incredible news last week!

early results from a Covid-19 vaccine trial blew away expectations. while there’s still a ways to go, here’s what we know now and what it could mean for your 2021 travel plans:

(1) Pfizer & BioNTech announced that preliminary results from their Phase 3 vaccine trial showed it to be >90% effective. more info here: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/pfizer-covid-19-vaccine

these are the outstanding questions: https://twitter.com/nataliexdean/status/1325820517497135107

but medical experts are cautiously enthusiastic.

(2) the potential timeline:

- emergency approval in late November 2020 (assuming the vaccine meets the FDA's minimum 50% effectiveness)

- doses for 15-20 million by end of 2020 (for healthcare & at-risk folks first)

- enough for broader public estimated by end of April 2021

(3) return to travel normalcy?

great news on the vaccine front = great news for travel

we still have a long winter to endure, but with a light at the end of the tunnel, many of us will be getting through the winter months by funneling energy into summer 2021 travel planning.

(4) post-vaccine:

what likely won't change about travel?
- masks required on planes and airports
- some countries requiring a negative Covid test (or proof of vaccine)

what likely will change?
- easing of border restrictions
- more airline routes
- (hopefully) less anxiety