Flying During the Pandemic Through My Eyes
No more than a year ago, any traveler could seamlessly walk through an airport, go through the regular airport procedures (shoes off, laptops in the bin), and peruse to your gate where your plane will take you to your destination. You take your seat on the airplane anticipating a smooth flight and hopefully no crying babies on board. You get to your destination thanks to a giant flying piece of metal. This all seems natural and normal, as many people travel by plane every day. Who would have thought a year later, flying looked and felt different and out of the norm?
The COVID-19 Pandemic has altered the way people fly and travel. A crowded airport was not just a hassle to deal with, but a concerning issue when it comes down to health. Hundreds of people navigating around the airport with masks on, hand sanitizer at every corner, and the struggle to find peace and mind that you will be safe while inside an airport or an airplane. The physical and mental aspects of air travel are significantly noted, and I for one have noticed this hands on.
I have taken five flights from July 2020 to Decemeber 2020. The thought of flying during the Spring of 2020 was unheard of in my mind. Why would anyone risk their health and lives to be situated in a space where germs can thrive and people can either be responsible or not? Life happens, and it came time for me to fly when needed.
When I first entered the airport in July 2020, my mask was on tight, I reframed from touching my face, and hand sanitizer met my hands at every chance I could get. Check in and security felt odd. Certain check in areas had touch-less kiosks to check in, which I graciously chose to do. Security lines were set up to promote social distancing, with spots to stand every six feet. When it came time for me to place my belongings in the bin to roll through security, and walk across the airport floor in socks, I felt uneasy. When were the bins last sanitized? Why are people now clustered together? I trusted myself, but not others around me. I quickly collected my belongings and strutted away from the potential germ colony. Upon walking through the terminal, I noticed people wearing masks correctly and some wearing a mask under their nose. People must realize a mask only works when it is worn over your mouth and nose. I steered clear of these individuals. My nerves were high, but my peace of mind returned when I arrived at the gate where people were social distancing. Not only that, but people were wearing masks correctly. Thank goodness I thought as I took a deep breath. I took my seat at the gate, and hoped no one would sit near me. It’s not people I am afraid of, its their actions and whether they too are playing this safe like I am.
For the airline I was flying, boarding was done back to front, in order to prevent crowding and enact some social distancing. I was seated in first class, so I boarded last. When I got onto the plane, I was handed a sanitizing wipe by the flight attendant and when I got to my seat, I wasted no time wiping down every high touch surface. Airlines have launched high potency cleaning procedures and have integrated hospital standard air filters. These procedures made me rest easy, although I still thoroughly wiped down my space.
The usual first class experience of free food and drinks was different this time around. Considering I was on a quick flight, I did not expext service to be in its usual form, but I was handed a snack pack with a small bottle of water and another wipe. This small touch felt enduring, and made a lot of sense as to why the full service experience is the way it is now. My mask was on tight, with the occasional slip down to take a sip of water and munch of the snack provided for me.
Upon landing, I was eager to leave the plane and speed walk through the airport in a timely manner. I arrived at baggage claim to see people were standing six feet apart. It was nice to see travelers were taking appropriate measures to be safe and smart. I collected my baggage, headed out to the curb, and got picked up from the airport, all in a couple of hours.
My first pandemic era flight was a new experience for me, and one I won’t ever forget. Everything about my experience felt normal, but with some health conscious modifications. The thought of airports being dirty was felt at a whole new level, wearing a mask was a new observation for me, and the trust I put in other travelers that they too were safe weighed heavy on my mind. Rest assured, I did it with some level ease and patience.
I have completed four more flights after this first one in July, and each time I felt more and more comfortable going through the airport procedures and flying to where I needed to go. I believe flying is a needed form of transportation, and some people like myself we're summoned to fly when needed during this time. Flying during a pandemic is one thing, but it is the trust you put in others that they too are being safe is something on a whole new level. I trusted myself, but I had to learn to trust other travelers that they too were being safe and cautious as well.
As for today, traveling by plane has become more normalized again than previously, and there are certain procuders enacted to protect the health of the traveler. I appreicate these terms, but not so much the people who do not take this serisouly. If you choose to fly, wear a mask properly, use hand sanitizer, social distance, and keep your guard up. If you are avoiding flying, that is perfectly okay. In the instance of flying, that is up to the individual. However, just know that you are protected for the most part, but some people may neglect the rules. By following the rules, you will be safe. If you are not following the rules, there is a chance you are putting yourself and others in unknown territory.
One day, when this Pandemic is over and flying becomes normal like it was before, I would hope people will still take certain precaution to mitigate the spread of germs. One can only hope for now, but in the meantime, stay safe and be alert, it can save your life and the lives of others.
