2022, 12:39 pm
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June 10, 2022, 5:47 pm
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9 more repliesI'm baffled why you think this would lead to a reduction in airfares.
Mainly because from what I am observing airfares are significantly higher, I know there are other global pressures driving up costs ( fuel etc ) but a lot of passengers have been holding out until testing requirements are dropped, airlines have also been holding out on offering J sales as they want to see if the pent up demand equates to a rush of bookings in premium cabins at the current price points, my hope...
Mainly because from what I am observing airfares are significantly higher, I know there are other global pressures driving up costs ( fuel etc ) but a lot of passengers have been holding out until testing requirements are dropped, airlines have also been holding out on offering J sales as they want to see if the pent up demand equates to a rush of bookings in premium cabins at the current price points, my hope is savvy travellers will continue to hold on forcing airlines to reduce prices to fill cabins. A quick look at expertflyer class mapping is showing a lot of empty seats in premium cabins, will be fascinating over the coming weeks if demand increases.
Maybe cheaper purchase prices (probably not), but all the awards will be scooped up immediately. I'd book as soon as you can.
Unfortunately I’ve blown all my miles on reward flights so it’s back to £ fares for sometime to come.
More demand usually leads to higher prices. They may increase supply, but not so much that it reduces profits. Full planes tend to be more profitable.
Ah, as I might have expected, muddled nonsense.
Many things may effect airfares, but there's no chance that this change drives them *down*.
Have you factored in the cost of fuel for rising airfares?
Airfares will rise. International roundtrip fares from the US have remained at or below pre-pandemic levels despite the huge surge in overall travel demand. Expect a portion of that demand to now shift to international routes.
Interesting and tbh not been monitoring ex US fares, I usually book a Christmas trip to vegas with a J fare in the region of £2k but for weeks now most US West-coast cities have been in the £3.5k
Hope Hope Hope.... It probably will be the exact contrary... AND WATCH THESE FUEL SURCHARGES,,,
As Lizzo would say, "it's about damn time".
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Watson Diamond
June 10, 2022, 4:27 pm
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Jill Guest
June 12, 2022, 12:46 am
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1 more replyTook a PCR test, turns out I'm 100% that sick
Whose Lizzo