Flying During Covid

I think it’s time we sit down and have “The Talk”.

We know you are going to do it either way, so we want to make sure you have all the information you need to do it safely. We are not advocating for you to do it, but if you are going to, make sure to use proper protection.

You know we are talking about flying, right?

It’s hard not to sound like you are sitting down with your teenager to have The Talk when you’re sharing tips about safe flying during COVID. If you choose to fly during a pandemic, you are taking a risk. With that said, we want to make sure you know how to travel as safely as you can and that you know what to expect at the airport.

You may have heard that flying is risky because of the air circulation on a plane. According to the CDC, though, that’s not true. Flying is risky because it requires spending a lot of time in close contact with other people and touching surfaces. It’s difficult to social distance when you’re boarding a plane or loading your luggage into the overhead bin. You’ll obviously use the bathroom and likely sit close to a stranger. All of this contact with others will inevitably increase your risk of exposure to the virus. 

Let’s be clear, the safest thing we can do right now is to abstain from travel. With that said, some states are beginning to loosen their restrictions and, after many months of quarantine and shelter-in-place, people are beginning to travel. Many major airlines are booking flights at full capacity this summer.

We are not saying you should travel, but, just like good parents, we wanna make sure that you have all the information you need if you do decide to do it (hop on a plane that is).

5 things to know before flying:

Check the Restrictions: As we all know, COVID restrictions change daily. As cases increase across the country, states are responding with more restrictive measures. Before you book travel and get on a plane, check the travel restrictions of the state to which you’re headed. Some states are requiring a quarantine when you land if you’re arriving from a state with a high percentage of confirmed cases.For example, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut all recently implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for anyone traveling in from a list of 19 states. 

You can find a full updated list of domestic travel restrictions linked here and international restrictions here.

Choose the Right Airline: Every airline has a different approach to dealing with the spread of COVID. Almost all airlines require travelers and crew to wear a face mask––Allegiant and Sun Country are the exceptions. Some airlines are booking flights at a lower capacity to ensure that the middle seat can remain open, which allows for some sort of social distancing on the aircraft. 

 Here is a list of airlines that are not selling their middle seats:

• Southwest 

• Alaska Airlines

• Delta 

• Hawaiian Airlines 

• JetBlue 

For a full list of airline COVID policies, check out this article. 

Going through TSA: You’ll notice that TSA is doing things a little differently, too. All TSA officers are wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Travelers will likely be asked to scan their own ticket instead of handing it to the TSA officer. When checking your ID, the agent will likely have you take off your mask for a second to make sure your face matches your picture. There are  plastic shields at the TSA ticket check as well as the bag search station and the TSA changes their gloves after each pat-down. Feel free to bring your large container of hand sanitizer, too. The TSA is now allowing 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on––take it out for screening, though.

Bring Your Own Food: Many airlines have limited their food and beverage services on the flight to eliminate any extra risk to flight attendants and passengers. On top of that, depending which destinations you are flying to and from, many airport restaurants have remained closed. If they are open, you’ll be waiting in line with others who may or may not be wearing a mask. To avoid going hungry or waiting in line, bring your own food. 

When You Arrive: Consider what you will do when you arrive at your final destination to ensure the safety of those who you are staying with or around. Look up testing centers in your destination state––is it possible to get a test when you arrive? If you can’t get tested, will you be able to safely self-quarantine for 14 days? Also, when you’re getting picked up, think about changing into a clean set of clothes in the bathroom. Swap out your shoes and wash your hands before getting in the car, too. 

Here’s the thing, if you’re gonna do it we want you to know how to do it safely. As always, wear a mask, wash your hands, and don’t cough on the airplane or everyone will look at you.