Flying During Coronavirus

It’s widely known that traveling increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. According to the CDC, “Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.” We will have a significant amount of people flying again as restrictions lift. Flying as we knew it, has changed significantly over the past few months.

Transportation

Prior to leaving for your trip, make sure that you double check with your mode of transportation. I normally go to a park and ride, because it is significantly cheaper and right next to the airport. Due to Coronavirus, they have been closed for months. Public transportation was completely shut down at one point as well. The majority of parking ramp was closed when we arrived at the airport. So as far as transportation, just make sure you double check before you leave!

Checking In

Once you get into the airport, you’ll immediately notice how empty it is. You might randomly pass a person or two, but it’s no where near how full it normally is. Every time we’ve checked in, the gate agents did everything for us.  None of the kiosks were turned on. Throughout this process there was not a single person waiting in line while we were there. I’ve read in travel groups that some airports are requiring you to fill out a form prior to arriving. They noted that people were actually denied the ability to fly due to not filling it out!

TSA

Once we got to TSA, there was literally maybe ten people in line. If you’ve been thinking about getting TSA Pre-Check, you may as well hold off for now. From what I’ve noticed they just combined Pre-Check with everyone regardless. They only had 1 TSA agent scanning tickets, both times I’ve flown. The agents had us scan our own tickets both times as well. They do ask you to take your mask down briefly while they check your Identification. Otherwise, you can just keep it on the entire time. This agent will be behind a plexiglass panel.

As far as the security aspect of TSA, nothing has changed. At one airport, the agent seemed to take his time letting you pass. I think he was trying to not have multiple people pulling out their luggage at the same time. After scanning your ticket, they would wait for the person in front to put their bags through. They still want you to take out the necessary objects and go through the scanner. I’m sure on their end they may have different procedures, as far as cleaning. But I really didn’t notice anything.

None of the restaurants appeared to be open at the airports, and very few of shops were open either. If possible, I would try and grab snacks before hand if you want something on the plane. Also bring your own water bottle. You may have to do a bit of walking to find a shop that’s open. From what I’ve seen most airlines have suspended their in flight services. So you will need to prepare before hand. I did have a friend who traveled on Delta recently, and she noted that they gave out individual “snack packs” in Ziplock bags. So maybe you will strike lucky with them!

Flying

As far as what is necessary for individuals in-flight, seems to depend on the airline. Personally, neither of us flying wore masks at all. All of the employees were though! Some people have experienced flights where they were constantly reminded to have their masks on. One girl noted that on an International flight, they were even checking temperatures at the gate. Be sure to check for any travel restrictions regarding international travel. The last thing you want, is to be stuck in another country due to lack of information.

Prior to leaving, you will also want to check what is available to do in that area. Take Hawaii for example. We had to cancel our Hawaii trip twice. While we could still fly to Hawaii, once you get there you were forced into a two-week quarantine… Which would make our 10-day trip pointless. Also, be aware of any restrictions there might be in order to get back into the country.

Before getting on the plane, you will scan your own ticket. If flying still makes you nervous, make sure you personally pick your seats. Most airlines have made it so no one can book the middle seats. So if you are flying with someone, they will leave the seat in between open (which is honestly the best). Try and pick a window seat if you are nervous about germs. It’s been proven that the window seat has less germs. You won’t have people constantly walking by or crawling over you to get into the aisle if you are seated next to the window.

Something you should always do, regardless of COVID-19 is cleaning seat. I always keep some sort of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer in my bag. After being forced to sit in a dirty seat once, you are not going to want to leave for the airport without those two items. On top of being healthier, you also feel ten times better. Which makes it easier to sleep and relax on the flight. I’ve also read that a lot of people have been wiping down areas in the bathroom before using them as well! Each airline has claimed that they have upped the amount of cleaning due to COVID-19.

If for some reason you do choose to cancel your trip, airlines have been giving out travel vouchers for the cost of what you paid. A lot of accommodations have also been offering free cancelation. If I was planning a trip, that would be the number one thing I would look for. Especially with how the pandemic is consistently changing.

Flying Recommendations

• Research and double check any transportation requirements.
• Bloggers have noted that it seems to be up to the pilot/air crew, regarding how much they are going to enforce while flying. Others have noted that airlines are constantly asking people to wear masks, but they can’t enforce it.
• Personally pack whatever you think you might need on the plane. This can be anything from hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes, snacks, and drinks.
• Make sure to score some amazing flight prices during this time. A lot of airlines are struggling to fill seats. Check out this article on finding the cheapest airfare through Google Flights.
• Prior to booking, check with airlines on their current cancelation policies. This also goes for booking your accommodations and any activities.