How Does the Pilot Shortage Affect Your Travels?

  • By Jessica Elmore
  • •
  • 20 Jul, 2022
  • •

Now that meetings are recommencing nationally and internationally, here is what you need to know about your future travels:

During the pandemic, thousands of pilots were offered early retirement packages in order to cut labor bills due to the lack of travel demand. Now that travel for pleasure and business is rebounding from the pandemic, approximately 14,000 flights in the US were recently cancelled or delayed due to the lack of pilots, carriers, and other staff.

Here is what you need to know about this travel setback:

  • Several U.S. airlines are recruiting some pilots from Australia under a special visa to help ease the shortfall, but the numbers are smalcompared with their overall ranks and hiring goals.
  • Major U.S. airlines are trying to hire more than 12,000 pilots combined this year alone, more than double the previous record in annual hiring.
  • The number of airplane pilots and engineers decreased by almost 4% over two years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Some airlines have created training programs or even their own flight schools to help assuage the shortage. But those may not be able to solve the shortage immediately.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration, which issues new pilot certificates, has issued an average of just 6,500 certificates a year in the past decade. And as the virus disrupted training programs, there was a decrease in applicants and, in turn, a slight dip in certificates in 2020 and 2021.

What Can You Do to Make Your Travel Plans Easier?

  • Arrive Early: This may sound routine, but we hear of so many travelers arriving at the last minute at the airport.
  •  Check In Online: Always check in online. This saves you tons of time of having to stand in line to check in at the teller.
  • Carry On Only: Click here to get more information regarding the regulations to packing a carry on.
  • Security: When you get to security, have everything you need to show out and ready.
  • TSA PreCheck, Clear and Global Entry: Ensures a speedier, more straightforward screening process. For further information, TSA, Clear, and Global Entry.
  • Check Covid Regulations: Click here to find out more about the latest travel/health restrictions for your trip. 

Meet our newest edition to the elm Planning/nest Event Rentals team!

By Jessica Elmore • 24 Aug, 2020
We are beyond excited to introduce our newest member to the elm team. Get to know, Claire O'Brien, our Program Coordinator/Event Designer.

The Future of Meetings and Events Post Coronavirus 

By Jessica Elmore • 18 Jun, 2020
Now that gatherings are reconvening, it’s crucial for event and meeting planners to properly convey their reaction and implementation of changes regarding their events.

How Hotels are Ensuring Health and Safety in Response to COVID-19

By Jessica Elmore • 13 May, 2020
Hotels are revamping their cleaning measures to restore customer confidence and bring guests back to their properties.

Airlines Efforts to Make Flying Safer 

By Jessica Elmore • 29 Apr, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, airlines are stepping up their efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for crews and passengers before takeoff and after landing.

Ways the Travel Industry is Giving Back During COVID-19 

By Jessica Elmore • 14 Apr, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak has dealt the hospitality and travel industry a huge blow. Here's how companies are stepping up and providing aid during these unprecedented times.

Traveling Smart 

By Jessica Elmore • 10 Mar, 2020
Coronavirus has those traveling on edge. In order to protect yourself, you need to be aware of the virus, adhere to travel advisories, avoid impacted areas and exercise preventive measures.

Looking Back at 2019

By Jessica Elmore • 06 Jan, 2020
Elm has had a busy 2019. Take a look to see what we've been up to this year.

How to Keep Common Travel Ailments from Ruining Your Trip

By Jessica Elmore • 14 Nov, 2018
Traveling does not have to make you sick - if you take simple precautions then you have a good chance of staying, and coming home, healthy.

The Evolution of the Ever-Changing Airplane Seat Continues

By Jessica Elmore • 10 Oct, 2018
Airlines are constantly creating ways to save space and maximize passenger counts. The airplane seat is ever-changing and that's not about to stop now.

Tips to Creating Better Meetings

By Jessica Elmore • 06 Oct, 2018
Meeting and event planning experts typically recommend a few critical matters that can keep a meeting from devolving into chaos and confusion.
More Posts
Share by: