Inside Terminal B at LaGuardia airport on Wednesday evening, the day before Christmas Eve, the departures area was quiet.

This year, the crowds could be found in the terminal’s parking lot where a makeshift COVID-19 testing center has been operating.


What You Need To Know

  • On Tuesday, the Port Authority issued a projection for the holiday travel season and estimated that the number of airline passengers traveling through its airports between December 21 and January 4th, 2021 would drop nearly 72% compared to the same time period in 2019-2020
  • AAA Travel issued a similar advisory, earlier this month, estimating a 29% reduction in the number of people who would travel between Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, this holiday season when compared to last years
  • While Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday night was noticeably quiet, compared to years past, there were still crowds lined up at the COVID testing location set up in the parking lot.


Dozens stood in line at the testing location on Wednesday. The majority of those waiting in line said that they were there to put their own minds at ease.

“I’m going home to see some family, but before i see them, I want to make sure that I test negative,” said Britney, who was planning a visit to Long Island on Thursday.

Travelers made plans despite pleas by the Mayor, Governor and health officials asking New Yorkers to stay home for the holidays this year.

Some took their advice as a suggestion.

Several of those in line arrived with luggage in hand and said they planned to board a plane after getting their results.

Others had just arrived in New York and opted for a test in addition to following state guidelines.

Among the requirements is filling out a traveler health form.

“There were some people handing out forms. I just did it online. I scanned the code. It was quick,” said “Uli” who stood in line to get a test after flying in from Colorado.

There were also those who came to get a test out of necessity.

One couple said they were required to provide proof of a negative test before a trip abroad.

They didn’t seem worried about getting COVID-19 while away from home and explained they’ve voluntarily taken their own precautions to ensure they stay healthy.

“I take the proper precautions. There’s no such thing as zero risk but I think we’re doing it responsibly,” said Andy Albeck, who was traveling to Aruba with his girlfriend, Bettina Fang.

“This is going to be my fifth test in like 10 days. I was in Utah so I had a test before I came back and then I had a test on the third day back which was two days ago. Then, we did two tests today,” said Fang.

On Tuesday, the Port Authority issued a projection for the holiday travel season and estimated that the number of airline passengers traveling through its airports between December 21 and January 4th, 2021 would actually drop nearly 72% compared to the same time period in 2019-2020.

AAA Travel issued a similar advisory, earlier this month, estimating a 29% reduction in the number of people who would travel between Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, this holiday season when compared to last year’s.