WORKER SHORTAGES HAMPER MONTANA TOURISM

The 2021 tourism season in Montana saw a robust return to nearly pre-pandemic passenger movements at about 95% of 2019 numbers at Missoula International (MSO). Montana State Parks alone recorded more than 1.5 million visitors between January and June of this year, representing a 44% increase over the same period in 2019.

While vacationers are eager to travel to Montana and get to their favorite recreation destinations, it may be the airlines who are keeping the activity somewhat limited to a dull roar. At MSO for example, United and Delta are having challenges finding enough gate and ramp workers to park the steady flow of aircraft. Airport personnel is happy to assist, but they are not trained explicitly on those particular aircraft or airline procedures. Hence, it presents difficulties that lead to delays in everything from boarding to baggage claim.

According to the airport, Delta and United workers are short-staffed, working hard and working overtime to handle the traffic during peak hours. Airport staff recommends arriving early to make your travel easier and less congested.