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Airlines and travel agencies expect travel to pick back up in 2021

Posted at 5:51 PM, Jan 28, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-28 19:51:52-05

SALT LAKE CITY — After record losses in the travel industry, some are seeing record deals and promotions offered as customers begin booking flights.

The trips cancelled of 2020 are now becoming the trips booked of 2021.

In his forty years in the travel business, Larry Gelwix, CEO of Columbus Travel, said he's never seen travel deals like he's seeing now.

“We are seeing really good things at Columbus Travel as far as future bookings, really picking up in the second quarter, particularly in May," said Gelwix.

The most popular bookings have been domestic flights.

“Hawaii, Florida beaches, Puerto Rico, Mexico and interestingly, Tahiti," said Gelwix.

After losing $9 billion in 2020, Morgan Durrant a spokesman with Delta, said they are focusing on passenger comfort and confidence while traveling.

“Every cabin is disinfected before every departure," said Durrant. "The air that you breath in the aircraft cabin is cleaned by hospital grade HEPA filters.”

Delta has been blocking off the middle seat and will continue to do so until at least the end of March.

Durrant said change fees will no longer exist for Delta flyers beginning in April, unless customers purchase economy seats.

Mask mandates will continue indefinitely, due to an executive order by President Joe Biden's administration.

“It's one added layer of protection that the vast majority of our customers understand," said Durrant.

Knowing what protections are in place, Gelwix said now is the time to book a trip.