Holiday travel down nationwide due to pandemic

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- According to AAA, the vast majority of Coloradans will forego their travel plans and stay home this holiday season. Due to Covid-19 61,000 coloradans are expected to travel by airplane for the holidays.

They'll join the ranks of 2.9 million air travelers nationwide, a decline of 58% from 2019.

Public health concerns, official guidance to limit travel, and an overall decline in consumer confidence will together lead to the first drop in year-end holiday travel since 2008, breaking a streak of 11 straight years of travel volume growth according to AAA.

However, for those still traveling, the stress of it all can be a lot. Dana Schield with Colorado Springs Airport says they are doing everything they can to make sure that your experience is safe and easy, but there are still a few tips and tricks that you can follow.

“One thing I like to really push is 'know before you go,' understanding what your airline's regulations and expectations are. Every airline is different on what they expect so just understanding what to expect when you get to the airport, boarding the plane all that process looks like," said Schield.

The Colorado Springs Airport is expecting a slight uptick for the holidays, however, they are still down 50 percent overall from where they were a year ago at this time. But Schield says flying COS is a stress-free option compared to other airports.

"You are going to see in Colorado’s Small Airport that there is going to be [fewer] people in terminal; we have smaller lines, we don’t have a huge shuttle bus or train for you to crowd onto,” said Schield.

If trying to save money, the Colorado Springs Airport is offering 50% off long term parking once again, and that will start this Saturday.