Aegean Airlines is encouraging vaccinated travelers to get back on its flights this year. The carrier will double the value of the Greek government's "Freedom Pass" for 18-25 year olds. The decision hopes to restore passenger traffic and boost the struggling tourism sector after over a year of lockdowns and restrictions.

Double

In a bid to boost summer travel, Aegean Airlines is offering vaccinated travelers new incentives. Passengers aged between 18 and 25 who have gotten their first dose and received the government's new 'Freedom Pass' will get double the value of the pass while booking flights, according to Greek City Times. This means the group will get up to €300 ($357) in free flights as a part of the scheme.

The 'Freedom Pass' was revealed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis yesterday, according to Reuters. The pass will give an estimated 940,000 citizens between 18 and 25 a cash bonus of €150 ($179) after their first vaccine dose. This can be spent on summer holidays and cultural events, likely with select partners like Aegean.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Getting your vaccine could be the key to huge travel incentives this summer. Photo: Getty Images

Greeks who get their Freedom Pass by 31st August will be eligible to book tickets with the double cash bonus. This is valid for trips from September 1st to 30th June 2022 towards the very end of the busy summer season. The pass will come into effect from July 15th, so it might be time to starting checking out flights for your future trip!

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All about vaccines

As Europe enters the lucrative summer season, COVID-19 vaccines are at the center of the recovery. With adequate supplies now available, countries are pushing younger adults to come forward and get their jabs as quickly as possible. This will allow infection rates to continue falling, attracting tourists, and blunt the effect of new variants.

Greece is now fully open to European travelers and those from several other 'safe countries,' including the US. The country has vaccinated 44.4% of the population with one dose and fully vaccinated 34.2%. With jabs now open to all adults, the country is hoping to reach 80% coverage by September, hopefully protecting the populations from another major wave of cases.

Germany, COVID-19 Risk, No Quarantine
The EU is relying on testing and vaccinations to reopen this summer, including a new 'Green Pass.' Photo: Getty Images

The coming weeks will see millions of travelers criss-cross the continent to popular destinations. However, with vaccines, Europe can ensure that its summer season does not lead to a rise in cases once again.

Back up

After a brutal winter, Aegean will be hoping for a major recovery this summer. Indeed, the carrier saw revenues shrink by 74% during Europe's second lockdown late last year. As travelers get back on flights, many for the first since 2019, Aegean is looking to cash in on any major benefits it can find. For now, if you are getting your hands on the Freedom Pass, you could be looking at some major savings!

What do you think about Aegean's plan to offer travel discounts? Let us know in the comments!