Air travel hits a record low not seen since the early 1960s and 9/11, experts say
As the U.S. fights the coronavirus pandemic, few people are flying. Tuesday, fewer than 100,000 people flew, setting a record low, according to TSA data.
Only 97,130 people across the country went through a security checkpoint Tuesday. That number includes airport workers who were screened as well, TSA said.
A year earlier, more than 2 million people were traveling, according to data from TSA.
“First time it’s dipped lower than 100,000 during the pandemic,” TSA Public Affairs spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said on Twitter. “Yes, it’s a record low. Exactly one year ago Tuesday, 2,091,056 people went through security checkpoints.”
The fall in air passengers hasn’t been seen since the early 1960s, according to Bloomberg. After 9/11, air travel in the U.S. fell to zero, but the drop didn’t go on for as long as the impact of coronavirus, the news outlet reported.
“I don’t think there is any question that this is the largest sustained drop,” John Hansman, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told Bloomberg.
The 97,000 people going through airport security breaks down to about 220 passengers per airport across the U.S., USA Today reported.
Many airlines have reduced flights to a minimum during the coronavirus pandemic, according to USA Today. Several airlines have also slashed services to and from New York City, a coronavirus epicenter in the U.S., NPR reported.
Many airlines have instituted additional safety measures, McClatchy News reported.
Delta is blocking all middle seats and reducing the number of customers allowed on any given flight, according to McClatchy News.
“Customers who prefer to be seated directly next to travel companions and family members or needing additional assistance should contact Reservations ahead of travel or talk to a Delta agent upon arriving at the gate,” the airline said.
American Airlines and United started similar changes, the news outlet reported.
“Our customer service representatives will proactively reseat customers prior to door closure when loads and time permit,” United said.
