APPLETON (NBC26) — With more and more Wisconsinites getting vaccinated each day and COVID-19 cases declining, travelers are feeling more comfortable flying.
"We're flying into Miami," said Lori Vosters. "Then renting a car and going to the keys."
Like many people at the Appleton International Airport, Lori and Dan Vosters are headed down South. The couple recently got both their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We haven't gone to any bars or restaurants or anything," said Lori Vosters. "We took takeout, but this is our first outing."
They're not alone; over the past few weeks, lot of people have been booking flights. ATW now has six direct flights headed to Orlando every week.
"Which is just crazy," said Hollie Raab Marketing and Events Coordinator for the airport. "We've never had that before. They're ready to escape. They've been trapped up in their homes for a year now, and they just need to spend that family time together, or see their loved ones."
As the airport continues to bring back and add more flights, they've also brought back valet parking.
"People love it," said Tagen Forster, Parking and Facility Manager for the airport. "We've created a huge rapport with people. We have a lot of frequent people that come back."
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID, ATW has made the valet ticketless; it's all digital. They have a key drop, and the airport will use steering wheel covers on travelers' cars.
"A lot of the airports and even airlines are doing everything they can to keep people safe," said Raab.
Many travelers, like the Vosters, are still wary of COVID.
"Kind of anxious going onto an airplane because I heard it's full," said Lori Vosters.
"Luckily with the shot and the mask, I think we should hope to be okay," said Dan Vosters.
But they're just excited to be able to take a flight to their spring getaway.
"Relaxation," said Lori Vosters. "Sun finally."
"Just to get away," said Dan Vosters.
ATW has brought back its second flight to Atlanta each week, and they will also be bringing back the Denver flight on March 29th. For those looking ahead to summer travel, ATW is adding two direct flights per week to Savannah, GA starting at the end of May.
