ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With the holiday season just around the corner, so is holiday travel.
This year there could be some unique challenges coming to Northeast Wisconsin airports.
Due to a federal mandate by President Biden, federal employees are required to get the COVID vaccination by Nov. 22, just three days before Thanksgiving and some of the busiest travel days of the year.
Included in the mandate, Transportation Security Administration agents.
According to a CNN report, about 60% of TSA agents have been vaccinated against COVID-19, leaving a minority of the workers who could potentially lose their job.
And questions on the impact of travel around the holidays linger.
Rachel Engeler is the assistant airport director at Austin Straubel International Airport.
She tells FOX 11 the size of the airport in Ashwaubenon should allow passengers to get through without a hitch, even if some TSA agents remain unvaccinated.
“In reality, I don’t think we’ll see it as much at our airport. And it certainly isn’t any different than any of the staffing challenges that we’re seeing in a lot of locations across the country.”
Adding while Austin Straubel should see a minimal impact, other airports might not be as lucky.
“Every airport is going to be different based on their demand and what they have as far as load factors with their aircraft. But that will come just everybody waiting and getting through line.”
Preaching that this year more than ever, patience is key to get through the stress of traveling during the holidays.
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