Getting Back to Flying on an International Flight

November 2020 was my first international flight back after the US was restricted to travel internationally. Everyone's comfort level is different with traveling right now and that is ok. You may not be ready to travel,but I do have clients who are ready to get back to traveling and so was I. Below is what I experienced in my flight to Jamaica. It may look different depending on the airline you travel on and where you are traveling to but it felt so good to be feel the excitement of a trip and to be "wheels up" again.

Short lines at check in - I was staying just three nights in Jamaica so I booked a 6 am flight out of Indy on Delta. The benefit of an early flight means that the lines are shorter at 4:15 am and one can more easily social distance. The downside of this is that I had to get up at 2:30 am to make the flight but luckily I was able to sleep on the plane! I couldn't check in on-line because I had to present my negative COVID test and my travel authorization (from Jamaica). So, I as even more glad that I chose the early flight. Be aware that with changing travel protocols, you should make sure you work with your travel agent to know what is required and where you can find proof of what is needed in case you come across an airline agent who may not be informed of changing protocols. Props to these ticketing agents who are handling checking in guests right now!

Mask up - Airports and airlines require masks and they are enforced so be prepared to wear one the entire time. I brought several different types with me. I brought a lighter disposable mask for when I was in the airport. I liked that so that I could discard it when I was done. I switched to a heaver mask while on the flight. I was so tired that I actually fell asleep with my mask on. Another benefit to an early flight! One of the things that has me curious about traveling and COVID is whether we will see the mask thing stick around on flights after a vaccine. I guess we will have to wait and see how that plays out!

Excuse the early morning bed head!!

Security screening - This looked slightly different than the last time I flew. The agent no longer takes your boarding pass or passport. You scan everything yourself. Again, this was another procedure that I hope will stick around. I was really mindful of how much I was touching things when I was in the airport. I was pleasantly reminded how many things have gone touchless from the bathroom fixtures to security screening. Another thing I did differently this time is that I flew with more snacks. I put them in a clear bag which is what TSA is requesting you do. You are also allowed to take with you 12 oz of hand sanitizer.

Limited food service in the airport - Be prepared for very few things to be opened in Indy as well as when landing at your connecting airport. My connection was in Atlanta and there was only one restaurant in the concourse open. They had a few stores that sold water and other miscellaneous items though. Thank goodness for Chick Fil A! I don't normally eat there for breakfast but was glad to get some protein to hold me over for my long day of traveling. I always pack snacks with me but I packed even more this time.

Flight Experience - I flew on Delta and like most airlines, they boarded the plane from the back to the front of the plane. Why we haven't always done this amazes me. Again, this is something that I hope sticks around for a long time! Delta has also blocked the middle seats so that no one would book those seats. I really enjoyed having the extra room to spread out and not feeling like someone was sitting on top of me. Delta also just announced they will extend blocked middle seats now through March 30, 2021. Once on the plane, they handed each one of us a package with a wipe so that we could wipe down our area if we wanted to. Our snack was small but I appreciated having something and getting it in a resealable bag so that we could put all our trash in it. We were also provided a packet of hand sanitizer.

Biscoffs are my favorite!

Private transfers and expedited service - Many international destinations in the Caribbean offer expedited service through customs and a VIP lounge. This was nice and allowed us to avoid long lines. We also had a long transfer once we landed, so we pre-arranged for private transfers. Just another opportunity to minimize exposure.

There is a lot of nuances to traveling internationally right now, which makes working with a travel agent even more critical. These protocols are also very fluid. For my clients that are traveling, I work with them to help them be aware of what they might experience while traveling. If you are wanting to travel, schedule a complimentary consultation or submit a quote request so we can get started planning your trip right away!

Happy Traveling!

Tammy

Tammy@grandglobalvacations.com

317.800.5654.

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