Traveling During Covid
What is it like traveling during a global pandemic? I’m here to spill the tea. Since flying to Kentucky last week to see my family I have had quite a few people message me asking “what was it like flying?” To be completely honest, I did not have the best experience flying home. Before we get into it all, let me start from the beginning! When covid began rapidly spreading in early March I will be the first to admit that I did not think it would last as long as it has. I had my bachelorette party planned for late April, and my wedding planned for the end of May and I was just SURE that both of the events would be able to go on. Well, fast forward one month and I was no longer in denial. We definitely realized that our plans were going to have to be pushed. This was already a major bummer in itself for multiple reasons! I grew up in KY, so I was so looking forward to finally having all of my girlfriends get to visit me in California for my bachelorette, I was also really looking forward to my family coming out to see me for a week leading up to the wedding, and most importantly I couldn’t wait to say my vows to my best friend! I definitely found silver linings, and I realize how lucky we are because many people have suffered terribly due to coronavirus. That said, my mental health was really taking a hit. After months of being stuck in our apartment I was missing my family more than I ever have before. Let me just say, I realize I AM LUCKY I HAD AN APARTMENT TO BE STUCK IN. This is not me searching for a pity party, just telling you how I felt, and ultimately why I decided to go see my family. After cancelling plans I had flight credits, and it seemed as if covid was ~ kind of ~ getting under control. We weren’t seeing spikes on the news anymore, and I felt it could be a good opportunity to fly home to see my family.
Well, a couple of days before I left for my trip the media starting reporting new cases across the U.S. and my anxiety spiked through the roof. Was I making the right decision? Should I go home? I lost nights of sleep over the decision, but in the end I decided yes. I would pack my N-95 mask, hand sanitizer, wipes, and be extra cautious. Also, I was under the impression that it was required to leave a space between seats on flights to follow social distancing rules. Anyone who I had spoken to who had flown said that was the case for them. Guess I should have done more research because apparently United is NOT enforcing that. I showed up to the an almost empty airport, and for a minute my anxiety was put to ease. That is, until I got to my gate where I realized probably 90% of passengers in the airport that day were waiting to get on the same flight as me. CUE THE ANXIETY.
Instead of boarding by group number how you might typically do, they had us board by row going from the back to the front of the plane - this was to follow social distance guidelines which made me LOL because we were packed in like sardines anyways. OKAY, so we get on the flight, (almost) everyone is kind enough to keep their masks on. EXCEPT there were two little turds in the row diagonal from me that decided to keep taking their masks off because I guess they think that coronavirus isn’t real and they don’t care about the safety of others. I really wanted to have words with them! Honestly it blows my mind how people act, and flight attendants on my particular flight were not enforcing masks be worn. So watching these two people basically my entire flight was stressing me the eff out. I’m posting a great study below that I really think everyone should read. It states the importance of wearing masks and has a descriptive graphic showing how much impact it has to simply wear one! All this to say, and not to be dramatic, but my flight home was really unpleasant. I did not like being close to so many people, but I really was under the impression that I would not be seated right next to someone. My fault for not doing more research, and for choosing to travel in the first place. When I finally got home I immediately stripped down and showered, washed my clothes, but I was still so anxious from the whole experience that I couldn’t sleep soundly for a few days.
Reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2
So after being home for a week, and spending some great quality time with my family (minus getting to stay with my grandparents which I usually do, but didn’t want to risk it with covid going around!), I was feeling really recharged and ready to get back to San Diego. That is until my flight was delayed the night before I was supposed to come home. Due to decreased flights, my only flight option coming back was going to be a 14 hour travel day, with 2 layovers. When I found out my first flight was delayed I had to call United because this would cause me to miss my first connection. This flight was supposed to be on Tuesday, and when I called they said the next available flight to San Diego was going to be on Friday…! I ended up cancelling the flight, receiving a partial refund, and having to rebook through a different airline for a flight on Wednesday. Which typing out sounds like it took 5 minutes, but in reality it took a couple of hours to get things sorted out. So if you do decide to travel right now that is definitely something be aware of! Because there are decreased flight options you will have to be flexible with travel times. I must say, I think it was a blessing in disguise, because flying back through Delta was a much better experience. They are not fully booking flights to ensure proper social distancing, and they are requiring all passengers wear masks on the flight. (The real MVP’s).
The point of all of this was to simply share my own personal experience. I hope it can help you if you are deciding whether to fly or not, or simply to let you know what you could potentially expect. In the end, I am so happy I went home to see my family. I think this is a very strange time and we are all navigating it the best we can.
TIPS:
- I personally wore two masks. I wore my N95, and my cloth one on top of it. This allows me to wash my cloth one and reuse the N95.
-Pack Clorox wipes. I packed wipes and when I got to the seat on my plane each time I would wipe it down as well as the arm rests and seat belt.
-Eat/drink and use the restroom before getting on the flight. I wanted to keep my mask on the entire time I was flying and reduce the amount of times I was touching it so I decided not to eat any snacks or even sip my water on my flight like I usually do. I also didn’t use the restroom so that I could just stay put and come in less contact with passing people/touching door handles. I realize this is not realistic for all flights.
-Be flexible. If you have to be back somewhere by a certain day I would say book your flight for a couple of days ahead so that if anything happens you can figure out another plan with the limited flight options available right now.
-Bring hand sanitizer and sanitize your hands often on flight, wash them with warm soap and water as soon as you land.
-BE KIND. I encountered many people being not so nice to flight attendants, and it made me sad to see. Being kind is so simple and appreciated.