For those of you who have waited patiently to enjoy traveling freely from one nation to another—unrestricted, uninhibited, and unregulated—your time of liberation has finally come. As of June 12, 2022 at 12:01 AM, all pandemic-era restrictions for US citizens returning from international travel have been lifted!
This announcement is a huge step in the right direction to ensure the freedoms for which America was founded upon. It is also a critical pivot for the travel industry—one that has been hit hardest by the pandemic that left millions globally without jobs and nearly wiped out an entire sector of commerce. The two-year restrictions on travel have left families without paychecks, businesses without employees, small agencies without a business, and people without access to one another locally and globally.
As an industry professional, it has been heartbreaking to see the devastation from tyrannical rule on an industry I appreciate so much. I am overjoyed to see this regime of fear, control, manipulation, and torment finally falling to the ground. I pray Americans never fall prey to such foolishness and evil ever again. May we never take for granted our God-given liberties that we have been blessed with as a nation.
Moving forward, the transition to de-regulation of post-pandemic policies will be slow-going and will require much patience on everyone’s part. Because I have an inside view of the industry, I see the day-to-day difficulties afflicting the travel industry including understaffing, inflation, service cutbacks, cancellations, and heightened tempers. It will take time for the turnaround; however, we are on the right track now to see an amazing rebound in the travel industry.
Therefore, I have a few suggestions to help you and others be more prepared as you travel in the upcoming months. As your travel advisor, I am cognizant of both your pent-up excitement to connect with the world again and the pressure industry professionals are facing with the thrust of demand in travel. It is my responsibility as your advisor to help you navigate with peace and patience through this complicated season.
PACK PATIENCE IN YOUR CARRY-ON
Due to extreme understaffing, “revenge travel,” limited flight availability, and flight cancellations, airline travel is a fluid and potentially complicated process. Many workers have been overwhelmed as they are forced to do the job of three people due to staffing cuts. Check-in times may take longer due to constant changes in protocol. Airlines tickets are at a premium. Call wait times can exceed four hours. All in all, it will take time for the industry to recover and move at its pre-pandemic era pace.
As a traveler, you will need to think of others more than yourself, recognizing the demands industry professionals are experiencing on a daily basis. A simple thank you, a kind word, and a smile go a long way in making the travel process much easier and less stressful for everyone. You will also need to be mindful of other travelers whose point of view may not be your own. A divisive word can change the tone of a flight and increase hostility in a moment. Let’s all remember what our mothers taught us when we were children: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
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BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME WITH ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS
Due to major staffing shortages with the Department of State, passport turnaround times can be 12-18 weeks to process. Therefore, it is imperative to apply as early as possible for any travel documentation that you may need. This includes passports, visas, TSA, and Global Entry. If you are traveling last-minute, be sure to expedite any paperwork necessary for your travels. Last-minute passports and visas can be processed; however, the fees to do so are high. Therefore, it’s best to always keep your passport valid with at least 6 months validity from the return date of travel.
To renew your passport, please go to travel.state.gov/passports for more information.
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BE READY TO PAY PREMIUMS EVERYWHERE YOU GO
Because the demand for travel is at its greatest height after the last two years of meager production, many vendors are attempting to recover their losses. Prices have become higher, availability much slimmer, and choices fewer. Be prepared to pay a premium all across the board on airline tickets, rental cars, hotel lodging, attractions, tours, cruises, and activities. Determine your budget ahead of time and be prepared to come with a little extra on hand.
While the industry begins to recover, keep your eyes out for even more restrictions to lift in the near future. As of Sunday, June 12th, there are 65 countries and counting that have completely lifted all pandemic-era restrictions. I anticipate this number to increase rapidly as citizens and businesses are standing up for their freedoms and pushing back on tyrannical control. To view current data on country information, please visit apply.joinsherpa.com.
Long let freedom live and reign!
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