CONNECTICUT, USA — As the unofficial start to summer is about to begin, many may be opting to travel this year, especially compared to the record low numbers of travelers last year, in the first few months of the pandemic.
Rhonda Exum from Norwich says, she is ready to take to the skies for a big celebration.
"We are going to Cancun for my birthday, yes, heyyy,” shouted Exum.
Exum, so excited to be back with her friend group, dubbed “the firm,” after more than a year of living through the pandemic.
"I’m excited, we love to travel," said Exum. "I’m glad we’re getting our life back, because we travel, this is what we do.”
Exum and her friends have known each other for more than 3 decades, and say now that they are all fully vaccinated, they are thrilled to be able to share those smiles from beneath the mask.
“I’m with my sister," said Candice Gilliard of Norwich. "So, we got to turn up in Cancun because last year we were stuck in the house, couldn’t go nowhere.”
This year, The Transportation Security Administration says it is continuing to ramp up and refine operations for Memorial Day weekend, and the summer months to follow, as travel is expected to increase.
"The vaccine, I already had it," said Gilliard. "I’ve been safe, staying safe, been around the same people practically the whole time, so, I’m ready, it’s time.”
Connecticut lifted many restrictions in May, and Exum's friend says they have been impressed with Connecticut's progress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I feel like we are doing pretty awesome here," said Laura Dewire of Groton.
Currently, TSA has more than 46,000 highly trained security professionals across the country.
“I can’t even explain the feeling... it’s like unreal," said Tasha Rowe of Norwich, who was so excited to fly. "That’s what it is... unreal!”
TSA is still asking passengers to arrive early to avoid crowds, and extra time to get through security. Also, under federal law, you will still need to wear a face mask.
“I feel great," said Tasha Rowe of Norwich. "Cancun, nice to be able to get up and go out of the country, my first time going to Cancun, and I’m with my sisters, so, even better!”
TSA will also use technology that allows passengers to scan their own ID to eliminate the need of handing the credential to a TSA officer.
Additionally, TSA officers have the ability to review a 3D image of your bag, to reduce the need of searching through its contents.
While the state and the country seem to be moving in the right defection, health officials continue to urge people to be safe and respect the honor code when it comes to mask-wearing.
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