On Saturday, I flew from LaGuardia airport in New York City to the Detroit airport for a month-long stay in Michigan with my family. Of course every airport and every airline is different, but I wanted to share what my experience was like in case it helps anyone else who has been debating flying during COVID-19.
Personally, I was pretty anxious about the whole thing. I avoided going to Michigan for months because COVID-19 has been so rampant in NYC and I didn’t want to unknowingly spread it — especially to my mom who has a compromised immune system. But with a bit more knowledge about the virus, more safety precautions, and lowered numbers in New York and Michigan, I decided that now was the time for me travel. This decision is a difficult one and it depends on so many factors, such as where you’re heading to, who you’ll be staying with, etc. So I totally understand anyone who isn’t keen on the idea of traveling right now.
So let’s dive into some important takeaways from my trip in hopes that it can help you feel better about your own personal travel decisions!
What safety measures were in place at the airport?
- First of all, it was NOT very busy. I had a Saturday flight at 12:45 p.m. and there were basically no lines at all. And I’m talking about in NYC!
- There were stickers on the floor to help people stand six feet apart when there is a line.
- All workers were wearing masks and gloves.
- TSA was pretty normal, just a lot less busy and intense.
- I was able to purchase water and a snack like always at the airport, but there was a glass barrier to help keep the cashiers safe.
- There were large hand sanitizer dispensers stationed all throughout the airport. I probably sanitized like 3 times before boarding the plane.
- I personally avoided the public restroom, so I can’t speak to that.
What was it like on the plane?
I think it’s worthwhile to note that while in the air, the ventilation on the plane actually helps make it a bit less likely to catch the virus. However, there are still many risks — and many precautions in place. I flew Delta because I heard they were one of the airlines taking things seriously. I am happy to report that that’s true!
- When it was time to board, they announced that the plane had been sanitized between flights.
- They boarded the plane from the back rows to the front instead of by zones.
- As soon as you walk on the plane, the flight attendant hands you a Purell wipe.
- They did NOT fill any middle seats in order to maintain social distance.
- The flight attendants will provide you with a mask if yours doesn’t meet regulation, it breaks, etc. (Note: You can’t wear a mask with a vent on it, they’ll ask you to wear one of the ones they provide.)
- They still pass out snacks, except now you get a little prepackaged ziplock bag with a cookie, Cheezits, a mini water bottle, and another Purell wipe inside.
- You can still use the screens and trays like normal, but I suggest wiping them down first.
- I don’t believe the flight attendants can help you with your carryons, in order to avoid multiple people touching each other’s stuff.
Overall thoughts on flying during COVID-19
It’s a scary, confusing time, but I honestly felt pretty okay during my travels. I can’t lie and say that it didn’t give me anxiety being around a bunch of strangers and having to take so many steps to *hopefully* keep the virus away. But, I do think that (for the most part) people were taking it seriously and doing their part. Of course there are always a few people who have their mask around their chin and might get an attitude, but luckily I didn’t see much of that.
If you have anymore questions about flying during COVID-19, I’d love to hear them and chat about it! Be safe everyone!
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