How to Fly Safely During This Holiday Season
If you’re planning to travel during the pandemic, then it’s ideal to prepare and keep a few flying tips in mind. Fly safely this holiday season by following the 8 tips below.
The holidays are fast approaching. Have you decided to travel? This year has been a weird one – and many people have been weighing their options when it comes to holiday travel. Is it safe? Is it worth the risk?
It is safe to say that travel won’t likely stop again during this coronavirus pandemic, but we can all take steps to fly safely this holiday season. To make sure you are fully prepared to head out into the COVID-19 travel arena should you decide to travel this month, we’ve put together a list of 8 tips to keep you safe.
1. Research Orders and Mandates
Since control has ultimately been left to the states, many state and local governments have been creating orders and mandates that apply specifically to their areas. Some communities have seen high numbers of COVID cases while others not so much. Some have requirements for outside travelers, such as required quarantining. And others require masks to be worn at all times.
Educate yourself on those orders and mandates that apply to your destination, so you know what to expect before you go. Be sure to continue checking up until the time of your flight as things in this climate can change abruptly.
2. Follow the CDC’s Guidelines
The U.S. Center for Disease Control has been providing guidelines to help us stay safe since the pandemic began. Generally speaking, these guidelines include wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene such as regular handwashing or using hand sanitizer, and maintaining a safe 6-foot distance from others.
Though keep in mind that if you are traveling via a commercial airliner, it may be tough to follow some of these recommendations.
3. Get Tested for COVID-19
Do your part whether you have symptoms or not. Getting tested before your travel date – and then quarantining afterward – is one of the best measures you can take. This means that you know when you board that plane to visit others, you are doing so with a negative test. So, if you take precautions at the airport and on-board the plane, you should potentially be safe once you arrive.
Though, keep in mind that there is no guarantee.
It is best to do your research before going to determine if there are any local orders or mandates requiring testing. Some destinations may require you to present proof of a negative test within a specified amount of time before you will be able to enter the city.
4. Plan for Your Transportation in Advance
The less time you spend in the crowded airport, the better. If you can, plan for your transportation in advance. Know how you are getting to and from the airport so that you don’t have to spend extra time searching for a ride, waiting for one, or discussing transportation with strangers.
Planning simply reduces your risk.
5. Pack the Right Things
You need to pack all the right things if you want to stay safe. You are going to be out of your home’s safety and surrounded by hundreds of strangers that, like you, have been traveling. This means adding a few extra precautionary items to your suitcase. Be sure to include good face masks, back-up face masks, face shields, your own pen in case you need to sign documents or receipts, test result documentation, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes.
Note: Be sure that all of these items are packed in your carry-on bag and not solely in your checked baggage. For your health and safety, you need to be able to have access to them during your travels.
6. Practice Safety in the Air
There are things you can do while in the air that will keep you safe. For instance, stay in your seat as much as possible. The more you are up and moving around, the more you are accessing different germs in different areas of the plane. Just stay seating.
Wear your mask – and a face shield. For no reason should you remove your face mask while flying. Be sure it is securely fitted around your mouth and your nose at all times.
And, finally, bring sanitizing wipes with you and wipe down the immediate surfaces, such as the armrests, table, seat and headrest, window area, and more. Airlines have stated that increased cleaning measures have been put into place, but wipe it down yourself as an extra precaution.
7. Consider Flying Short Distances
The more you are at the airport and on the airplane, the more you are being exposed to germs. Consider flying shorter distances, if possible. Though, keep in mind that this is really only necessary when traveling commercially.
8. Book Travel on a Private Jet
If you are looking for the safest and most satisfying travel arrangements, consider traveling via a private jet. With this mode of preferred transportation being more accessible and affordable than ever before, now is a great time to take advantage. Not only would you not have to worry about coming in contact with countless strangers in busy commercial airports (thank you, private airports and FBOs), but you will also avoid sitting in a flying vestibule of germs from hundreds of fellow passengers.
Private jets are just that – private. That means you don’t have to worry about sharing the breathing space with hundreds of others. And, you can rest easy knowing that time and care was put into cleaning and sanitizing the jet prior to your flight – especially since they are not under the rigid time constraints of the commercial world.
Plus, not only are you keeping yourself – and your loved ones – safer, but you also get all the perks that come with private air travel. This includes more flexibility in scheduling and airport selection, luxurious accommodations, and so much more.
Fly Safely & Happy Holidays!
This holiday season, if traveling is in your plans, then take steps that can ensure everyone is gathering safe and well. Do your part by following the recommended guidelines and making changes that can benefit everyone involved – including choosing to fly private.
