CRW Receives $2.1 Million from Infrastructure Bill

CRW Receives $2.1 Million from Infrastructure Bill

YEAGER AIRPORT RECEIVES MILLIONS FROM HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

Yeager Airport will receive $2.1 million in first-year funding from The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funds will come from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, one of three new aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, that will be awarded to more than 3,000 airports across the United States.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $15 billion for airport-related projects as defined under the existing Airport Improvement Grant and Passenger Facility Charge criteria. This is the first round of funding CRW will receive over five years that could be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit, and roadway projects.

“The funding will go a long way as we invest in projects that will upgrade and modernize our airport. We now have the opportunity to fund projects that will meet our needs for the next 30 to 40 years,” said Airport Director & CEO Nick Keller. “’The funds will also help create jobs for West Virginia and bolster our state’s economy.”

CRW will be able to submit project proposals to the FAA for review in the coming weeks.

“I want to thank Senator Manchin and Senator Capito for their hard work fighting for airport infrastructure improvements” Keller stressed. Our vision at Yeager Airport is to be the biggest economic engine for the State of West Virginia, and this will give us momentum to achieve that goal.”

YEAGER AIRPORT LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES

YEAGER AIRPORT LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES

YEAGER AIRPORT LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE WITH HIDDEN DISABILITIES

Yeager Airport has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization, allowing some passengers to ask discretely for support.

To better meet the needs of all travelers with disabilities, CRW is launching the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program beginning December 16, 2021. Travelers with hidden disabilities can now request a free sunflower lanyard, bracelet, or pin at the welcome counter in baggage claim to let airport staff know they may need a little help or extra patience.

“Making sure our passengers feel comfortable while they travel through CRW is our top priority. Our passengers have always been our biggest supporters, and we want those who may require additional support and accommodations to have a quality travel experience,” said Airport Director Nick Keller. “We are thrilled to implement another program that puts our passenger’s well-being first.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control. 26 percent of American adults have some disability; many are not visually apparent.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program first started in 2016 at Gatwick Airport in Great Britain. Since the program’s launch, airports across the globe have joined the program, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Orlando International Airport, to which CRW offers direct flights.

CRW also works with several certified therapy dogs through another new program, Herc’s Pals. Herc’s Pals volunteers and their animals offer a friendly experience to soothe some passengers of their travel worries.

What You Need to Know for 2021 Thanksgiving Travel

What You Need to Know for 2021 Thanksgiving Travel

A year ago, many of us weren’t traveling for Thanksgiving. COVID-19 cases were still rising, and the vaccine was not available yet. Nevertheless, the travel and leisure industry is still bouncing back, and AAA reports the rebound in air travel alone will be even more significant, up to 80% over 2020.

This year for Thanksgiving, more people are traveling, and if you’re flying, you can expect crowded planes and higher ticket prices. The days of traveling on near-empty planes are gone. As of last week, Thanksgiving flight bookings are 78% higher than last year and 3.2% higher than in 2019.

AAA is predicting that 53 million people will travel by either air, road, or rails this Thanksgiving. In addition, AAA expects the travel volume to rise within 5% of 2019 levels.

Thanksgiving travel kicked off Monday, November 15, and runs through Monday, November 30. The Saturday and Sunday after the Thanksgiving holiday are typically the busiest travel days.

If you are traveling soon, you can do a few things to ensure a smooth trip.

TSA PRECHECK

TSA is urging anyone flying to enroll in PreCheck. Not only does it get you through the checkpoint faster, but it also eliminates the need for a bin (in most cases) and decreases the amount of contact you have with TSA agents. Enrolling in PreCheck is fairly easy, but it does take a few weeks.

Enrolling is a two-step process. First, you can start the application online by scheduling an appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment takes about 10 minutes. Next, your fingerprints are taken for a background check, and you have to pay $85 for a 5-year membership. Once approved, the renewal process is done online.

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION AND AIRLINE

COVID regulations vary by state. Before taking off, make sure you have everything you need to comply with your final destination. At CRW, masks are still mandatory inside the terminal, and all of the airlines at CRW require masks while onboard their aircraft. Keep in mind – you are also going through more than one airport while traveling. Checking those airports’ websites is a good idea to ensure you do not run into any surprises while traveling.

FLYING WITH FOOD

Are you the chef in the family? Don’t trust Cousin Eddie to deep fry the turkey? Fair enough. If you are packing up the goods for the big dinner, TSA has compiled a list of what food items can stay in your carry-on and what needs to be in your checked baggage. The simple rule TSA follows: if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, pack it in a checked bag.Here is the complete list.

THE USUAL TIPS

During this period, guests choosing to travel will see many of the enhanced health, safety, and sanitation efforts that CRW began rolling out at the beginning of the pandemic. Those measures include:

  • Hand sanitizing stations
  • Acrylic barriers at high touch areas
  • New cleaning technology and frequency of cleaning
  • Social distancing markers

To ensure a healthy travel experience, CRW asks all guests to do their part by:

  • Wearing a face mask properly at all times
  • Washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer
  • Maintain social distancing as much as possible
  • Use touchless options and mobile boarding passes
  • Allow ample time at the airport to help avoid crowds
  • Check with your airline for additional guidelines.

The CDC is still recommending that if you aren’t fully vaccinated, you delay travel.

As of November 8, 2021, The White House announced that vaccines would be required for international travelers coming into the United States.

As you start to return to the skies this holiday season, we hope you know that we’re doing everything we can to keep you and your family safe and healthy. For those that are not quite ready to return yet, your friends at CRW will be here when you’re ready. Happy Holidays!