Of all the archived post ideas I have on my phone, this was not one of them, but I guess 2020 is the year of rolling with the punches.
It’s been about 3 months since our world got turned upside down here in the US because of the coronavirus. Everything from the way we shop, to the way we interact with friends and family has all changed, and traveling is no different.
As the world begins to cautiously open up, so does travel. I was curious, and I am sure all of you are, too; what does traveling look like during a global pandemic? And more specifically, what does flying look like?
I have a few brave friends who have taken flights during this time, and here is what they have to say about flying in the age of coronavirus.
Lacy Adams
Lacy is an Environmental Science PhD graduate student at the University of South Carolina. She is personally one of my favorite people to travel with. She loves visiting anywhere new, and, of course, coming home to Florida. Post-Corona, she is looking forward to a winter ski trip in Canada.
Where were you traveling to, and why? Concord to St. Pete to come home for our family beach week (late June 2020). Tampa to Charlotte for my return flight.
What airline did you fly, and what safety precautions were implemented on your flight? Allegiant. The plane was boarded by row from back to front. On the plane, we were given a mask, gloves, and disinfectant wipes. We were highly encouraged to wear a mask, at the least. There was no distancing, and the flight was, surprisingly, very full. On my return flight, I flew American. They did not hand out masks, gloves, or alcohol wipes like Allegiant did. Boarding was also very different than my experience on Allegiant. They boarded by group as usual, and the line was not practicing social distancing, even though their were markers on the ground. This flight was also completely, full and they were offering vouchers because they overbooked.
What did you personally do to protect yourself? I kept my mask on at all times and touched as few surfaces as possible. I did not buy snacks or eat on the plane. This way I could keep my mask on and keep my hands away from my face. I did not wear gloves, but I used hand sanitizer frequently. I intentionally did not touch my tray table, arm rests, or face while on the plane. Once I landed, I washed my hands, and then again when I got home.
Is there anything you would change about your flight? I wish they would have left some open seats on the plane to allow for space and less incidental contact like there was in the airport. Even with caution, it’s hard to not accidentally make contact in such tight spaces.
Will you fly again during the pandemic? Why or why not? I’ll definitely at least fly for my return trip so that I can get back. Beyond that, I might later in the summer/early fall. I hope that with these precautions, things might stabilize and allow for limited traveling.
Rainier Fuclan
Rain is a Senior Analyst residing in Tampa, FL. His favorite place to travel is Tokyo, and he is most looking forward to visiting Hokkaido, Japan, when it is safe to travel internationally.
Where were you traveling to, and why? Chicago, IL, from Tampa, FL, for family stuff (April – June 2020).
What airline did you fly, and what safety precautions were implemented on your flight? Southwest. All planes were wiped down and disinfected for each flight, middle row was left open (unless family was occupying it), first two and last two rows were blocked off to protect crew and high traffic areas (lavatories). Masks were required on all flights. Limited/no food and beverage services to minimize contact.
What did you personally do to protect yourself? I wore a mask and used hand sanitizer.
Will you fly again during the pandemic? Why or why not? Yes, but only if necessary.
Any additional thoughts on flying during a global pandemic? If you need to fly for emergencies or other situations, it should be fine, in my opinion. It’s an obvious risk as you’re having lots of touch points between multiple vectors, but you can minimize much of it, if you’re smart and take precautions. However, you won’t eliminate all risk, so just always be mindful.
Kathy Ridyard
Kathy is a native Floridian and an Assistant Director of Human Resources for USF Athletics. Growing up with a dad who is a pilot, Kathy is one of the most well-traveled people I know. Her favorite place to visit is Rome, and she is currently looking forward to her next trip there as her May 2020 trip was canceled due to the Coronavirus.
Where were you traveling to, and why? Orlando to Boston to visit Family in Wolfeboro, NH (June 2020).
What airline did you fly, and what safety precautions were implemented on your flight? JetBlue. They boarded the plane from back to front. They handed out prepackaged snack bags filled with pretzels, a cookie and water during the flight. You had to wear a masks on the plane except while eating and drinking. Flight attendants also wore masks and gloves. The middle seat was left open (unless you were traveling with a family or knew the 3rd party). They also explained the air system on flight and how the air filter worked, constantly reassuring you that you are breathing new air throughout the flight.
What did you personally do to protect yourself? I wore a mask, used hand sanitizer, social distanced as much as possible.
Did anything alarm you or make you feel uncomfortable? Honestly, no, I felt very comfortable. Also, I felt like the majority of the people who were traveling were also comfortable. People were very respectful of each other’s space, especially getting on and off the plane. People were still kind if others needed help with their bags. I found it comforting that even through all this, there were kind people willing to ask if others needed and wanted the help.
Will you fly again during the pandemic? Why or why not? Yes, I felt that the majority of people did everything they could to stay safe. I felt like the people who were traveling had a reason to be and were respectful of each other.