APPLETON, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The way we fly has changed over the past couple of months as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.
Appleton International Airport has gone through a wide variety of adjustments and some of them could save you big bucks if you're looking to travel.
There are four different reasons people fly:
- Business
- Meetings & events
- Leisure vacation
- Visiting friends & relatives
For the first three months people weren't flying at all for business or meetings.
In April, the airport lost 96% of its business. They were down to a low of 19 passengers daily.
In the last few months folks have started visiting friends and relatives again.
In July and August the airport saw vacation business return.
All airlines have eliminated their change fees. It used to cost $200 to change a flight, but not anymore.
"The airlines did this as a move to spur consumers to buy a ticket," said Pat Tracey, the marketing manager with Appleton International Airport. "Even if they weren't 100% positive that they were going to travel, now they have the freedom to buy the ticket and know that if they want to change it to a future date, there is no $200 change fee. It makes the purchase a lot more attractive."
There are several safety measures in place for flyers including touchless options, social distancing and sanitizing stations throughout the airport.
"The people that have ventured out and traveled have given us really positive reviews on the safety measures that we have taken as an airport but also the safety measures that the airlines have taken," said Abe Weber, the airport director of Appleton International Airport. "I think people are pleasantly surprised at how safe they've felt when they've traveled."
The airport saw historically low tickets all summer and there are still bargains to be had.
There is very competitive airfare right now and airlines are running specials to try to excite consumers to buy tickets again.
The airlines are also making a shift focusing more on the leisure component of travel. There are several new flight options for travelers looking to get outdoors and head to National Parks and beaches.
