As COVID-19 cases fueled by the delta variant continue to rise, it is making people think twice when it comes to hopping on a plane.
New research from JPMorgan Chase shows the highs and lows of air travel since the pandemic began.
After being cooped up during COVID lockdown orders in 2020, people rushed to book vacations once things began reopening.
In March, spring breakers took to the skies in droves. In the coming months travel ratcheted even higher as more Americans became vaccinated.
But this summer the highly contagious delta variant became the dominant strain in the U.S. making travelers think the skies might be anything but friendly.
New data by JPMorgan Chase shows airline ticket sales slowed in July as the delta variant became rampant. Sales were down by almost 20 percent from just a couple of weeks earlier.
The TSA reports this is the biggest drop its seen since April.
It comes as U.S. airlines continue to deal with labor shortages, resulting in canceled and delayed flights.
Looking ahead, if you’re thinking of flying this fall AAA says stay up to date on CDC guidelines and consider getting travel insurance. It could help protect you and cover any expenses you may face because of cancellations.
The report predicts consumer spending may return to normal in the not-too-distant future as more people continue to get vaccinated, and if and when the delta variant subsides.