Traveling Expectations During a Pandemic

Can a Pandemic and Travel Mix?

Fevered prayers in consideration of mortality.

“Free” refreshments/earbuds/blankets (depending on the airline).

Tiny lavatories with barely any room for my 5’9” frame.

Turbulence, ear-popping, gas, consistently friendly crew, and post COVID-19 pandemic…masks.

I took an impromptu trip to Arizona last week.

I’ve missed the good, bad and ugly of air travel.

After being stuck or safe at home (depending on who you ask), I was just grateful to be traveling again.

I will do my best not to rant about my beliefs/feelings on how COVID-19 is being handled.

Things have changed drastically since my earlier posts on COVID-19.

What to expect now?

• A mask is required

This one is a “no brainer” especially if you live in a “hot zone” like South Florida.

We will literally starve if we refuse to wear a mask.

Masks are required in all indoor establishments and whenever you can’t practice social distancing.

The only exception is when eating or drinking.

On all four flights, it was stressed to make sure masks were properly worn over the nose and mouth.

If you think you will be exempt from wearing one, you will be kicked off the flight.

I flew on Spirit Airlines. They’ve added masks protocol, sanitization, and air filter quality to their safety briefing.

The sanitization part reassured my inner germaphobe. I noticed the cleaning crew using a spray cleaner I had never seen before.

I can’t vouch for the filter.  

ARIZONA: IS IT IN HOT WATER OR IS THAT JUST DESERT HEAT?

According to the media, Arizona was considered a hot zone.

I was expecting dine-in to be suspended at all Phoenix restaurants. Thankfully, that wasn’t so.

• Airport Closures/Long Lines

I flew out of Fort Lauderdale International with a connecting flight in Dallas. I was surprised to see that the airport was still busy.

Be prepared (with snacks/food/or eat before) since most restaurants are still closed.

In my gate’s area, Burger King was one of the only restaurants open and the line was abnormally long.

• Social Distancing

Out of the 3 airports, FLL was the only one with social distancing signs on every other chair.

I appreciated that since I like to use the seat next to me.

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I found out through the sign above that Phoenix Sky Harbor International was known as ‘America’s Friendliest Airport’.

The third sign (bathroom hand dryer) aptly describes the world as we know it!

TIP: Most hotels have suspended daily room service out of an abundance of caution.

• Flexibility

Most airlines are waving fees for changing and or cancelling flights. Ironically, this is one of the best times for flexible customer service.

It was my decision to take advantage.

I promised myself this blog would not be an apology or defense to the “travel police”.

We don’t all have to agree but disrespect will not be tolerated!

Blame it on the Pandemic

• Lower Fares

A roundtrip flight from Fort-Lauderdale to Phoenix was $123 (203 after carry-on luggage). As with groceries and almost everything else, most airlines increased their baggage fees due to COVID.

The increase wasn’t that painful since the ticket’s price was so low. Usually tickets to the west cost are triple the original cost.

I’m almost certain “COVID hot spots” have cheaper fares.

I looked into a plane ticket to “neighboring” Alabama and they were in the $600 price range.

That was another reason, I wasn’t about to pass up on this trip.

I decided last minute to join a friend so this trip wasn’t completely solo.

I hear Mexico is a popular destination right now and they have stringent temperature checks and sanitation measures. “Boy has travel lingo changed”!

Don’t be surprised if I take another trip soon.

Personally, I wouldn’t travel to any destination that requires a COVID test or quarantine. To each its own.

I feel like wearing a mask and social distancing is the most I’m willing to do while on vacation. Even that’s growth for me!

So in reality, traveling during a pandemic is not much different than remaining at home. The virus isn’t partial to travel though many seem to act that way.

Since most international travel is impossible or too restrictive right now, I focused on domestic procedures.

Here is a list of individual state travel restrictions*.

Countries without travel restrictions! *SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Whether you stay home or travel, no judgment here!

When was the last trip you took?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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