Air travel

Tampa International Airport is preparing to see 75,000 to 80,000 passengers on peak days, with higher numbers than before the pandemic in 2019.

It will improve the flow of planes over the state as more people are traveling.

Interviews for the poll were conducted last Thursday to Monday, shortly before a federal judge in Florida struck down the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit.

Air travel is roaring back after the pandemic caused it to crash in 2020. AAA says more than 4 million Americans will fly over Thanksgiving, almost matching 2019 numbers. But airlines have struggled to adjust.

Miami International Airport ranks No. 1, with more than 500 cases, according to federal statistucs. Airports in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa were also in the top 20.

The August decline in traffic follows a strong summer that saw a rebound in air travel.

The policy coordinator for Gov. Ron DeSantis' Office of Policy and Budget said he expects the White House to match the Canadian border-policy changes within the next three weeks.

Prime Minster Justin Trudeau noted that if Canada’s current positive path of vaccination rate and public health conditions continue the border can open.

A recent report indicates millions of Floridians will travel during Fourth of July weekend. It also shows they will pay more for hotels and gas during their road trips.

While Americans are booking more international trips, the U.S. remains closed to most international visitors, including Canadians.

As more people return to air travel, several airports are offering yoga, stretching and meditation areas. Live music and therapy pet programs are also intended to calm stressed-out travelers.

Newly discovered variants of COVID-19 in South Africa and Brazil could make the virus more infectious and may decrease the efficacy of vaccines.