Airlines gear up for travel surge as US reopens

Airline reservations to the United States took off immediately after the White House announced that the country would reopen to all vaccinated international voyagers starting next week, compelling a welcome - if challenging - industry pivot. The long-awaited US move to welcome back international travellers - which takes effect on Monday - follows 18 months of restrictions for 33 countries during the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic that separated families, impeded business travel and frustrated tourists. Big carriers are scrambling to meet the sudden surge in demand, adding flights, swopping in bigger planes for smaller ones and redoubling efforts to hire and retain staff. Just after the White House announcement, British Airways saw a 900% jump in searches for flights and holiday packages to key US destinations compared with the week before. The day after the announcement, American Airlines garnered a 66% jump in flight reservations to Britain, 40% to Europe and 74% to Brazil. Airlines are planning for a modest pullback in January and February after a strong holiday season, but anticipate strong demand in the spring that will intensify in the summer, traditionally the busiest season.<br/>