European Union Reopens, American Tourists Jet Abroad this Summer
After more than a year of living under various restrictions due to Covid-19, travelers longing for a European getaway may get their chance just in time for summer. With the rollout of the vaccine and news of the European Union’s plans to reopen to tourists, Americans are packing their suitcases, grabbing their passports, and planning trips to explore the world again.
This highly anticipated decision approved by Ambassadors from 27 EU countries would allow entry from an approved list of countries with low Covid-19 infection rates and fully vaccinated travelers with approved vaccines. While the US is not currently on the list of “safe” countries, fully vaccinated Americans are expected to be granted access and will no longer have to quarantine or be tested upon arrival in the EU.
It’s important to note that Americans returning back to the U.S. are still required by the Centers for Disease and Prevention to test negative for Covid-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
The implementation date for the EU's reopening is still unclear; however, officials are optimistic that the new rules will come into effect in June.
Summer Travel Outlook
We expect to see many Americans looking for a much-needed break, seeking adventure and the opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones. Anecdotally, we see charter clients making plans—booking bucket list-type of trips to make up for experiences forgone last year.
With all of the honeymoons, graduations, anniversaries, and birthdays in the past year, there is a lot to celebrate, and Americans can finally indulge in the luxury vacation abroad they’ve been daydreaming about. Travelers can now make plans to stroll along the historic architecture of Madrid, dine next to the bright blue and whites of Santorini, or toast at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
If you are ready to make international travel plans, you’re certainly not alone. To make up for lost time, Americans are currently making plans to enjoy the summer season. According to a recent Deloitte report, “Keen but Cautious,” one in four flyers will take an international flight. The allure of visiting an international destination remains, even as travelers look to mitigate health risks. This is great news for the travel industry and countries that are highly dependent on tourism.
Benefits to Flying Private
There are many benefits to flying privately internationally as you embark on your first post-lockdown getaway, and it could be the perfect way to reduce health-related concerns. If you’re looking to avoid crowds at airports and seek flexibility and increased safety protocols, flying privately is the way to go. Airports Council International Europe predicts that passengers will spend hours at airports in July and August because of multiple Covid-19 checks. Flying privately would save passengers a lot of time and stress caused by the reality of widespread chaos in European airports.
The verification process of vaccinations is still in question when flying commercial, but when flying privately, you can fly in the comfort of your vaccinated family and friends. The EU is rolling out their digital Covid-19 certificate across the bloc on July 1st. However, the exact timing for passengers coming outside of the EU to request the digital certificate remains unclear.
To find your ideal itinerary, aircraft, and price, reach out to Fly Louie via charter@flylouie.com. Our experienced team customizes your trip with the highest standards of service and compares prices to ensure you’re getting the best possible value. We work with a network of 200+ operators and 1,800+ aircraft to find the right solution for every trip.
Tips to Stay Informed
The countries of the EU currently lack uniformity in their method of reopening. Some countries are eager to welcome back travelers, while others will likely decide to tweak the rules implemented by the EU for a more conservative approach. One example is requiring negative PCR tests or quarantines for certain travelers. All of the countries in the EU also have an “emergency brake” to limit travel from affected countries if circumstances change regarding the spread of the virus and variants.
To stay up to date on restrictions and guidelines you need to know before planning a trip, the Fly Louie team finds this dashboard by Covid Controls very helpful. The dashboard tracks over 750+ official sources to bring you all the up-to-date information you need to know to select your destination. Additionally, the European Travel Commission provides links to specific Covid-19 information for its member countries.
If you’d like to learn more about on-demand charter with Fly Louie, the Fly Louie team is standing by and ready to help. Email us at charter@flylouie.com or call us at (833) FLY-LOUIE.
Disclaimer: Travelers are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and consider personal comfort levels and health conditions prior to booking your trip.