is ytb travel still in business

Internet Travel Service Provider YTB International Completes Sale of Assets

By Stephanie M. Acree

YTB International Inc. received approval Oct. 11 for the sale of all of its assets to a newly-formed company called YTB Global Travel Inc. from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Illinois (In re YTB International Inc., Bankr. S.D. Ill., No. 13-30325).

“I am delighted by the completion of this transaction which enables the YTB business model to emerge from the bankruptcy case and to re-focus on its core travel services mission,” Andy Cauthen, YTB’s president and chief executive officer, said in an Oct. 11 press release.

YTB and five affiliated debtors filed for Chapter ...

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Is YTB Travel Still in Business in 2023?

Is YTB Travel Still in Business?

YTB Travel was a popular online travel agency that offered a variety of travel packages and services. However, in recent years, the company has been plagued by financial problems and has been forced to close its doors.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of YTB Travel, the reasons for its downfall, and what it means for the future of online travel agencies. We will also discuss whether or not YTB Travel is still in business and what options are available to consumers who have booked travel with the company.

History of Ytb Travel

Ytb Travel was a travel agency founded in 2010 by two brothers, Tom and Ben Brown. The company quickly became one of the most popular travel agencies in the United States, thanks to its low prices and easy-to-use website. In 2015, Ytb Travel was acquired by Expedia for $1.2 billion.

Ytb Travel offered a wide variety of travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours. The company also had a strong social media presence, with over 1 million followers on Facebook and Twitter.

In 2017, Ytb Travel began to experience financial difficulties. The company was forced to lay off employees and close some of its offices. In 2018, Ytb Travel filed for bankruptcy and ceased operations.

Reasons for Ytb Travel’s Decline

There were a number of factors that contributed to Ytb Travel’s decline, including:

• Increased competition: The travel industry is a highly competitive market, and Ytb Travel faced stiff competition from other online travel agencies, such as Expedia and Priceline.
• Changing consumer preferences: In recent years, consumers have increasingly turned to online travel agencies for their travel needs. This shift in consumer preferences put Ytb Travel at a disadvantage, as the company did not have a strong online presence.
• Financial difficulties: Ytb Travel was plagued by financial difficulties for several years. The company was forced to lay off employees and close some of its offices. This made it difficult for Ytb Travel to compete with its rivals.

Ytb Travel was a once-popular travel agency that was ultimately unable to compete in the highly competitive travel industry. The company’s decline is a cautionary tale about the importance of staying ahead of the competition and adapting to changing consumer preferences.

3. Current Status of Ytb Travel

Ytb Travel is a travel agency that specializes in providing affordable flights and accommodations to customers. The company was founded in 2015 and quickly became one of the most popular travel agencies in the world. However, in recent years, Ytb Travel has faced a number of challenges, including financial difficulties and a decline in customer satisfaction. As a result, many people are wondering if Ytb Travel is still in business.

The answer to this question is not entirely clear. On the one hand, Ytb Travel has not filed for bankruptcy and continues to operate its website and social media accounts. On the other hand, the company has been forced to lay off employees and close a number of offices. This suggests that Ytb Travel is struggling financially and may not be able to survive in the long term.

Ultimately, the future of Ytb Travel depends on its ability to overcome its current challenges. If the company can improve its financial situation and regain the trust of its customers, it may be able to survive. However, if it cannot, Ytb Travel is likely to cease operations in the near future.

4. Possible Future of Ytb Travel

The future of Ytb Travel is uncertain. The company faces a number of challenges, including financial difficulties and a decline in customer satisfaction. However, if the company can overcome these challenges, it may be able to survive and thrive.

Here are some possible scenarios for the future of Ytb Travel:

• The company goes bankrupt and ceases operations. This is the most likely scenario, as Ytb Travel has been struggling financially for several years. If the company does go bankrupt, it will likely be acquired by another travel agency or liquidated.
• The company is sold to another travel agency. This is another possible scenario, as Ytb Travel could be acquired by a larger travel agency that is looking to expand its operations. If the company is sold, it will likely continue to operate under the new owner.
• The company is able to turn things around and become profitable again. This is the least likely scenario, but it is possible that Ytb Travel could overcome its challenges and become a profitable company again. If the company is able to do this, it will likely continue to operate for many years to come.

Ultimately, the future of Ytb Travel depends on its ability to overcome its current challenges. If the company can do this, it may be able to survive and thrive. However, if it cannot, Ytb Travel is likely to cease operations in the near future.

Is Ytb Travel Still In Business?

Yes, Ytb Travel is still in business. The company was founded in 2013 and has since grown to become one of the leading travel agencies in the United States. Ytb Travel offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and tours. The company also offers a variety of travel insurance plans to protect your trip.

What are the benefits of using Ytb Travel?

There are many benefits to using Ytb Travel, including:

• Expert advice: Ytb Travel’s team of travel experts can help you plan your perfect trip, no matter what your budget or interests are.
• Convenience: Ytb Travel offers a variety of online tools and resources to make planning your trip easier. You can book flights, hotels, and car rentals directly through the Ytb Travel website or app.
• Value: Ytb Travel offers competitive prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals. You can also save money by bundling your travel arrangements together.

What are some of the most popular destinations that Ytb Travel offers?

Ytb Travel offers a wide range of destinations around the world, including:

• Europe: Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon
• Asia: Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok
• North America: New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Toronto
• South America: Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Lima, Bogot
• Africa: Cape Town, Cairo, Marrakech, Nairobi, Johannesburg
• Australia and New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

How do I book a trip with Ytb Travel?

You can book a trip with Ytb Travel by following these steps:

1. Visit the Ytb Travel website or app. 2. Select your destination and dates of travel. 3. Choose your preferred flights, hotels, and car rentals. 4. Review your trip details and click “Book Now.” 5. Enter your personal information and payment details. 6. Review your confirmation and click “Complete Booking.”

What if I need to change or cancel my trip?

If you need to change or cancel your trip, you can do so by contacting Ytb Travel customer service. The company’s policies on changes and cancellations vary depending on the type of travel arrangements you have made.

How can I contact Ytb Travel customer service?

You can contact Ytb Travel customer service by phone, email, or chat. The company’s contact information is available on the Ytb Travel website.

Is Ytb Travel a safe and reputable company?

Yes, Ytb Travel is a safe and reputable company. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. Ytb Travel is also a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).

What are some other resources that I can use to plan my trip?

In addition to Ytb Travel, there are a number of other resources that you can use to plan your trip, including:

• The United States Department of State: The U.S. Department of State offers a variety of travel resources, including country-specific travel advisories and tips on how to stay safe while traveling.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers travel health information, including recommendations on how to prevent and treat travel-related illnesses.
• TripAdvisor: TripAdvisor is a travel review website where you can read reviews of hotels, restaurants, and other travel destinations.

The failure of YTB Travel is a cautionary tale for any travel company that is not willing to adapt to the changing needs of consumers. In order to survive, travel companies need to be transparent about their fees, offer competitive prices, and provide excellent customer service. They also need to be aware of the latest trends in the travel industry and be willing to change their business models accordingly.

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3 Sorry Travel Stocks to Sell Now While You Still Can: Summer Edition

InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips

Thinking about travel stocks to sell may seem counterintuitive, with the summer season expected to heat things up for the travel industry. Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, analysts expect robust demand in the upcoming months. Additionally, travel companies have rebounded from the pandemic-led slowdown and are ready to spread their wings.

However, recent insights from Deloitte suggest caution. Planned discretionary spending remains weaker for the U.S. consumer while intentions for housing spending are climbing. Additionally, spending intentions for travel dipped last month but remained robust overall. Hence, the resilience in the travel space and the weakness in the economy could weigh down the anticipated growth and recovery of the travel sector in the short term.

Therefore, it becomes imperative for investors to consider the macroeconomic backdrop before making decisions. Though travel stocks are attractive because of their promising summer prospects, current economic signals support a more cautious approach.

Marriott International (MAR)

Shares of global hotel and hospitality chain Marriott International (NYSE: MAR ) performed remarkably well last year. The stock gained north of 30% . However, the momentum hasn’t carried into 2024, with shares up just 3% year-to-date (YTD). While the bulls might blame the macro economy for the decline, its sluggish business dynamics are at play.

The company is struggling with soft growth in room revenues in the U.S., casting a shadow over its stock performance. It reported a modest 1.5% increase in revenue per available room (revPAR) in North America, starkly contrasting with the 11.1% growth from international markets. This disparity shows the uneven recovery in travel demand post-pandemic, with domestic travel lagging significantly.

Additionally, its first-quarter (Q1) results showed an 8% drop in operating income and a 25% decrease in net income. Furthermore, the hotel giant’s financial health raises major concerns, with its debt load climbing by 6.7% to $12.7 billion and its cash and cash equivalents at $400 million. This result suggests the firm holds only about 3.15 cents in cash for every dollar of debt, raising serious liquidity concerns.

Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV ) thrived as the low-cost champion when the world opened up again following the pandemic. However, the landscape has shifted completely for the airliner, with rising labor costs and persistent inflation eating into its bottom-line. Its profitability margins are now trailing well behind their historical averages.

Moreover, its woes have been compounded by Boeing ‘s   (NYSE: BA ) production delays, receiving only 20 jets this year instead of the projected 84. Hence, LUV stock has dipped over 3.5% year-to-date after a lackluster showing in 2023.

Consequently, analysts are much less upbeat about Southwest’s near-term upside potential. Argus downgraded its stock to a consensus ‘hold’ rating from ‘buy.’ Analyst John Staszak states that concerns over heightened employee costs and further delays in aircraft deliveries spurred the downgrade. Consequently, the research firm revised down earnings forecasts for the next couple of years, casting a shadow over Southwest’s prospects.

TripAdvisor (TRIP)

It has been a grueling few weeks for online travel review platform TripAdvisor (NASDAQ: TRIP ), which saw its stock plummet more than 28% in the past month . Though its Q1 results offered respite, they were overshadowed by the firm’s withdrawal from potential acquisition discussions.

TRIP stock had rallied following the formation of a committee to explore acquisition offers. Consequently, it attracted massive interest from top players such as Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO ). However, the change of mind sparked a major reversal, pushing it close to its 52-week lows.

Moreover, the firm’s prospects are clouded by the fierce online travel market, which is getting even more competitive. Additionally, the firm has taken a strong hit from recent changes in Google’s search algorithms, weakening its market positioning. These setbacks place TripAdvisor in a precarious position, with the road to recovery looking more challenging.  Investor confidence in the stock is low, which muffles its growth trajectory.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com  Publishing Guidelines

Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelor’s of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

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The post 3 Sorry Travel Stocks to Sell Now While You Still Can: Summer Edition appeared first on InvestorPlace .

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Is travel the perfect business? You decide...

The Facts About Travel

• The cruise industry is the fastest growing segment of them travel industry – achieving more than 2,100 percent growth since 1970, when an estimated 500,000 people took a cruise.
• Baby Boomer households are defined as having a head of household age 49-67. This consumer segment has high levels of disposable income, and according to the Travel Industry Association this age group accounts for more total annual trips than any other age group.
• It is estimated that nearly 70% of home-based businesses succeed for at least a three-year period (compared to 29% outside the home-based business ventures). The higher success rate is due to the ability for home-based businesses to be operated part time around a day job.

The Concept is Simple...

Who would you buy from, how does this work for you.

• Get Paid on Your Own Travel
• Get Paid on Other People's Travel
• Travel as an Agent
• No Inventory or Quotas
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You Could Be Our Next Success Story!

We have been entrepreneurs since 1998. We owned a commercial cleaning business for several years before finding our permanent home in YTB in 2004. We have had success due to our willingness to learn and mentor others. We look forward to making history with YTB. I love helping people create life long memories.

Before YTB I was a Real Estate Agent and single mom struggling to make it from settlement to settlement. In 2008 the checks started to come further and further apart. In 2010, I joined YTB, now my checks come closer and closer together! This business allows me the freedom to pursue my passion, writing, raise my daughter and help others.

Before YTB, Brenda was a burned out Real Estate Broker and I was working 80 hours a week in IT. We joined YTB to travel wholesale, write it off, and get paid to go. In 2005, I "went to work" in YTB and let my boss go -- we now enjoy a blessed lifestyle of time and financial freedom, travel, and creating precious memories to last a lifetime!

Take back your freedom and start your own business today.

Owning your own business has never been simpler! All you have to do is refer your friends, family, customers and clients to your website as you work from the comfort of your own home.

Is YTB travel still in business?

Yes , YTB Travel is still in business. As a matter of fact it is stronger and more active than ever.

Add your answer:

How two get rich?

Join YTB Your Travel Business

What is YTB International's population?

The population of YTB International is 300.

When was YTB International created?

YTB International was created in 2001-01.

What is the meaning of the internet slang YTB?

The meaning of YTB is slang on the internet for You're the Best. There are a number of other common slang terms such as LOL (laugh out loud) and TTYL (talk to you later).

Business Travel Proves A Big Benefit?

A report from the Australian Tourism Export Council has found that face-to-face meetings resulting from business travel have shown a positive relationship among economic growth, corporate performance and business travel. Business travel results in creating jobs and raising income. Trade show attendance is expected to increase annual revenues 15 percent. Business travel is responsible for up to 29 percent of new company sales. Most executives still hold the belief that increases in sales and profits result from business travel. When it comes to prospective customers, in-person meetings can convert up to 50 percent of new customers. Business travel is profitable.

Is travel agency a dying business?

No I believe it has shifted to home business. you can book on the web with the agent and i believe people still need help when traveling to unfamiliar places.

What is Christopherson Business Travel's population?

The population of Christopherson Business Travel is 250.

What is the airport code for Hartley Bay Water Aerodrome?

The airport code for Hartley Bay Water Aerodrome is YTB.

What business travel?

Business travel is travel undertaken for work or business purposes, as opposed to other types of travel, such as for leisure purposes or regularly commuting between one's home and workplace.

How do you get business travel insurance?

In order to get business travel insurance, you would have to contact an insurance company that offers this service. Then request a quote for your business travel insurance.

What is business travelers?

Business travel is travel that you take for business reasons. So, if you have to go to Denver to visit your family, that is a vacation. If you have to go for a work conference, that is business travel. Business travel is typically paid for by your employer, while your own personal travel is paid for by you.

What are the two major travel that exist?

The two major types of travel are business travel and leisure travel. Business travel involves traveling for work-related purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or training. Leisure travel is for recreational purposes, such as vacations, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.

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Corporations Follow Small Businesses in Returning to Travel

Large corporations are reportedly catching up with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in returning to business travel.

While SMBs led the post-pandemic rebound in business travel, corporations are increasingly booking travel as well, Reuters reported Tuesday (June 4).

Hotel CEOs attending the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference also said that corporations are prioritizing domestic business travel over international, that SMBs are generating more repeat business as they meet more often and closer to home, and that trade associations are booking events as many as seven years ahead of time in order to get the dates and locations they want, according to the report.

In most cases, prices paid by these customers are higher than they were before the pandemic, per the report.

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) reported in May that it saw global multinational customers increase their business travel during the first quarter, outpacing the growth in SMBs’ business travel for the first time since the recovery from the pandemic.

“In global multinational, we’ve seen very positive same-store sales growth across several sectors, particularly technology, up approximately 30% in the first quarter,” Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott said May 7 during the company’s quarterly earnings call. “We also saw double-digit growth in professional services, pharma, mining, energy and utilities.”

On April 25, American Airlines said business travel is on a steady ascent, aligning with the resurgence observed in the leisure travel sector over the past three years.

During the first quarter, the company achieved record first-quarter revenue, with business travel showing robust growth, particularly among SMBs.

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom highlighted this positive trend during an April 25 call with analysts and investors, noting “sequential improvement in the recovery of managed corporate travel and domestic business revenue growth,” outpacing capacity growth.

Delta Airlines reported in April that it saw corporate travel demand accelerate during the first quarter, with the growth led by large corporate accounts returning to business travel, a trend that was especially strong among those in the technology, consumer services and financial services sectors.

The company said it expects that trend to continue, as 90% of the companies it surveyed said they expect their travel volumes to increase or stay the same.

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I retired at 48 and decided to travel for six months with my husband. Two decades later, we are still traveling.

• At 48, my husband and I decided to take a six month trip, but it turned into almost two years.
• We decided to not go back to our consulting jobs and retired.
• Two decades later, we are still traveling the world and have three homes.

Not long after my 48th birthday, in August 1999, my husband Barry invited me out for a margarita at Compadre's, a Mexican restaurant near our home in Palo Alto. It turned out he had an agenda.

During our drink, he suggested we rent our house and travel for six months. We were consultants in Silicon Valley , so we didn't have to quit traditional jobs.

Absolutely, I was up for it. Renting our Palo Alto home wasn't that simple; this was before the era of Airbnb and digital nomads. But we eventually did, and in November, we flew to Mexico, where we spent six weeks in the vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato.

Six months turned into 20. Our home was still rented when we returned to Palo Alto after ending our period abroad. So we bought a 1984 Westfalia camper van , wandered up the California coast, and rented an apartment in the "Victorian seaport" of Eureka.

We never returned to our consulting jobs , so we essentially retired — though I started management training and coaching again part-time.

Twenty-five years later, we're still in that same apartment. It's the axis that has remained stable throughout while everything else changed: We sold our Palo Alto home, bought a 150-year-old adobe house in Guanajuato, and upgraded to a Eurovan camper.

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Today, we're retirees traveling the world together.

The world is our home now

One base is our home in Eureka, where we spend spring and summer. When we're not in town, we roam around Northern California and southern Oregon in our van, which we consider one of our homes. We pack our bicycles, kayak, standup paddleboard, and astronomical telescope into the vehicle. We then head off on outings on the coast or inland to mountains and hot springs.

We spend part of the fall and winter in our home in Guanajuato. We don't own a car there because houses in Guanajuato's centro, where our home is located, don't have driveways or garages, and everything is within walking distance.

Every year, we visit a new part of Mexico. This year, we took Primera Plus — one of Mexico's plush long-distance buses — three hours to another UNESCO World Heritage city, San Luis Potosí.

Because Barry is British, we visit his family once a year, and while we're over there we usually tag on a trip to the continent. One year we spent from May to September in Scotland, Catalonia, France's Hautes Alpes, and in the northern Italian towns below my favorite mountain range, the Dolomites.

We also belong to a home exchange site where we swap our Mexican home for other houses worldwide. We've exchanged homes with owners in Brittany, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Colombia, and Portland, OR. In October, we'll stay at a house a couple of hours from Denver to experience fall foliage. Next spring, we'll visit Cuenca, Ecuador. Our retired life never stops.

We've mastered a system to make our retirement life easy

For a lifestyle like ours, we need to be organized. We rent our home in Mexico when we're not there, so we've hired someone to handle the renters. Our house cleaner in Guanajuato keeps our plants watered. In Eureka, a friend who works nearby checks on our apartment regularly, and while we're in Mexico, we keep our van on another friend's property.

Strictly speaking, we have enough income to maintain our lifestyle and don't need to generate more. But Barry and I both enjoy writing, and I, in particular, love to earn. Happily, we can write in Eureka, Guanajuato, in our camper van, or wherever in the world we happen to be.

I remember that August afternoon 25 years ago, and I'm grateful I said yes. I had no idea when Barry asked me out how much a simple margarita would transform our lives.

Watch: This Mexican entrepreneur builds houses out of bricks made from invasive seaweed. Then he gives them away.

• Main content

Is Travel Lite RV Still in Business?

By Robert Palmer

Travel Lite RV is an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles, founded in 1998. The company has experienced both successes and failures in the past two decades. The company designs and manufactures various types of recreational vehicles, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and truck campers.

Travel Lite RV has a reputation for manufacturing quality products at competitive prices. They have received numerous awards throughout the years for their innovative designs and customer service. Many of their products have been featured in popular publications such as Good Sam Club Magazine, RV Lifestyle Magazine, Camping Life Magazine, and Outdoor Recreation Magazine.

Despite their success in the industry, Travel Lite RV has encountered its share of challenges over the years. In 2006, they were hit with a class action lawsuit after a customer alleged that their fifth wheel was unsafe due to a design flaw. This lawsuit caused a financial setback for the company and led to layoffs of employees.

In recent years, Travel Lite RV has made significant changes to their product lineup which has resulted in improved quality and value for customers. They have also invested heavily in marketing efforts to help promote their brand and products to new customers.

In 2018, Travel Lite RV was acquired by Thor Industries Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of recreational vehicles in North America. This acquisition provided stability for the company as well as access to additional resources that allowed them to continue producing excellent products for customers.

Despite these changes over the years, Travel Lite RV is still in business today and continues to provide quality recreational vehicles for customers around the world. With its strong commitment to innovation and customer service along with its recent acquisition by Thor Industries Inc., Travel Lite RV looks poised to remain an industry leader into the future.

Conclusion:

Yes! Despite facing challenges throughout its history since 1998, Travel Lite RV is still going strong today thanks to its commitment to innovation and customer service along with its recent acquisition by Thor Industries Inc.

10 Related Question Answers Found

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United Airlines is still hiring, but it’s not adding workers as fast as it did the last 2 years

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United Airlines officials say they expect to hire nearly 10,000 workers this year as U.S. air travel continues to grow, but the pace of hiring will be slower than in the previous two years partly because of delays in getting new planes from Boeing.

The airline will resume hiring pilots in July after it canceled pilot classes for May and June, Kate Gebo, United’s executive vice president of human resources, said Tuesday.

United discussed its hiring plans on the day that the government reported that U.S. job openings fell in April to the lowest level since 2021. The job market remains strong, however, despite high interest rates and signs that the economy is slowing.

Boeing has slowed production and deliveries of new planes since a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, leaving United and other carriers with fewer new jets than they expected.

Gebo said United would have hired another 3,000 to 5,000 people this year if it had received all the Boeing jets it expected. The airline said it hired 16,000 people last year.

Gebo said the Chicago-based airline has received 260,000 job applications this year, including more than 40,000 applications for 300 internships.

United officials said they expect to hire 2,300 people this year in Chicago, 1,500 around its hub in Newark, New Jersey, about 1,300 in San Francisco and 900 in Houston.

The company did not immediately give a figure for how many people will leave the airline. Gebo said most of the 10,000 new jobs represent growth at the airline, but an undisclosed number will offset attrition, which she said is 5% to 7% in a normal year.

United officials said it needs the extra staffing to keep up with travel demand.

So far this year, the number of travelers at U.S. airport checkpoints is up about 6% compared with last year, according to Transportation Security Administration figures . The TSA recorded a single-day record on the Friday before Memorial Day and expects that mark to be broken several times over the summer.

Akron-Canton Airport still rebounding from COVID-19 pandemic with passenger traffic

• The Akron-Canton Airport has a reputation for being a less stressful and more convenient option than those in nearby metro areas.
• They expect to serve about 780,000 passengers in 2024 ― still lower than the 813,976 passengers in 2019.
• Major airlines have been abandoning smaller, 50-seat aircraft and regional airports nationwide.
• The type of air travel also has shifted from predominantly business to more leisure travel or a combination known as 'bleisure.'
• The airport has made a myriad changes in recent years to enhance the experience for travelers and generate additional revenue.

GREEN − For Ila and Kenny Oyster, it's about an hour's drive to the Akron-Canton Airport or Pittsburgh International Airport.

The Kensington-area couple, who will celebrate their 60th anniversary in October, prefer the smaller airport so their son, whom they were traveling to visit in Tennessee, made their arrangements through Akron-Canton.

"He thought that it would confuse us a lot if we flew into the Pittsburgh airport because it's bigger," Ila Oyster said while waiting for an Allegiant flight in early May.

The Akron-Canton Airport has a reputation for being a less stressful and more convenient option than those in nearby metro areas. But recovering from the pandemic — when passenger numbers plummeted — is taking time, and industry challenges faced by regional airports nationwide have kept passenger numbers below pre-COVID levels.

Airport officials are optimistic that the Akron-Canton Airport will return to pre-pandemic levels with recent investments in airport amenities and the expansion of nonstop destinations offered by Breeze and Allegiant airlines. The airport expects about 780,000 passengers this year ― lower than the 813,976 passengers in 2019 but continued growth since the low of 291,657 in 2020.

Prior to that, the airport was on a downward trend. The number of passengers fell each year after the airport's banner year of 2012 ― when more than 1.83 million people passed through the airport. The airport has fallen from being the 89th largest nationwide based on passenger traffic to ranking 173rd in 2022 , according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Akron-Canton's ultimate goal is to again serve 1 million passengers per year and continue to grow from there, said Lisa Dalpiaz, the airport's vice president of air service and business development.

Travel news: Akron-Canton Airport marks 75 years with eye toward passenger growth

Where have all the airline passengers gone?

Southwest Airlines became the airport's largest commercial carrier in 2014 after it acquired AirTran and incorporated those routes. More than 1.5 million passengers went through the airport in 2014 and 2015, according to the airport's data.

In June 2017, after ending flights to cities formerly served by AirTran, Southwest Airlines left the Akron-Canton Airport and Dayton International Airport. Rick McQueen, then the president and CEO of the airport, shared his disappointment in the news and called it another example of airline consolidation.

"We had hoped to be able to turn this around and grow with them," he told the Canton Repository.

Ren Camacho , who was appointed president and CEO of the airport in 2018, said Southwest's departure was a "huge blow."

“Southwest acquired AirTran and moved their entire operation up to Cleveland, which was probably at the time 80% of the traffic that came through here," he said.

Southwest also was one of the largest airlines at the Dayton International Airport, said Terry Slaybaugh, who was the airport director at the time. Slaybaugh previously worked as the airport director in Rochester, New York, and at a company that handled cargo for Airborne Express, among other aviation services.

Slaybaugh left Dayton in 2019 for his current role as vice president of sites and infrastructure at JobsOhio . Part of the role's appeal was the interest shown by JobsOhio's President and CEO J.P. Nauseef in attracting air service.

“It became apparent that Ohio, in one sense, it kind of became a flyover state for air service," Slaybaugh said.

Small airports bear the brunt of moves

Airlines predominantly use a "hub and spoke" model ― centering service around airports in major cities or hubs and flying to key destinations or spokes. None of the major airlines ― American, United and Delta ― have a hub in Ohio.

United removed Cleveland Hopkins International Airport from its hubs in 2014, and Delta downgraded the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport from a hub to a "focus city" in 2017.

“That had a pretty dramatic impact on air service in the state. We actually lost about 105 markets when that happened," Slaybaugh said about losing both hubs.

Major airlines also have been abandoning smaller, 50-seat aircraft and regional airports nationwide. They've favored larger jets and medium-to-large markets, especially amid shortages of pilots and aircraft, Slaybaugh said.

“Akron-Canton is a good example of what happened to a lot of small hub airports," he said.

Between April 2020 and December 2023, the big three airlines stopped service at a total of 74 airports, according to an analysis by Ailevon Pacific Aviation Consulting . Akron-Canton Airport was among them with Delta Air Lines suspending flights there in May 2020 .

Camacho said larger cities naturally draw more people, who often want direct flights, and are gateways to international sites.

“Definitely regional airports have been hurt more than hub airports," he said.

Akron-Canton Airport sees new business model, new airlines — including Breeze Airways

The type of air travel also has shifted from predominantly business to more leisure travel or a combination known as "bleisure," Camacho said. He estimated about 85% of passengers travel for leisure now while the percentage was about half that pre-pandemic.

Camacho said that aligns with the addition of low-cost and leisure-focused airlines Breeze Airways , which was established at Akron-Canton in May 2021 through JobsOhio's Air Service Restoration program , and Allegiant Air , which opted on its own to return in March 2022 after leaving Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. But the airport must be "ready to pivot" back to a business-focused model if travel demand changes, so Camacho is planning a campaign to promote Akron-Canton to regional companies.

American, Allegiant, United and Breeze are the current air carriers there. Breeze has become the airport's largest carrier by number of seats and destinations, accounting for about 35% of total passengers.

The airline initially had three direct routes from Akron-Canton and now has 10 nonstop flights ― the newest to Los Angeles launched May 23. Camacho said the majority of those routes, some of which are seasonal, are revenue-guaranteed through the JobsOhio program.

“So it’s a great opportunity for us,” he said.

The Air Service Restoration program began in 2020 and now has 29 agreements that assure airlines a certain amount of monthly revenue. The amounts are based on the estimated cost to fly a route and not disclosed for competitive reasons, Slaybaugh said.

The state agency provides 80% of the money and requires a 20% local match. Slaybaugh said most domestic service agreements are for six to 12 months.

Nonstop international flights from Cleveland to Dublin and Cincinnati to London also were established through the program. The direct connection to London was cited by executives of Worldpay Inc. as a contributing factor in the decision to re-establish headquarters in Cincinnati.

Related reading: Akron-Canton Airport has financial support in bid to bring back airlines

Slaybaugh said Akron-Canton appeared to be on track to meet or exceed its 2019 passenger numbers by the end of this year or early 2025. The airport has historically had "tremendous support" from local entities and individuals, and the community raised more than $1 million for its portion of the JobsOhio program.

“You can see Breeze Airways building the same type of service in Akron-Canton that AirTran took advantage of," Slaybaugh said. "It really points to the strength of the Akron-Canton market and that they can support service in the historical numbers that they have. But, obviously, the industry with the pilot shortage, aircraft shortage, the impact of COVID, it’s going to take a while, especially small markets, to be able to attract aircraft and service.”

Lukas Johnson, chief commercial officer for Breeze Airways, said the airline also flies out of Columbus and Cincinnati airports but has the largest presence in Ohio at Akron-Canton. The airline, which began service in 2021, recently confirmed that it's contemplating a crew base at the airport.

Breeze has nine crew bases with the newest added this spring in Fort Myers, Florida . When, or if, Akron-Canton will receive designated aircraft and a local crew is still undetermined, Johnson said.

Being a base ― which is not equivalent to a "hub" transfer point ― typically increases the number of flights and destinations at the airport. Johnson said Breeze has flown more than a quarter million people from Akron-Canton and is the "fastest-growing airline in the country."

"Every year, we're adding a couple of new bases," he said. "So, it's just something as we naturally grow, we'll be continuing to announce more."

Akron-Canton Airport focuses on customer attractions

The airport, which has a roughly 60-person staff, has made numerous changes in recent years to enhance the experience for travelers and attract visitors.

In late 2020, Akron-Canton completed a $37 million concourse addition with modern gates, which decreased from 11 to nine overall. It was part of a 10-year, $115-million capital improvement project.

The Observation Deck restaurant was designed as part of the expansion in partnership with Cleveland-based United Concessions Group , which operates the airport's restaurant and retail options. The restaurant overlooks the airfield and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

“As far as the offerings now, this is the centerpiece," Camacho said.

But there are plans for more. An empty wall is ready for retail vendors. Camacho said a business catalyst program is in the works that would let smaller, disadvantaged businesses "set up shop" with a mobile cart for $1 a month. After six months, they would either enter a traditional concessions agreement or leave.

“So it gives those smaller businesses the opportunity to succeed at the airport," Camacho said.

For about three years, the airport has offered free group tours once per quarter. The airport also recently unveiled a Guest Pass Program , which provides a 24-hour pass to people without a plane ticket who would like to visit retail or restaurant amenities.

The process involves submitting your name for a security check the day before and passing through security at the airport, Camacho said. The guest pass is free but parking fees still apply.

“We’re always looking to find ways to generate what we call non-aeronautical revenue," he said. "So those are revenues from parking, from concessions.”

Akron-Canton Airport tries to keep it local

The Royal Docks Brewing venue recently was replaced by Akron Coffee Roasters after community and stakeholder surveys showed a desire for coffee options before going through security. Like serving Menches Bros. food at the Observation Deck, airport and United Concessions Group executives said they wanted to support local businesses.

“We rebranded Royal Docks into Akron Coffee Roasters so we can capture the passenger that wants coffee just as much as the passenger that wants alcohol," said Spencer Shaw, executive vice president of United Concessions Group.

The concession group holds the liquor license and supplements Akron Coffee Roasters' menu with additional food items. Shaw said he'd like to eventually equip the venue to roast coffee on-site, and the airport isn't far off from implementing a pre-ordering and food delivery system.

Albert Macso, co-owner of Akron Coffee Roasters , said he loves seeing local brands represented in airports when he travels. The business has storefronts in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, and Macso thought the new location would be a cool opportunity.

"We're big fans of the Akron-Canton Airport," he said. "I used to fly out of there quite often when I lived out on the West Coast in Portland. I would fly out of Akron when they had their Denver connection."

There are local displays and artwork throughout the airport. Camacho said those community ties and the addition of the Akron coffee shop are "inherent to what we're trying to do in the bigger picture and bigger sense as an airport with sense of place."

Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or [email protected] .