What to Pack for Flying During COVID-19
I’ve taken several flights during the COVID-19 pandemic, both domestic and international. I recommend that all travelers follow the CDC recommendations for flying and that only healthy travelers (or those without Coronavirus symptoms) fly. There is an understandable anxiety about flying during this time, but there are several precautions travelers should take to stay healthy while traveling during COVID. Here is what I pack for flying during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay Healthy Before Your Flight
Get tested for COVID to ensure you are not an asymptomatic spreader. Boost your immune system by getting plenty of rest before your flight, staying hydrated and having lots of vitamins. Prepping to stay healthy while traveling during COVID begins before your flight and is key.
Personal Health Kit
Extra PPE
You’ll need extra masks. I was just in Mexico and it was hot so I had extra masks on hand when I need to wash my go-to cloth mask. I also like to have masks in my daybag too. I bought some from a local company in Los Angeles called Citizens of Humanity as part of their charity drive. Extra PPE is key to pack when flying during COVID-19.
Disinfecting Wipes
You’ve seen me obsessively use these over the years. It’s important know more than ever to sanitize everything you will touch or might touch. Leave no surface un sanitized. These also come in handy at your destination since not all hotels or Airbnbs provide them.
Sanitizer Spray
Small bottles of hand sanitizer spray fit in your pocket or in your personal bag for easy access. This is also good to have on hand in high touch areas like airports, flights, and hotels.
Disposable Gloves
I pack a couple of pairs of gloves just in case I’m in high touch situations during my trip. I actually wear a pair in the airport. If you have to go to the lavatory on the aircraft, disposable gloves are key.
Hand Sanitizer Gel
Along with washing your hands frequently, having hand sanitizer is essential during COVID. I use this frequently on my flight and during my trip to stay healthy while traveling during COVID. The TSA also recently changed their infamous 3oz rule for hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer rule for carry ons is now 12oz.
Other Items to Pack in Carry On
Airplane Pockets Tray Covers
I used Airplane Pockets on recent flights to Mexico. It covers your economy class tray completely and also offers organization pockets so you don’t have to touch the pit of germs of the seat back pocket in front of you. It folds up up small so it’s easy to have in your bag to use immediately after boarding. The super soft fabric is machine washable. This is my favorite new item to pack for flying during COVID-19.
A Blanket to Cover Your Seat
Even though I wipe down my airline seat, sometimes you can’t due to the fabrication. I know use my own travel blanket to cover my seat. I tuck it in to the headrest and sides for a tight fit.
Don’t Forget Healthy Travel Snack
Many airlines are suspending meal service in economy. So pack snacks!
Shop this Article to Pack for Flying During COVID-19
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bulbulonthewing
That’s a great list. I would also include a face shield in my list. I got it from the airlines when I flew for the first time during Covid-19. The shield is so useful if you are in a crowded area.
Angel
Yes I use them too but it depends. I’ve flown Qatar Airways and they gave me one too.