What It Is Really Like to Fly During the Covid-19 Pandemic
We were not expecting to fly during the shelter-in-place, but that is how it worked out. It is crazy to think that exactly two months ago, I was flying from San Jose to Ontario, CA right as the travel in the U.S. was starting to shift. At the beginning of March, I really did not notice many differences from previous flights I had taken. There were a handful of mask wearers and my flight was unexpectedly cancelled leaving San Francisco, but I was still able to book leaving out of San Jose, which was inconvenient, but worked out. Overall, the feeling was normal and there were no extra precautions I was aware of.
Fast forward exactly two months when we flew out of San Jose heading to Phoenix on Southwest Airlines. Before flying, we read just about everything possible to prepare us. No snacks or beverage service on the flight, BYOB hand sanitizer and surface wipes, mask required on flights starting on May 11th.
Here are a few more protocols Southwest is taking:
Employee Face Masks or Coverings: Beginning May 3, Southwest is requiring Customer-facing Employees to wear face masks or coverings when interacting with travelers, especially when distancing recommendations cannot be met. Of course, Employees will continue to comply with all local requirements for wearing masks under various circumstances.
Customer Face Masks or Coverings and Sanitizer: Southwest encourages Customers to bring their own face mask or covering, along with hand sanitizer, while traveling. Additionally, Customers will be required to wear face coverings or a mask starting May 11. If a Customer forgets their mask, Southwest will have one available for them.
Disinfection and Cleaning Around the Clock
In Airports: We are cleaning Southwest leased spaces in airports—ticket counters, gates, baggage claims—multiple times a day.
Onboard: Sanitizing wipes will be available onboard, upon request, for Customers who do not have their own. The wipes will contain a solution proven safe and effective in aircraft settings.
Enhancing Distance
Modified Boarding and Deplaning: Beginning May 2, smaller groups of 10 people at a time will be welcomed to board sequentially by boarding position. Flight Attendants also will provide guidance during deplaning to maintain distancing.
Suspended Inflight Beverage and Snack Service: Flight Attendants will continue to focus on every aspect of Safety while drink and snack service remains discontinued. Of course, Customers are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to consume onboard.
Shields for Protection: Plexiglas® shields are being installed at ticket counters and gate podiums, and starting this month, we will be posting airport signage and floor markers to encourage distancing in gate areas.
Mobile Boarding Passes: Customers should download a mobile boarding pass before arriving at the airport via the Southwest mobile app to limit touch points.
I would get antsy if I am not a plane somewhere every few weeks, but this time, I was more antsy to be actually going to the airport! That was a feeling I never really thought I would have. Our flight was on a Wednesday evening and the airport was empty. There was one car at drop off and we were able to walk right up to check our bags.
San Jose Airport just made face coverings required, so obviously seeing everyone in one was expected. Also, since the face masks/coverings are the norm now, I probably would have felt uncomfortable going without some sort of cover. Two months ago, I would have laughed if you told me I was going to be an airplane mask wearer. Naive, I know, but, it’s true. I thought they were ridiculous and now, I have three face mask options in my purse at all times.. so, I guess I’m the ridiculous one now!
Security was also so fast and we walked right up to it. Even on a slow day, there’s some sort of line at the SJC Pre-Check and always some sort of security line. Most restaurants were closed, but don’t worry Chick-fil-A was open! They just had a limited menu, a barrier between the customers and cashier and markers on the floor for distancing. So, again, our new norm and what we would expect at a food establishment.
As someone in the travel industry, my heart kind of sank as we were waiting to board the plane. The flight next to us to Long Beach had five people on it and the gate agent called them up each by name. It was the first real in person visual I had of just how impacted travel really was and is. Of course, I had been to my closed hotel, but there is something powerful in seeing an empty airport when you are only used to it being busted a the seams.
Airports were my happy place and I know they will continue to be. For now, I will enjoy them with my face mask collection and backpack full of sanitizer and baby wipes.
