Flying During the COVID-19 Pandemic
What It’s Really Like Flying During the COVID-19 Pandemic
I made the extraordinary decision to travel outside of the USA during COVID. I needed to explore again, to gain international perspective and to take a break for my own mental health. Coronavirus cases were beginning to surge again in the USA (and in my state). Then, suddenly, the EU ban against American travelers shut the doors of possibility to any planned future trips to Europe in 2020. I found my once powerful passport weakened and few countries accepting American travelers without a quarantine. The choice became obvious that my next international trip would be to Mexico. So this month I spent time traveling in Mexico as an American during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let me share with you my experience flying during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who Should Fly During This Time?
For the latest information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
If you are ill or are exhibiting COVID symptoms, do not fly. As a healthy young person, I chose to fly internationally during COVID because for me, the reward is far greater than the risk. After much thought and testing negative for COVID-19, I knew the riskiest part of travel to Mexico would be the flight and airport experience. I made sure to pack essentials for flights.
Flying American Airlines LAX-PVR
My first flight was a short 2.5 hr international flight to Puerto Vallarta. I arrived at a virtually empty LAX. I immediately noticed the plexiglass shields at check in. I used the AA App to check in to minimize touching any kiosks. American Airlines also now has contactless check in. The TSA process was smooth, uneventful and straightforward. I didn’t have to take off my mask to go through security. Also, there new TSA allowance for hand sanitizer allowance for carry ons. The Admirals Club in Terminal 4 LAX now has assigned seating. I was escorted to my seat and then offered something to drink or eat. The usual buffet breakfast options are gone.
Boarding my flight was done by groups as usual. I immediately vigorously wiped everything down with my antibacterial wipes. I don’t think I’ve cleaned anything so well in my life. I used my own travel blanket to cover my seat. Since the airlines are using HEPA filters, I immediately blasted the air vent on me when I sat down. After sanitizing my hands again, I finally felt relaxed in my seat. I didn’t use the bathroom for obvious reasons during my short flight. I had the row to myself and my flight was about 30% full. I kept my mask on at all times (except for drinking water). The flight to Puerto Vallarta was uneventful and brief.
Domestic Aeromexico Flights
My experience flying domestic in Mexico on Aeromexico could not have been more different than American Airlines. Aeromexico did everything they could to make passengers feel comfortable and safe. The precautions taken were practical and simple. Boarding the aircraft was from back to front. At the gate, each passenger’s temperature was taken. Then, still at the gate, carry ons were disinfected. During boarding, all passengers were given a pump of hand sanitizer. Deplaning was done by section and row. You could not stand up until your section and row were called. It was the most organized deplaning I have ever witnessed. Flying during the COVID-19 pandemic with Aeromexico made travel easy and was in the interest of public health.
Flying Home on American Airlines
CUN-LAX
The Cancun International Airport was very busy on my day of departure. All travelers have to fill out another health declaration upon exiting Mexico. At check in they had a QR code that made filling out the form very easy. The lounge I used with my priority pass required a temp check, masks and hand sanitizer upon entering.
My upgrade cleared so I knew I would have more room on this flight. That didn’t really matter because this flight was about 75% full. Unlike Aeromexico, there was not a special boarding or deplaning process. Drinks were suspended on this 1.5 hour flight.
MIA-LAX
The American Airlines Flagship lounge in MIA was closed so I settled for the Admirals Club. To my surprise, it was crowded and mask were not required at all times. The lounge staff vigorously cleaned and tried their best to keep things sanitary.
Boarding this flight was no different than any other time except for the mask requirement. The gate crew boarded passengers by group, not back to front. American Airlines changed their speech about masks before take off and it was very clear the crew would not tolerate refusal to wear a mask. The announcement was to the point and polite.
Meals were being served in business class and was alcohol. My meal came with some extra cling wrap. Self serve drinks, including beer and wine, were available in the galley.
I chose to fly 777 MIA-LAX because it’s a bigger aircraft with more room. My upgrade cleared pretty easily and my cabin seemed only 65% full. This gave me the opportunity to sit by the window with nobody next to me in this 777 configuration.
Do I Like Flying During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
It’s certainly risky to fly during the Coronavirus outbreak. It’s impossible to social distance on a plane but you can take preventative measures. I would prefer to no longer fly American Airlines during this time. Aeromexico tries their best and I have to applaud the effort. Traveling on Aeromexico did make me feel better. I was one of the that loved to fly and didn’t really complain about it. My office was either in the lounge or up in the air. Now, every last remaining ounce of romance is dead. The thrill is gone, but I did get upgraded and arrived at my destinations safely.