Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Here's What You Need to Know About the Changing Cost of Travel as the Pandemic Drags On

Travel News
by Jori Ayers Aug 23, 2021

Travel made a huge comeback this summer as we thought we could see the end of COVID-19. Many were booking flights and hotels, taking road trips, renting Airbnbs, and finding the next tropical destination that would soon be open.

But the Delta variant is causing people to question vacationing, and the travel industry is trying to adjust. Along with this, the cost of travel is starting to rise. Destination Analytics found in a recent survey that people’s optimism in travel had crashed by 40% since early June.

Here’s what the New York Times reported on how prices are rising and what you can expect when planning your next trip this fall:

Airfare

  • The Consumer Price Index reported fares increased 7% between April and May and had a 3% increase in June and July.
  • United Airlines plans to operate with 26% fewer flights in its third-quarter, compared to 2019.
  • Southwest has experienced a decrease in booking and an increase in cancellations.
  • Hopper expects a 10% decline in domestic airfare in the fall and predicts that fall leisure travel will continue as people figure out how to travel during a pandemic.

Accommodations

  • Airbnb and other vacation rentals are beginning to increase by 20%, compared to 2019.
  • Holiday bookings have increased by 250%.
  • Hotels in popular destinations like the Florida Keys and Myrtle Beach, S.C., increased in price. The August 2019 four-week average in the Florida Keys is $239 compared to $499 this month.
  • There are still deals to be found in big cities. ( Ex.— New York City is at roughly $205 on average compared to $240 in 2019)

Car rentals and ridesharing

  • Due to the shortage of drivers, prices for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have increased.
  • Car rental rates went up 73% according to Consumer Price Index report and most likely will continue to rise.

COVID-19 is continuing to cause changes to travel rates and regulations, but we’ll keep you updated.

Discover Matador

Save Bookmark

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy.