What it’s like to Fly During a Pandemic
For most of us 2020 started out fairly “normal”. Gosh, I feel like I don’t even really know what “normal” is anymore. How about you?
My year started out with tons of travel – I spent some time at a beautiful spa resort in Arizona, took a trip to Mexico with my bestie, went back to Mexico for an incredible wedding for some good friends, then jetted off to Greece and Spain for a travel event.
Things really started to get weird when I was flying to Europe. The virus was mainly impacting Italy and China – or at least that’s what we all thought. I remember seeing some pretty intense gas-mask type of face coverings on people, but masks were worn by probably 1 in 100 travelers. It felt weird and kind of scary to see the masks at the time. What was happening?
There were so many unknowns at this time – bars and restaurants were packed in both Athens and Barcelona. I remember feeling bad for what people in Italy and China were going through, yet thankful I was able to travel and not have to hunker down in my home.
Fast forward just a few short weeks. We were all on lockdown. Everything closed down. I won’t spend a lot of time on this timeframe, because you all lived it.
MY FIRST FLIGHT
In July, I had planned on heading to my cabin in Rhinelander, WI. I had some clients traveling within the U.S. at this time and I really wanted to experience the airport and flying firsthand, so I could have the knowledge to share with clients looking to fly. Plus, who doesn’t want to turn a 5-hour drive into a 30-minute flight?!
Since then, I have flown to Mexico on two separate occasions, with layovers in Atlanta.
THE AIRPORT: THEN + NOW
Each time I’ve arrived at MSP for my early morning flights, it’s been completely dead. I’ve made it through security in 5 minutes or less each of the 3 times. The first time I flew, masks were “encouraged” and honestly, it kind of pissed me off, because people took advantage of the lack of requirement. When I got to the airport to head to Mexico, the airport had changed it to a requirement, which definitely helped. You still see people wearing masks incorrectly at times, but this was so much better.
Everyone has their own opinions on the pandemic and wearing masks, but I firmly believe that if you want to try to live a “normal” life and do things like travel, that you should do whatever you can to protect yourself and others. It’s so dang easy to just wear a mask – the fight on this truly baffles me. Plus, you don’t have to worry about what you look like while flying, because nobody can see you.
Oddly, the one area that has been nuts at times is baggage check. If you plan on checking your bags at the airport, I’d make sure you have a little extra time – I’ve heard some people say it took up to an hour to check bags, though I don’t think this is totally normal.
SHOPS, BARS, RESTAURANTS
The first time I flew, it was eerie. Everything was closed. The terminal was empty. I felt like I was in a sci-fi movie. Since then, things are picking up and more shops and restaurants are open. Much like it is at home, masks are required until you’re at your table. There are still completely closed terminals, so you can experience the creepy movie feel for yourself as you walk from one terminal to another, but it certainly feels like things are opening back up.
THE FLIGHT
I can only speak for Delta flights myself, because I’m super Delta loyal. It’s not just for the miles and status, but for the comfort and safety I feel on their flights. Delta is blocking off middle seats until Jan. and some other airlines are following suit. Not only is it super nice to have the middle seat open, but it brings some peace of mind while on the flight.
OTHER CHANGES SINCE YOUR LAST FLIGHT:
Masks – required on all flights: while boarding + while on the flight, unless you’re actively eating. I’ve heard of arguments on flights, because of travelers not complying, but I personally never have experienced this. Every now and then, you’ll hear the flight attendant give a gentle reminder via the intercom, but that’s the extent I saw on my Delta flights.
Boarding: Now back-to-front. I mean, why haven’t they always done this? Makes a lot of sense to me. High Medallion tiers and First/Comfort+ passengers can board at any time to ensure they have overhead space, so don’t worry Ms. Diamond Medallion – Delta has thought of this!
In-Flight Service: Nada – well, almost. All passengers receive a little bag (on Delta), with Cheez-It’s, a granola bar, hand sanitizer, and a water. First Class + Comfort + have the choice of beer or wine. I find this somewhat odd – and my flight attendant on the way to Mexico at 5 am agreed. I’ll admit, I had a red wine at 10 am on one of my flights, and I have to say – it didn’t hit the spot. Lol. I miss mimosas. First Class passengers receive a flight fuel box (random snacks) on some longer flights.
Plan ahead! Depending on your flight time, home airport, and terminal, it may be tough to get food that you desire. It may be worth packing some extra snacks for your travel in the near future! I’m one of those weirdos that overpacks snacks for every flight I’m on, so this is when I shine.
Immigration + Customs: Both times I’ve arrived at the Cancun airport this year, I’ve been through immigration in 10-minutes or less. I actually arrived at one of my hotels 40 minutes after the wheels hit the ground. It was amazing. I recently had clients land in Cancun who did spend an hour waiting, which totally surprised me, but they may have just gotten unlucky. I think it’s really luck of the draw right now.
The Skinny:
Flying has truly felt safe over the past couple of months. While I miss some of the in-flight services, I truly appreciate the requirement of masks, the sanitizer stations all over the airport, the new boarding arrangements, and I absolutely love blocked middle seats (though, this won’t last). Planes are thoroughly cleaned between flights (I sure hope they keep this up). Airports are cleaner than ever. When I was in the Cancun airport, I witnessed airport staff deep cleaning seats and other hard surfaces constantly.
If you’re going to fly, please wear a mask, wash your hands, and be kind to airline employees and other passengers. It’s a stressful time for all!
