What To Expect At The Airport During COVID

So, I recently took an international flight in late November thru beginning December of 2020. It was a personal trip, but it wasn’t a VACATION. If you’re needing to take the risk and travel because of personal reasons or work, keep on reading to learn what to expect at the airport during COVID.

Prior to the flight, I’ll be honest, I was nervous AF. I have no other way to say it and I won’t try to sugarcoat it as I’m sure you have felt the same or are currently feeling the same because you’ll be on a plane soon. I was researching as much as I could and had even asked friends who were traveling domestic because of work.

My friends had mentioned to expect flights to cancel or change because of delays, scheduling, and obviously, COVID. A friend of mine who actually works at the Portland International Airport in Oregon had also provided me additional information so I could know exactly what to expect at the airport during COVID.

As much as I miss traveling, I won’t do it as long as there is a legitimate reason or need. Now, people I knew were flying domestic and I was going to be the first of the bunch to fly internationally. Talk about taking a leap, especially not knowing what necessary precautions were going to take place outside of the country.

These were my own personal observations, so I highly suggest you research the airport you will be leaving from and landing at your destination. Each airport will have it’s own regulations and procedures depending on the level of cases, if there are travel restrictions, and whether they are based domestic or international.

The first rule of thumb, if you’re planning to fly internationally, plan your trip accordingly. What I mean is, if you know you have a connection flight or two scheduled, be sure to allot plenty of time. You’ll find out more below and as a side note, I flew with United Airlines.

COVID Questionnaires

Whether domestic flights or international, airlines will send you a COVID questionnaire to fill out. This same questionnaire will also be provided at the airport or on the plane, but to be on the safe side, I’d recommend to fill out the digital version.

The questionnaire will mostly consist of questions as to whether you developed any symptoms within a certain period of time. As well as your flight information. A barcode will then be emailed to you in case you need to provide proof at the airport, but paper copies are available.

It will be Empty (ier) than usual

One question I couldn’t seem to get an answer to was whether I still needed to arrive at the airport 2-hours prior to my flight or if I needed to allot more time. My friend who works at the airport stated the 2-hour still applied. Upon my arrival, the airport wasn’t packed with people and it was the most vacant I had ever seen it.

I don’t know if this had to do with my flight time, but it was scheduled mid-day. It was actually comforting to see less crowds. After going through security, I still had about an hour to grab some snacks, eat, and use the restroom before boarding my flight.

Maintaining 6ft Distance is Required

If you’re checking your bags or waiting to board your flight, the airport ensures that all passengers are kept safe. I thought it was going to be difficult at an airport, though it was less busy, it was still comforting that everyone were taking distance seriously. No matter where you are in the airport, everyone will be maintaining their distance unless it’s an airport that is too congested.

Masks are mandatory

Masks are worn at all times. The only exception is when people are eating or security asks you to briefly remove your mask so they can ensure the person boarding the plane matches the ID provided. If you’re using the restroom, you must have your mask on.

Going through TSA

This was on my mind for sure because we all know how crazy TSA lines can get. The line was short, but everyone kept distance and gave space to those who were loading their items. Not all airports will be the same, but I felt safe throughout the process.

I was in line probably 5-10 minutes tops. All the bins are wiped and sanitized before use. As mentioned, expect to be asked to remove your mask briefly.

Eating at the Airport

Some restaurants are in service and others are not. You’ll notice that tables are not marked to indicate the table cannot be used. So, everyone mostly took their part to create a safe space for themselves and everyone else in the airport.

I will say, if you’re connecting in Houston, TX, it was busier and a little pact. There was more activity that sometimes it was difficult to create the space needed, but I had this in my mind knowing that Houston is one of the flight connection spots for many fliers.

Longer Wait Time at Customs

There is so much I can say about this and how unpleasant the experience was on the way back, even sickening as well, but expect a possible longer wait time if you’re going through customs in Houston, TX. I can’t say the same experience will be for all airports. It can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (minimum).

Why do I say minimum? The passengers pulled aside were from Latino and Asian decent. People wait in a crowded room and are made to stand due to lack of seating available, there is no safe distance, and some folks are kept overnight without an explanation or opportunity to call their family.

Phones are taken away upon entering the room and unfortunately flights are missed. Some were only provided soup and water if they had spent the night sleeping on the floor or on a chair (if available). The first time I’ve ever felt disappointed in an airport and I had flown into this airport many times.

The customs in Mexico were also a little delayed, but there was a process. Distance is enforced, airport crew members ensure passengers have the necessary documents and masks are always worn. The line was shorter, but I would say it was no more than 30 minutes.

On the Plane

When I had originally booked the flight, I had made sure there was an empty seat within the row. I mostly kept the middle seat open. Other passengers were doing this even if they were flying with a companion.

Surprisingly, there are many open seats throughout the flight. Airlines have different procedures in place to ensure passengers are kept safe. Not all flights will be the same.

Everyone must keep their masks on unless they are eating or drinking. All seats and monitors are sanitized before use. It’s comforting to know all of the necessary procedures are in place.

Landing at your Destination

Everyone is advised to stay seated until your row can exit the plane. Passengers understood this for most flights, but then others would immediately stand and fill up the aisle without keeping distance. So, expect for this to happen.

Surprisingly, I thought it would take longer to get off the plane. I had observed it was faster when everyone would stay seated and only stand when it was their turn to exit. Not all procedures are bad!

It’s suggested to quarantine for 14 days upon your return. Now, they don’t enforce this, so they are mostly relying on passengers to make the best and safest decision possible. Hawaii currently has the same suggestion.

WRAP UP

Please note that every airport and airline will operate differently. You may experience congested airports and others not so much. Either way, I hope this gave you a brief overview of what to expect if you’re needing to fly during the pandemic.

I would suggest to check the airports you’ll be flying into and see if they have posted any recent updates so you know what to expect at the airport during COVID. I know there are travel restrictions in place dependent on location. Also, stay on top of your local new and any safety policies your government has set in place.

I’m looking forward to the day where we can all be able to travel freely as before. To create memories with friends and family and share stories of our adventures. Until then, stay safe my friends.