Flying during COVID-19

I’m having a tough time during quarantine. I decided it was time to go home to my mama. I was a little nervous about flying during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I needed a break and to be surrounded by my family. It’s not the best time to be traveling, but I needed to do this for me. This was my flight experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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Denver International Airport

Arriving at DIA I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would there be anyone waiting in line? Would it be empty? Will there be a crowd because of lifted restrictions? I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I put my mask on as I entered the terminal. You cannot be in the airport at all without a mask on. I checked my bag using my Southwest Airlines member number and got in the line to drop it with the attendant. Then, I headed to security. Walking through the security line, there were only 5 parties in front of me. Continuing forward, I am randomly chosen to have my hands swabbed for bomb materials. From getting to the DIA to clearing security, it only took me 20 minutes. Walking through the airport, I’d say about half of the restaurants or stores was closed. If you’re waiting until you reach the airport to grab something to eat before your flight, you better check to make sure what you’re looking for is open.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has over time become my go-to for flights. Sometimes they’re a little pricey, but the majority of the time I’m taking Southwest. As of 6/23/2020 the date of this article’s publication, your ticket price comes with 2 checked bags, 1 personal item, and depending on when you check-in, a choice of seat. Compared to all the other airlines that make you pay for each of the aforementioned items, it’s usually a pretty good deal. In regards to COVID-19 and the pandemic, Southwest has definitely done some things right. First, Southwest sent me an email the day before my departure to fill me in on their new policies. 

The policies emailed to me by Southwest about flying during COVID-19, include the following:

• A reminder to check in electronically if I hadn’t already done so
• Required face coverings for all customers aboard the plane
  A mask will be provided if you forget to bring one
• They are boarding in groups of 10 and only lining up on one side of the boarding poles in order to allow distancing
• Their middle seats will remain open through September 30th to provide extra space for customers on board during the pandemic.
  If you’re traveling together you can still sit next to each other.
• Experiencing symptoms? Stay home!
• Concessions are limited to,
  Water
  Snack mix prepackaged. 

Receiving this email I felt well informed. I felt that Southwest Airlines was doing its best to keep flights going for those that need them, while still attempting to keep us safe. I’m still confused about the suspension of other beverages, alcoholic or otherwise. If anyone has any knowledge of that I’d love to understand it further. 

The Flight

Given that I knew how Southwest worked with boarding groups and did not know how flying during COVID-19 was going to go, I tried to check-in early. I was able to board with enough passengers behind me, that I received an empty row, Once all the other passengers boarded, I had the entire 3 seat row to myself. The crew was knowledgeable about their newest procedures and friendly, as is my typical experience. If you don’t have the app of the airline you’re flying with, you may want to download it.

I have the Southwest Airlines App on my phone, and I was able to watch movies and messages for free. My bf messaged me through WhatsApp, and I was getting texts from my dad as I crossed each state, because he was watching my flight as we went along I started the flight off by watching Casablanca. The airline attendants came around 3 times with water, and twice with the snack mix for anyone that wanted to accept them. I took a short nap, and when I woke up we were starting our final descent into Philadelphia airspace. 

Overall Experience

The airport/airline experience, and flying during COVID-19 were much more pleasant than I had expected. It was quicker than the previous flights I’ve taken. It’s nice going through an airport and not having the typical hustle and bustle, fighting your way through the lines, and angry TSA staff. The airport, airline, and TSA staff were friendly, the crowds were low and the experience was what you dream of when dreaming of flying somewhere. I hope it lasts a bit longer. 

Thanks for tuning into this COVID-19 travel update, hopefully, we’ll all be traveling to more exotic and adventurous locations sooner rather than later. 

Hope to adventure with you soon Sea Babes! 

PS: Are you ready to start planning your next trip? Check out my Travel Planning Document! It’s been incredibly helpful to me and It’ll save your brain with all the little details it takes to plan a trip. Click the link to grab it today!

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