The first foreign travelers arrived at U.S. airports on Monday, showing deep happiness to be reunited with family and loved ones after a 20-month Covid-19 travel ban.
Finally, the United States reopened its borders to double-jabbed visitors, ending the restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trump in March 2020.
The travel limitations have affected non-US citizens from over 30 countries, including the UK and EU, separating families and stalling tourism.
“It feels good, it feels good!” Jerome Thomann, head of Paris-based travel agency Jetset Voyages told Reuters news agency, saying his team had seen an “incredible upturn” in bookings.
Restrictions have been lifted for those who are fully vaccinated and undergo testing and contact tracing.
Two flights from London’s Heathrow airport have landed in New York, marking the return of one of the world’s busiest flight paths.
Those who arrived at New York City’s John F Kennedy airport were greeted by applause, balloons and cookies.
Alison Henry, a 63-year-old British mother, told AFP news agency: “It’s been so hard – I just want to see my son.”
Henry, from Cheshire, is going to fly to New York to see her son for the first time in 20 months.
In this context, United Airlines expects a 50% rise in international inbound passengers, while Delta’s chief executive Ed Bastian warned travellers to expect queues.
“It’s going to be a bit sloppy at first. I can assure you, there will be lines unfortunately,” Bastian said.
