Why I’m avoiding airports during the holidays
If you’re flying over the next few weeks, bring your own food. The nation's airports are struggling to hire staff to keep up with the surge in holiday travelers.
I was on 18 planes in October, and plan to be on zero around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Based on what I saw last month, holiday travel will come with more frustrations than ever.
First, it’s unclear what the TSA’s situation will be. The fact that the agency won’t release staffing numbers is concerning, but who knows- you might hit a checkpoint with no one in line!
Monday is the deadline for TSA staff to be vaccinated. A month ago, the federal government confirmed: 40% of the agents were *not* yet vaccinated.
Where do they stand now? They won’t say.
A few days ago, a spokesperson told me: "I can tell you that … airports are prepared to meet the needs of the traveling public this Thanksgiving season."
We do know: the TSA currently has around 270 agents out with Covid-19 infections. Over the course of pandemic, around 11,200 have tested positive.
TSA officials haven't updated the vaccination numbers, but said they were hopeful the majority would agree to the shots in time to stay on the job.
If that’s true, why not update the numbers?
Beyond the security checkpoints, more problems exist for travelers.
Lo-Lo’s, a Phoenix favorite, is one of many which remains closed due to lack of staffing in Terminal 4.
I missed a connection in Detroit a few weeks ago, because there was no ground crew available to bring our plane in.
Once inside (and stranded for the night), I found all of the restaurants completely closed by 10:00pm.
A single market was partially open (they were mopping the floors preparing to close). I quickly bought a $6 cookie to hold me over.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor, travelers will have a hard time finding a place to eat any time of day.
A few years ago, the airport went through a process of opening up locally-owned restaurants in the terminals, which was a great idea.
Sadly, most remain closed, with the lights off and chairs up on the tables.
One company in charge of hiring food workers, called HMS Host, continues to struggle to find staff. Late this week, the members of the union representing the workers voted to strike sometime before the end of the year.
The airport needs around 250 more workers. A hiring event this week barely made a dent.
Reps from 20-plus airport vendors and businesses showed up, hoping to scan resumes and do interviews with potential new staff on the spot. They hired 35. That leaves 200+ vacancies.
Restaurants closed, midday at PHX.
Travelers are complaining about overflowing trash cans, too.
At the rental car counters, outrageously long lines can form. They need workers, too.
Some of the airport businesses are offering hiring bonuses, and trying to increase staffing … but the holiday rush is already here.
This was the line at Thrifty (rental car) last week. Dozens deep!
A full list of all of the jobs available at PHX is posted at the bottom of this blog.
While Sky Harbor is certainly struggling, at least the airport officials are honest about their challenges.
Phoenix certainly isn’t alone, but other airports are trying to gloss over the problems. For most, their restaurants and businesses are also closed or only-partially open.
I checked in with 10 of the biggest and busiest airports in the United States. The bottom line: bring your own food. Especially if you miss a connection and have long layover, you might not have the opportunity to buy something to tide you over to Thanksgiving dinner.
Some airports were more forthcoming with information than others.
San Francisco (SFO)
Officials at SFO say 80% of all shops and restaurants have reopened.
They’ve strategically put more staff in the domestic terminal. Businesses that remain closed (or on reduced hours) are primarily in the International Terminal, which is seeing fewer passengers at this point.
For example, in September, international passenger activity at SFO was only 25% of pre-pandemic levels, while domestic activity was up to 65%.
San Diego (SAN)
Airport officials at SAN seem pretty optimistic, saying their holiday crowds shouldn’t have any problems. Shops and restaurants inside the terminals are open, but the hours can vary.
Miami-Dade (MIA)
Staffing problems persist in Miami, where about two-thirds of the restaurant options are open.
An airport rep said 168 of the 233 concession locations are now open.
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit's airport held two job fairs so far this year, and is still feeling the impact of staffing shortage. As a result, some concessions at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) have reduced hours or limited menu options. A few are closed completely for now.
Detroit is a major hub for national and international flights. Having restaurants and food spots operating on ‘reduced hours’ is a major inconvenience for travelers, who arrive at all hours of the day and night.
(Again, anecdotally, absolutely everything was closed by 10:00pm when I was there last week, including everything from the McDonalds to the Delta lounge).
Minneapolis (MSP)
MSP has hundreds of job openings, even after holding two job fairs in recent months to help tenants, concessionaires and aviation related companies fill vacancies.
Specifically, there have been staffing challenges for companies that operate restaurants, bars, and retail stores at MSP.
Chicago O'Hare and Midway
In Chicago, 130 staffers are needed to get restaurants and concessions back up to full-staffing.
Heading into Thanksgiving, 84% of the concessions at O’Hare are open.
At Midway, it's 81% now open.
The airport authority launched a new job portal to make it as easy as possible for people to find and apply for jobs.
Seattle (SEA)
Seattle’s airport has also hosted job fairs to help dining and retail tenants facing staffing challenges. All are open at least part-time.
The airport is undergoing a reconstruction and modernization project, which will triple the dining and retail space once it’s open.
Los Angeles (LAX)
LAX held its own hiring event in October to boost staffing. They're having the same hiring challenges as the others.
Officials at LAX say most concessions are open, but many have reduced hours because they don't have enough workers.
Denver (DEN)
Even with staffing challenges, at DEN, airport officials asked all food companies reopen to their pre-Covid hours due to high travel demand.
They held three job fairs this year to help with staffing issues in restaurants and shops, and not all have been able to open to full capacity.
Phoenix (PHX)
There’s no sign of the bulk of the restaurants reopening, and workers this week voted to strike at some point if their demands aren’t met. They haven’t said when they plan to walk out.
The union representing food workers at the airport in Phoenix says they've been trying to negotiate for higher wages and better benefits for four years.
One of the most popular airport spots, Starbucks, has become a frustrating mess for staff and customers. The union cited a 20% cut in staff at the airport's four Starbucks locations, forcing current employees to do the jobs of multiple people.
HMS Host, which hires workers for most of the restaurants is offering a 12% wage boost.
Jobs at PHX:
Ace Parking Services
Various entry level positions: cashier, CSR, monitor
401k, health benefits included.
Allied Universal Security Services
15 Security Guard Positions
Benefits include - 401K, Dental, Vision, $1,000 sign on bonus with active guard card, discount perks
Arizona Lottery
Hiring part-time customer service representative positions
Benefits include – 401K, dental insurance, vision insurance, health insurance, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Bio Janitorial Services, Inc.
Cafe on the Way
Hiring front of house and back of house positions as well as management positions
Full time positions offer paid time off, meals, health, dental, and vision. Part-time positions offer meal benefits, and schedule flexibility.
CAM Concessions
Hiring grill, sandwich maker, runner, register, fry station and prep.
Benefits include a referral program. All hourly employees get a 50% discount on their meals for the day and uniforms are provided. Other benefits include paid sick time and paid parking. They are open Thanksgiving and Christmas and pay is time and a half for the holiday worked.
Casa Unlimited
Hiring supervisors and sales assistants.
Benefits include medical, vision and dental insurance to all full-time employees as well as life insurance. Great incentives and fun contests all year!
Covenant Aviation Security (CAS)
Flagship Facility Services
Hiring:
Janitors
1st shift - 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2nd shift -2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
3rd shift – 10:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
Equipment Operators
3rd shift 10:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
Incentives – medical, paid vacation, paid sick time, signing bonus of $500 after 90 days, referral bonus of $100 after 90 days, Employee Assistance Program.
Hertz
Hiring counter agents, return agents, exit agents, greeters, car cleaners and clerks
$500 sign-on bonus, base hourly pay plus commissions All full-time employees are provided with medical, dental and vision insurance plus 401k eligibility after probationary period along with paid time off and sick time.
HMS Host
Hiring Starbucks barista, cashier, host, Shake Shack team member, utility, cook, management, Admiral’s Lounge Club attendant, Admiral’s Lounge Bar Steward, Admiral’s Lounge Club Floor Captain.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, sick and vacation pay, 401k, holiday pay, free bus or parking pass and free employee meal.
InMotion Entertainment
Hiring full and part time retail sales positions.
Full time employees receive 401k, dental, vision and medical insurance after 90 days.
IPSA Security Services
Kind Hospitality
Hiring Panera team members, baristas, utilities, cashiers, and cashiers and cooks for OHSO Brewery
Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance after one-year, paid time off, uniforms, parking pass and meal discounts.
MAG USA’s (Escape Lounges)
Hiring supervisors, lounge agents, receptionists, cooks, dishwashers.
See brochure for benefit information.
Paradies Lagardere
Hiring numerous positions including cashier, associate, stock, shift lead/team lead hourly, warehouse drivers – non CDL.
$300 hiring bonus, full medical and dental, 401k match, merchandise discount, parking, and uniforms
SSP America
Hiring more than 60. Positions include cooks, utility and cashiers.
$1,000 hiring bonus, $100 weekly attendance bonus through the end of the year, 401k, and health benefits paid at 90%.
Stellar
Hiring full time and part time sales associates and supervisors for specialty stores
Benefits include retention bonus, benefits package, and 401k
Wildflower Bread Company
Prep cook, line cook, dishwasher/utility, front of the house guest service.
Benefits packages include 401k, referral bonuses, holiday pay and shift meals. Wages start at $20/hour with tips included.
Worldwide Flight Services
40 full time warehouse/cargo agents, 10 part time cargo agents, full time TWU ramp agent, and heavy equipment mechanic
Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, Amazon gift cards during the onboarding process as well as when you start, growth opportunities, and travel opportunities.