Augusta Regional employees are gearing up for what is historically a busy travel week, and even though the traffic will be light compared to previous years, the airport is making some changes to accommodate those flying.
Usually, Augusta gears up for the Masters Tournament. Drivers on Washington Road begin to see folks camped out offering to buy tickets, businesses park golf carts on their curbs and restaurants near the Augusta National traditionally train their servers and cooks on special menus that will be rolled out for out-of-town guests.
MORE: Analysis: Fringe Group Calls For “Canceling” The Masters Tournament
This year, however, the 85th Masters Tournament will be a low-key affair. The tournament is allowing a limited number of patrons, so don’t expect to see throngs of people crossing under Alexander Drive to get to the golf course.
As if the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, golf fans will not see star player Tiger Woods in the tournament this year because he is still nursing leg wounds received in an automobile accident that occurred earlier this month.
However, Masters week remains spring break in Augusta, and most Augustans use the week to travel to their favorite vacation destinations.
[adrotate banner=”23″]
“Usually, we see around 20,000 to 25,000 travelers a month,” says Lauren Smith, public relations and customer service director at the Augusta Regional Airport. “In a normal Masters week, we would see those monthly numbers occurring in just that week.”
Smith says the airport is projecting less incoming air traffic as airlines are trying to put people on larger planes to reduce traffic, but they know locals will be flying out in droves, and they are well prepared to see them off safely.
Normally, American Airlines has eight flights per day. The airline is not adding any extra flights for this Masters Week. Delta usually has nine flights per day, and it is adding one additional flight per day next week.
Those normally scheduled flights will have to share air and tarmac space with private jets bringing in golfers and patrons.
Augusta Regional has brought on extra janitorial staff to meet CDC requirements, and the airlines have extra TSA personnel to handle the larger than usual crowds.
According to Smith, the airport is also changing its parking as well as pick-up and drop-off arrangements.
[adrotate banner=”19″]
“For safety and security reasons, we always discourage people gathering at the curb,” she says. “To increase efficiency, we have also streamlined the drop-off and pick-up arrangements.”
Uber and Lyft drivers will have their own “staging area,” while contracted taxi and shuttle services will have a separate area.
For taxi and shuttle drivers who do not have an annual contract with the airport or “for hire” drivers, the short-term parking lot will be used to accommodate their services. The airport is charging a $2 fee each time those vehicles use the short-term lot. Once in the hourly lot, commercial vehicle operators will utilize the designated spaces closest to the Airline Terminal building to park and wait for passengers.
MORE: Augusta Regional Director Herbert Judon Talks Business Uptick
“Even with limited patrons, we anticipate the Masters will significantly increase both the air and ground transportation activity at the Augusta Regional Airport,” said Herbert L. Judon Jr., airport executive director. “It is imperative that ‘for hire’ commercial ground vehicle operators follow these measures to ensure safety and business equity among all airport users.”
Smith says travelers should check their flight arrangements for any last-minute changes, arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before their scheduled flight and take all CDC advised precautions such as wearing their mask while in the airport terminal.
Scott Hudson is the Editorial Page Editor of The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
[adrotate banner=”45″]
