Like many frequent flyers, we have been “grounded” from flying by the COVID-19 pandemic. After flying at least one to two trips a month for the past 25 years, we did not fly at all in 2020 from early February until late May.
After canceling and rebooking a number of planned trips, we decided to proceed with a flight on Memorial Day weekend. We also made one additional brief flight trip in late June.
Both of our flights trips this year since the start of COVID-19 pandemic have been on Southwest Airlines. I continue my long-term loyalty to Southwest because of its customer-friendly policies: no change fees, no fee to check two bags, and the Companion Pass, which I consider to be one of the most valuable perks available to frequent flyers. In addition, Southwest is promising to continue not filling its middle seats on all of its flights through at least October of 2020.
If you are going to fly in the United States in the next few months, here are eight strategies we are using to feel safer and hopefully reduce our risk of contracting COVID-19 when flying.
1. Book your flight on a lighter travel day. For our first flight in late May, we flew mid-morning on a Saturday, generally a less crowded time at the airport, and on flight. This was definitely true at the Denver airport on Saturday, May 23. In general, flying on Tuesdays; Thursdays and Saturday are the lighter travel days.
2. Choose an airline that is not filling center seats. Southwest Airlines has made this commitment on its flights at least through at least October 31st. Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines have also blocked center seats (check policy before you buy); United and American Airlines are not offering this option.
3. Pick a non-stop flight, if possible, and consider shorter distance flights if you are choosing where to fly. Our two trips: Denver to Las Vegas, and Denver to Omaha were both flights with less than 2 hours of flying time. (Even if it was possible, we probably would not take a 15+ hour flight to Asia or Perth, Australia right now.)
4. Wear a mask: while being transported to the airport, while at airport and while on the plane. No one loves to wear a mask, but it is essential for safety when traveling. We put on our masks before we got in our Lyft ride to the airport, and kept them on while at the airport and on our flights. Lyft and Uber require masks at all times. The only time permissible to take off your mask in the Denver airport or on Southwest Airlines is when you were actively eating or drinking.
5. Bring your own snacks and drinks on board. We brought snacks from home and bought bottles of sparkling water /sodas at the airport for our flights. For safety reasons, Southwest is only serving cups of water during its flights, and a pre-packaged snack food like pretzels or crackers. Note: it is illegal for you to consume alcohol beverages that you bring on a flight while you are onboard.
6.Wipe down your tray table and anything you touch — i.e. the seat belt buckle, the overhead light switch, the window shade, etc, with a anti-bacterial wipe when you first get seated in your seat. Use another wipe for your hands before you eat or drink anything.
7. Avoid the plane bathroom. If not possible, take those disinfecting wipes with you. (Also use them in airport public restrooms.) After you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, you often have to touch a door handle or something else on the way out.
8. Avoid checking a bag. While I usually check my bag, I did not on these flights. I traveled light, carrying or a rollerbag and backpack onboard. This reduces handling, touchpoints, and time in the airport.
What about you? Are you flying now? What are you doing differently to feel safer?
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