Honestly, from watching the media and hearing the government issuing new restrictions all the time, I was very anxious to fly through an airport during COVID. I didn’t know what to expect when it came to airports and flying. But, based on my experience, here’s what it’s like flying during COVID.
The vaccines just started rolling out, but most major cities are still under strict travel restrictions, require masks, and businesses still aren’t able to operate at full capacity. So what does that mean for you and airports and airlines?
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Arriving at the airport
When I arrived at the airport, I checked in like normal and got my boarding pass. I had no check-in bags and already virtually checked in. There wasn’t a long queue at the airline counter like traveling before COVID. I went to the kiosk, entered in my information, and printed my boarding pass anyway to ease my travel anxiety. Then, was on my way to the security check.
Security and TSA
The security check was the same experience as always other than the fact that the line seemed to be 10 times longer since everyone was so spaced out. Overall the line moved pretty quickly. We were spaced out in line enough with the exception of the person directly behind me with a mask that read “if you’re reading this, you’re too close” …the irony.
While going through security, the same protocol was followed. You were asked to quickly lower your mask to verify your identity with your I.D., shoes off, jackets off, and everything in the bins.
If you don’t have TSA Pre-check and are interested, one of the credit cards I recommend for traveling will reimburse you for the fee! Check it out here.
Travel Tip: Due to COVID, TSA has pushed back the “federal ID” rule to October 2021.
At the gate
Most shops in the airport were open, very few places were closed. There’s hand sanitation stations set up throughout the airport. And I suppose your above average routinely cleaning happens.
As for social distance, there wasn’t much going on. Each gate seemed to be filled with just as many people as before with each traveling group having a couple of chairs in between them like usual. Every few chairs had a sticker stating 6 feet apart. But, even during normal traveling circumstances, when do people choose the seat directly next to a stranger?
Boarding
When flying during COVID, your boarding experience definitely depends on your airline. It can be more or less different. My flight with Spirit, and everyone approached the gate in a long line to board, not very spaced out much.
I overheard the United flight next to us say they were boarding one row at a time, starting from the back of the plane. How genius! We should do that even when traveling returns, so much more efficient – loading from the back of the plane first I mean, not one row at a time lol.
On the plane
As for the plane, well it was full just as it always would be. I can’t vouch for the cleaning that was done before we entered. My airline was very strict about keeping our masks on during the entire flight. I’ve heard of one airline skipping the middle seat between isles, but that does not apply to all and again, depends on your airline.
Travel Tip: Speaking for Spirit airline only, they required you to have a normal mask. If you had one that had a vent or just a face shield, you were still required to wear a normal mask.
Again, this was my experience on what it’s like flying during COVID. I’m sure other people have different experiences whether they choose to fly or not. What have been your experiences with flying during COVID? Good? Bad? Could airlines do better? Leave it in the comments below!
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Back in March last year I flew to Thailand. The pandemic at the time was still at its early days. At the airport we’d go through thermal cameras to check for fever and they’d spray the air on the plane with some antibacterial thingy (or something). Now it seems measures are just random – keep your distance while boarding but then a crowded plane where distance is non existent. I hope this goes away so we can finally travel freely.
It was good to read this because I’ve been very concerned about air travel. I can’t wait to get on a plane but will when it’s safer. I have to admit it’s been nice not dealing with the cattle car air carriers.
I wish every airline had one really rigorous approach. That would make it easier to get back to flying I think. Thanks for letting us know how it is currently!
practical tips. I have made a couple of trips during covid and thought it was very surreal.
I have not flown during Covid but I felt I was there with you on your flight. Good to know.