Traveling during the Coronavirus pandemic (obviously) feels like we are in a completely different world from the good ol’ days when we were leaving for our destination wedding in Cabo (way back in…January). Interestingly enough, however, flying during the Coronavirus has been a pleasant, clean experience, especially when you remember to bring your purse-size hand sanitizer and to-go wipes in case they aren’t provided by the airline (although it seems to be a given now). I don’t think I have ever seen the airports or airplanes so clean, for example.
My Thoughts on Flying vs. Driving…
Driving is an absolute necessity, so gas stations/rest stops are also always going to be required (as well as a place that stores a lot of germs). Flying, on the other hand, is more of a luxury. Thankfully, It seems that airports are quite literally doing everything they can to make flying a clean/safe experience. All airlines require masks from takeoff to landing unless you are eating or drinking. They have also eliminated the beverage and food service unless you are in first class, and, in that case, they will provide a drink(s) (most but not all of the time). It seems like all airlines are taking the necessary measures to ensure people feel safe, so, I am ALL for it. The jet bridges even have social distancing stickers to remind people to stand 6 feet apart, and, thankfully, the restrooms in the airport seemed very clean as well!
We were flying mostly Delta last year, however, since Delta has reduced and canceled a lot of their flights, we have been flying American a lot lately. So that brings us to…
The Flying Experience: Delta vs. American
Delta has cut out all middle seats and first class is only allowed to operate at half-capacity. Delta has been giving little bags with hand sanitizer, a mini water, and small snacks (Cheez-Its, Biscoff cookies, etc). American, while operating at full capacity (or close to it from what I can tell), has still done a good job of making us feel safe while flying. On a few of our flights, we have found that the cost to upgrade has been way cheaper than usual, so we decided to take advantage to have our own (extra) space. Although Delta and American are going about handling this pandemic differently, both appear to be doing a great job!
Hotels and eating out
Most restaurants we have been to while traveling have had QR codes instead of menus. I honestly don’t know why this wasn’t a bigger thing before now. It helps eliminate the transfer of germs and is better for the environment! A lot of restaurants and hotels are also doing temperature checks prior to entering. It is also a requirement in most hotels and restaurants that you have to wear a mask unless you are sitting at your table or in your hotel room. I have come to accept this “new normal” world we live in. If it allows people to get out and go about their day, I am here for it! While I refuse to live in complete fear, living with caution in mind is a must for the health and safety of everyone. Be smart!
Going abroad
We have now been out of the country twice since the inception of the COVID travel restrictions. Mexico was open with surprisingly no known restrictions on air travel (even with the border being closed to ground transportation). With that being said, in Mexico, the people were so accommodating and did a good job making sure people felt safe while there. St. Lucia, on the other hand, required a negative COVID-19 test no more than 7 days prior to departure and it had to be a PCR test (NO rapid tests). Written proof of the negative test was required at the airport before we boarded our flight, along with written authorization from the St. Lucian government to enter the country and a brief health screening (basically, a questionnaire and a temperature check) upon arrival. Honestly, Mexico and St. Lucia felt safer than traveling within the US. With their heavy reliance on tourism, it is refreshing that both countries are taking ALL the necessary precautions.
Stay tuned for more details about traveling to these two places in my St. Lucia and Tulum blogs!
