PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — From coast to coast, or sea to shining sea, Americans are on the move this Fourth of July weekend, a far cry from last year, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philadelphia is a big destination for many travelers this weekend, but plenty of people who live here are getting away for a few days as well.
Aside from long lines at Philadelphia International Airport, the Brooks family said they are not only glad to get back to flying, but happy to spend the holiday with family and friends.
"We're super excited. We haven't seen grammy and grandpa in almost two years," they said.
Other Philadelphians like Dalisia said they were also excited about leaving the area during the holiday. Moreover, they said they felt comfortable despite concerns about COVID-19.
"I'm headed to San Diego to see family and friends, not worried about anything," she said. "Just annoyed about wearing the mask on the whole flight."
Water, who is on his way out to California for the holiday, said he's also not looking forward to wearing his mask at all.
"That's trash," he said. "If I have to wear the mask the whole flight, that's trash."
According to Tourism Economics, inbound airline bookings to Philadelphia are outpacing New York, Washington D.C. and Baltimore as Philadelphia's travel recovery continues.
At the back of a very long line at the airport, Courtney Terry was one of many waiting for his luggage. He said he wasn't missing an opportunity to travel to Philly for the holiday Weekend. However, he ensured he was taking precautions, because the pandemic isn't over yet.
"You know people are just scared," he said. "I understand, but if you maintain your distance and maintain a healthy diet, I don't think there's nothing to worry about.
The Brooks family told KYW Newsradio they were being careful as well. "We've been really good about wearing [masks], so we're just being safe," they said.
Visit Philadelphia reports hotels within walking distance of the city's historic district are nearly at capacity this weekend — a far cry from this time a year ago.
