Since Disney World is reopening on July 11th and other theme parks in Florida are also getting back to business, tourist travel may start to increase at places like Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Between the Re-Open Florida Task Force discussing ways to keep people safe and the possible $25 billion airline rescue package, airports are working towards preparing for more passengers to make their way back into planes.
According to Spectrum News 13, the Orlando International Airport has released a questionnaire to gauge whether people feel comfortable flying, what types of travel they’re interested in, and how often they expect themselves to travel over the next six to 12 months.
The questionnaire asks people whether they will be traveling domestically or internationally; for business, leisure, or to visit friends and relatives; and what means of transportation they plan on using for their trips.
“The leisure market is going to come back first domestically, then what we call ‘VFR’ — visiting friends and relatives — and then the business,” Orlando International Airport’s senior director of marketing and air service development Vicki Jaramillo said. At this time, they’ve noticed that “over 65%” of the 1,000-plus respondents have said they would feel comfortable flying again soon.
However, there has been a drop by 90% in airport travel at MCO. It was previously the busiest airport in Florida over the past year, but MCO is considering cutting $226 million from the new Terminal C’s construction budget and reducing the number of new gates from 19 to 15.
The Orlando International Airport has still put measures in place to keep travelers and employees safe, like frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, the use of protective equipment such as eye wear and masks, and new TSA regulations. Other airports like Daytona Beach International Airport have implemented a “Ready to Fly Initiative” with protective barriers, distancing signs, and personal care kits for passengers.
If you want to take part in the Orlando International Airport’s survey, you can fill it out here! While travel may look different for a while, airports are still moving forward to make sure they bring travelers back. We’ll keep you updated with more information about airport changes here!
Your next Disney World vacation might be changed because of these two things!
When will you feel safe traveling at an airport again? Let us know in the comments below!