Tips For Your First Flight During (Or After) COVID-19
Who would’ve thought that the day would come that I get back on a plane?! It’s been a VERY long year and a half of not traveling. Although, I was upset about not going anywhere for such a long time, I was able to reflect on past trips and still create content based off old Facebook memories or Google Photos reminding me of each category of my life in highlights. (lol) I am not making this up. Shout out to them for the notifications.
I know the topic of who has or hasn’t been vacinnated has become an uncomfortable conversation. People have their opinions on why they do things. Let’s normalize stop telling people what to do with their bodies.
Was I hesistant about getting on a plane? Of course, I was. I am a very cautious person and I don’t want to get sick or any of my loved ones sick.
Travel and flying have changed since we have last stepped foot in an airport or boarded a plane.
From mandatory masks to social distancing markers to new boarding procedures and reduced in-flight service, COVID-19 has transformed the once-routine travel day into an almost unrecognizable experience. Your first flight in this new, strange world can feel daunting if you haven’t yet traveled. And some of these changes may stick around for months – if not for good.
Here are a few tips for those that plan on traveling soon!
Check-In Online … and Carry-On Only
I usually check in on my phone because it is a lot easier. I mainly use Delta or JetBlue and I do have their apps for notifications. As a female, I have to have a shoe with every outfit. This means I TRY to bring a carry-on. Notice how I said “try.” I have to think long and hard about my attire. If you decide to check a bag in, please get there early. The lines are a lot longer than usual.
Bring Your Masks (Plural)
DO NOT forget your mask (s). I leave masks in my car and in almost every bag. Yes, you still need to wear one if you are vaccinated. After months of airlines requiring it – and banning flyers who don’t comply – it’s now a federal law. And that means you could face federal penalties for going maskless.
A few airlines may provide you a mask if you don’t have one, but that’s not something you should rely on. So, do the world a solid and come prepared with your own. Just to be safe, pack a few masks – masks shouldn’t be reused constantly, and you never know when an elastic band may snap.
Honestly, I wore a face shield with my mask. I know that sounds hella extra, but I was ready for war. lol
Clean Your Area
As I mentioned before, I am extra. This means I sprayed the whole row down with Lysol. Of course, this was before anyone came to their seats. So, I had to do a cleanse real quick. lol I packed travel sized sprays and wipes. I wiped down the arm chairs next to me as well, the TV screen, and even the meal table ( under and above). Also, I keep hand sanitizer in my bag just in case I need it. Working and living in the city will have you in a different mindset of touching public areas like the train..etc. So, I was very prepared.
And Snacks…
You know I was going to incorporate food within this post. I am that person that brings snacks on all my trips. You just never know. 🤷🏽♀️At airports across the nation, shops, stores, and restaurants are open for business. However, they are not serving food on flights as far as I know. I flew to L.A. and they only served snacks. Maybe for international it’s a different story. Either way, pack a lil something!
Be prepared, do your research, and follow these tips to make it a smooth process – or at least as smooth as it can be.
In the words of Tracee Ellis Ross, “Is this too much for the plane?” Click below to see what I am talking about. 😂
Be safe! 😷
