Should I book that cheap flight? Should I travel? Should I go on a vacation? With four months into this pandemic world, a lot of restless people are asking those very questions. With milestone birthdays coming up, weddings happening again, and vacation destinations opening more and more doors to hotels and beaches, should we take the chance to hop on that flight while prices are so low?
I often joke on The Wake Up Call, but when it comes to the safety of my family, friends, and co-workers, there's really not much to laugh at. It took a lot of discussion and consideration with relatives I was visiting and my two co-workers that I would be returning to work with every morning before making the decision to fly. So can I tell you that you SHOULD go on a trip? Absolutely not. That is something you have to consider with people that you will be in contact with. What I can tell you, however, is what to expect if you get on a plane as I have flown a couple times now in the past month for a 60th birthday and to visit friends and relatives.
My experience begins with LYFT to and from airports. Be prepared for longer than normal waiting times as there are not a lot of drivers out on the roads picking up passengers. Outside of the anxiety of the virus, that will pretty much be the worst part of traveling right now. The airports are not busy. In fact, there are so few travelers going through security that I don't arrive at the airport until an hour before my flights. Yes, this includes LAX. You will have to wear a mask all throughout the airport except when showing your face to the TSA agent when they check your ID. Do you like to have a cocktail or a beer before the flight? Out of the 6 airports I have visited, very few had places open that served alcohol. As numbers rise and things are closing again in some areas, don't expect a cold beverage before boarding.
Once you get on the plane, at least for me, I have never felt safer from germs. Most airlines are keeping the middle seats open, so you don't have to pay extra for a better seat. Crews are spraying and wiping everything down before allowing passengers to board, which is a practice I feel should have always happened. You do have to wear a mask during the entire flight, which is a little inconvenient, but we're in a pandemic and you most likely paid 50% of what you normally would for a ticket. As for snacks and beverages on board? Don't get too excited. Expect a cup of water and MAYBE a small bag of mixed nuts. No alcohol for sale or meals. Again, you are traveling during a pandemic and will pay a fraction of normal ticket costs.
So my opinion based on my personal experience, and it's by no means expert, or medical, keep an eye on the numbers, talk to people you interact with, but go on that vacation; just be sure to bring sanitizer, wipes, snacks, your mask, and of course, sunscreen!