Today as I write this, I’ve been off work just over two months on a voluntary leave, I just learned my leave for July has been denied. As I prepare for the Covid streets regular air travel, I thought I’d share the emotions of being on leave and traveling during a pandemic while provide updated travel information.
At the beginning of my three month leave the world ahead of me looked bleak and scary. In March, our airline, along with many others, asked flight attendants to take voluntary time off (VTO) [aka COLA (Company Leave of Absence)] which is unpaid leave for one to three months, beginning April 1. The request came as executives were looking at the 95% decline of passenger ticket sales and increased cancellations, as well as federal international commercial flights restrictions to and from the US. My last trips in March had flights that consisted of either zero to six passengers per flight. I think one flight had thirteen passengers. We were asked to evaluate our personal circumstances and take the leave if it was feasible to avoid future furloughs and/or layoffs.
I took the leave with mixed emotions, excited to have the opportunity to avoid the Covid streets, but wondered what I was going to do with myself for three months.
WATCHING MY COLLEAGUES - ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Emotions turned from fear to gratefulness to have the opportunity to remain off work as I watched my fellow flight attendants continue to fly. Many of them didn’t take the time off as they believed, financially they couldn't afford it. Many felt isolated and lonely. I remembered my last two trips and reflected how lonely and stressful it was. We flew mostly empty planes and once we got to our final destination at the end of the day, we were pretty much confined to our hotel rooms. No place was open, hotel amenities not available, and flight crew trying to physical distance as much as possible so no hanging out. When someone is used to being around people, interacting and exploring new cities and restaurants, it can be frightening and lonely. It is especially lonesome once returning home from a trip, your family or no one for that matter, wants to be around you because you have been out in the public for days. I read and saw many stories of flight attendants that have died due to Covid-19, some were severely sick and continues to get sick with inconsistent positive test results. Some had family members to get sick and flight attendants were concerned if they brought it home, while others have no immediate affects of Coronavirus.
TRAVEL MOVING FORWARD
Travel pre-Covid has been considered cumbersome for most travelers, and now with ever-changing guidelines has many confused. Although I haven’t been on a plane in three months, as I prepare I thought it to be a good time to share some important information as things start to open up a bit, but not completely. Keep in mind the information I am about to provide varies by airline and airport location. However, information provided is very generalized and you should confirm with the airline prior to your trip.
Masks must be worn before boarding the aircraft. Masks are required to enter most US international airports but are not necessarily required while walking around the airport. Gate agents are to ensure all passengers are wearing masks while boarding. However, passengers are not required to wear during flight. It is under the guidance of the flight crew once on board. Please understand this, if you are on my flight I will ask for you to keep your mask on as often as possible.
Food and beverages will be limited availability. Most US carries have reduced and/or eliminated food and beverage offerings during flight depending on flight mileage and seating class. Many airlines are offering only bottled water or non opened cans upon request only in main cabin. Snacks are limited and so is buy on board food items. Coffee and tea service has been temporarily cancelled. Typical first class amenities are available on a limited basis. No pre-departure drinks will be served and meal service, if available, will be boxed or bagged. Many airport restaurants are closed with mostly only fast food options opened. Therefore, it is suggested to pack a lunch or snacks. Of course you still cannot bring liquids over 3 oz. into the airport but most airport convenient stores are open where you can purchase drinks and snack items.
Aircraft cleaning and sanitation has changed. Aircrafts are cleaned differently depending on airline. All airlines thoroughly clean and sanitize aircrafts which includes tray tables and armrests at the end of the day (overnight) to prepare for the first flight of the next day. In between flights, some airlines disinfect the entire aircraft once passengers are deplaned and before boarding new passengers while some disinfects the lavatory and other highly utilized areas of the aircraft. Therefore, it is recommended to bring gloves, wipes and hand sanitizer. Gloves will be useful if you decide to touch any items housed in the seatback pockets including the passenger safety cards and airline travel magazine (which has been removed on some airlines). I also suggest wearing gloves when using the lavatory. Many airlines are now providing each passenger with a sanitizing wipe upon boarding but it is recommended you bring your own to ensure your health safety.
Shelter in place orders are still in effect in some states. While more and more states are opening and offer less quarantine requirements, many states like Hawaii still require travelers to self quarantine or self isolate for 14 days through July 31. Each state has different requirements or guidelines, it is imperative to consider these restrictions before visiting. While researching the individual state requirements and guidelines, pay close attention to the verbiage. Some states, like Floria and Kanas requires anyone traveling from certain states like New York and Illinois, to isolate for 14 days; but encourages those traveling from other non highly affected states to self quarantine. Individual states are requiring, encouraging, urging, recommending, while some say travelers must self isolate. Be sure to check the state’s requirements and how they track and penalize.
BE SAFE NOT SORRY
As I have been walking the Covid streets, shopping and now visiting restaurants, I am less fearful. I see many others are as well. However, I believe it is my duty to not only keeping myself as safe as possible, but to also consider others. I think everyone should do the same. Whether or not you believe Coronavirus is real or not, manufactured, or if you think cases are not really as high as the media reports; please pay attention to people that work in the hospitals and encounter the affects of Covid-19 daily. Healthcare workers are still asking us to social distance where possible, wash hands often and wear face coverings. I wear face coverings for you and for me. I actually look forward to getting back to flying and wish everyone out there to start traveling and getting back to normal understanding we have a new normal of protecting our health. Happy traveling and Stay Safe!
