I travel for work because I’m a flight attendant and since the pandemic travel has definitely changed. When the pandemic first hit, I saw the effects immediately. Our flights were no longer full. We went from every seat filled with eager travels to not even half the planes being full of masks and protective bodysuits. The airport was completely empty, there was a point where I could walk down an entire concourse and not see one other person. It was sad, deserted, yet completely understandable. Now that travel is starting to pick up, here are ways you can stay safe when traveling during COVID-19.
Before You Travel
- Know what you’re getting into before you get there. Research the new COVID-19 guidelines for the place you want to visit and make sure you can stay within those guidelines.
- Do the same when you book your flight, please read the new guidelines put in place for these airlines because they are not playing about the mask policy. Failure to wear your mask can result in being placed on the do not fly list.
Traveling Through The Airport
Let’s start at the airport.
- Always wear your mask over your nose AND mouth when you’re not eating or drinking.
- Wash your hands when you can and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you can’t.
- Social distancing in most major airports is implemented in the gatehouse and on the lines through TSA.
- Avoid any unnecessary touching. I personally don’t touch the rails on the train unless I have gloves on.
On The Plane
I would say choose your airline based on your comfort level of the pandemic. Unfortunately, some people just don’t care about it or still believe in it. The airline I work for still social distance on the plane until the end of the year. Middle seats are usually open and try not to seat people close to one another. They also fog the plane with disinfectant after every flight and wipe down tray tables. Here are some other things you can do when traveling on the plane.
- Always wear your mask over your nose AND mouth when you’re not eating or drinking.
- Wipe down key touchpoints with wipes or Lysol. Key touch points include armrest, actual seats, window shades, entertainment screens, and tray tables.
- Social distance when boarding and deplaning.
- Wash your hands when you can and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when you can’t.
- Avoid gathering around the doors or bathrooms on the plane.
At The Hotel Or Airbnb
I may be extreme but because I travel at least 4 days a week so I need to be safe and keep peace of mind. So at the hotels, I have a routine too.
- Always wear your mask over your nose AND mouth when you’re outside of your room.
- Disinfect key touchpoints like hotel phone, light switch, tv remotes, doorknobs, and sinks. Prior to COVID, I wiped down the toilet seats because I don’t sit on public toilets.
- Wash your hands often
I hope this was helpful because I know some people are on the fence about traveling and wanted to offer my perspective and tips. Also, always check the CDC site for official updates.
Stay safe and wear a mask!