If you’re sick of hearing about how chaotic summer travel is anticipated to be this year, me too. I just want to imagine myself posting up on a slice of sand and marveling at the Mediterranean without the looming concern of expensive flights and cancellations. But the travel industry just won’t let me dream big, so neither can you.
Airports and airlines are struggling with labor shortages
The demand for travel is surging but the workforce is struggling to keep up, which means drama for summer travel. The travel industry, particularly the airline sector, is grappling with labor shortages in various roles, including air traffic controllers, flight attendants, pilots, ground crew, and food service workers within airports. Despite adding 75,000 leisure and hospitality jobs in March, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is still struggling to staff up to pre-pandemic levels.
Airports are handing out jobs
Airports across the country are holding job fairs, offering competitive wages, benefits, and sign-on bonuses to attract workers. However, challenges such as security requirements and long lead times to obtain security badges are causing delays in hiring, impacting the overall staffing levels. This has the potential to cause disruptions in airport operations and affect the quality of service provided to travelers.
Air traffic controller shortages and potential disruptions
Air traffic controllers are also facing shortages, with the potential to cause further problems this summer. Last year, chronic short staffing at the air traffic control center in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed to cascading delays during disruptions caused by bad weather. Although the situation has improved somewhat, with the FAA hiring and training new controllers, a significant shortfall at the FAA’s New York-area control facility could lead to new headaches this year. This could result in disruptions in the Northeast, cascading through the rest of airlines’ networks as flights, pilots, and flight attendants get caught out of place.
Impact on travelers and tips for summer travel
As the demand for travel continues to surge and labor shortages persist in the air travel industry, travelers need to be prepared for potential disruptions and delays. Patience and understanding (LOL) may be required as airports and airlines work to manage the challenges caused by labor shortages. If you know better than to count on your attitude, I advise planning ahead, arriving early at the airport, and stay updated with flight status and potential changes. If possible, be flexible with their travel plans and have contingency plans in case of disruptions.
by travelers, for travelers.
