Total air traffic numbers are down in Spring 2020. There is no doubt this is true. But some airports are suffering more than others. An examination of TSA Screening Throughput data shows the impact with greater detail, bringing some interesting patterns to light. And one airline, in particular, is shifting the balance of traffic across the USA.
TSA
Frontier, Mobile bicker over flights to Orlando
At first glance the fight between Mobile, Alabama and Frontier Airlines makes little sense. Why should a city fight so hard for a single flight and route running empty a couple days per week?
TSA implementing lower-touch screening protocols
The TSA screening process will look a little different next time you pass through an airport. The agency is adjusting its passenger screening protocols to reduce touch points where travelers and screeners must interact.
Optimism on the horizon: The Weekly Wrap 15 May 2020
Is it time to start getting excited about a travel rebound? It appears the market finally hit rock bottom so everything that happens is good news, though maybe not too much of it too quickly.
Cape Air’s ugly April stats (and some possible good news for May)
Total flights down by 40%. Passenger count down by 90%. Load factor for the month of just 8%. Needless to say, Cape Air’s statistics for April 2020 are pretty awful, just like the rest of the aviation world. But the airline has some potential good news to consider as it looks to a slow summer and beyond.
TSA backs down on increased crew screenings
Airline employees earned a reprieve this week after the TSA backed down on planned changes to the Known Crewmember (KCM) security screening process. the weekend it emerged that all KCM checkpoints would require crew to be in uniform to pass through. This would effectively preclude otherwise eligible employees from using the lanes while traveling for personal trips.
PaxEx Update: 2 August 2019
A new A321LR enters service for Aer Lingus, faster security screening for United and promises of faster infilght WiFi. Plus Hulu takes flight on Delta and more! Get all the details in this week’s PaxEx Update.
United Airlines partners with CLEAR, expands at hubs
United Airlines announced a partnership with CLEAR this week, expanding its participation in the biometric security screening program. The carrier will make a strategic investment in the company, including the addition or expansion of CLEAR locations at the carrier’s US hub airports.
The newest premium security access trick? Take the bus!
Looking to jump the security queues at the airport? Elite status with a loyalty program or premium cabin tickets can often do the trick. Bus riders in Boston will now join that group thanks to an innovative program introduces by Massport this month.
Seattle’s seemingly insatiable aviation appetite
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is bursting at the seams. Expansion is coming but that is not enough to keep pace with demand for growth in the region. A pair of new flights will help address the challenges.