Covid Airplane Safety Tips
Thinking about traveling for the holidays? Here is everything you need to know before booking your next flight…
A few weeks ago, I flew cross country from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania. This was my first trip since Covid hit, and the first time I had seen my parents in eight months. Getting on a place was a tough decision, but after spending 3 months of quarantine alone, I knew it was time to reunite with my family.
Make sure to read until the end for a special ~Covid Edition~ travel packing list!
Picking An Airline and Flight
Before buying my ticket, I did a lot of research on airline regulations and safety procedures. Delta and United Airlines had the best safety and cancelation options. I heard through friends that these airlines offered the smoothest flying experiences during quarantine. Since Delta had the best flight times, I chose to fly with them. I also really liked that the middle seats were blocked off, so I wouldn’t bump elbows with my fellow travelers.
I bought a direct ticket to JFK, however, my plans changed last minute. The day before my trip, I heard that the CDC was meeting flights from California and Florida and tracking the passengers upon arrival. Since I was planning on driving out to Pennsylvania to be with family, I didn’t want to break any quarantine rules by flying through NY.
Instead, I changed my flight through Detroit into Allentown, PA. While the layover made me nervous (more time around germs), I was glad to avoid a 14 day quarantine. Delta customer service was helpful and efficient, and I didn’t have to pay a change fee.
I highly recommend checking each states’ individual quarantine rules before you buy your ticket.
Three layers of PPE that helped me stay Covid negative while traveling
Preparing For The Trip
I took every precaution traveling home. Since I was staying with my parents, I didn’t want to take any chances. I packed tons of cleaning supplies, extra masks, and even my travel day meals to avoid standing in lines. Check out my packing list at the end.
The day of my flight, I wore an N-95 mask, covered by a cloth mask, and a face shield on top. I chose not to wear gloves so I could easily wash and sanitize my hands. See my full safety garb above!
For the entire 10+ hour trip, I only ~briefly~ took my mask off 4 times. Twice to eat and twice to drink water. I think this really helped in keeping me safe and healthy.
Gross long lines to check bags at the Delta counter
Airport & Plane Experience
My travel experience was not as safe nor as smooth as expected.
The Delta terminal was packed, understaffed, and a mess. No one knew where to go, the lines were long, and people were crammed together. Only about 50% of the travelers had their masks covering their nose, and some of them took their masks off to ask for help.
Nearly every seat was taken in the terminal, making it difficult to find somewhere safe to eat before the flight.
Pro Tip: If you travel through LAX with Delta, there is a small seating area in front of the lounge on the second floor. It was empty and perfect to avoid the Covid cesspool.
My plane experience was a lot better. The flight boarded back to front, and the flight attendants were strict with mask (and nose coverage) enforcement. I chose a window seat to avoid extra aisle germs and it was especially roomy with the middle seat free. I wiped everything down around my seat to keep the area clean.
I did notice that when the snacks were passed around, everyone took off their masks at the same time (🤢). Make sure to wait until everyone has their masks back on to eat or drink.
Such a pretty sunset seen on my layover in Detroit
Upon Arrival
After arriving on the east coast, I wore a mask religiously until I tested negative 8 days later.
I arrived on a Wednesday night, got tested the following Tuesday, and received a negative result that Thursday. My family definitely teased me for keeping my mask on, but this made me most comfortable.
It’s so important to listen to your gut when traveling during Covid. I didn’t want to endanger my family with germs from my flight, so I felt most comfortable keeping my mask on until I tested negative.
Travel Packing List
As promised, my Covid safety packing list. This is what I brought with me to stay safe on the plane and on the east coast.
Have you taken a plane since Covid started? What were your thoughts on safety and do you have any recommendations? I would love to hear in the comments below! ✈️
