As the states, nation, and world begin to open back up, what does that look like to the traveler as they begin to consider flying again?  Well, I can recount for you first-hand, my daughter’s flight this weekend to Memphis, Tennessee from Newark, New Jersey.  As things started to ease, her father and I, finally decided we could set-up a trip for her to visit which had originally been set for earlier in the year.  So, yesterday, she made her way to Memphis.

First, I must share, trying to book this flight a few weeks ago was crazy.  Her dad started sending me screen shots and then I said, just let me look.  Normally, Newark has a variety of direct flight options on United from Newark to Memphis making it a quick select, click, and book for our preferred drop-off and pick-up times.  Not so right now.  I proceeded to actually check 4 airlines from both Newark and Philadelphia. No one had the direct flight.  When I began looking at the connections, they were crazy!  Most of the connecting flights had her travel time for the day around 15hours.  For that kind of travel time, you should be flying long haul overseas.  After about a good hour or maybe more, I settled on American Airlines for price and schedule.  They had the most options and I could get her there in about 6 hrs.

As the trip approached, I received an email asking if I wanted to change her flight due to her current one being crowded. Unlike what you have heard, the airlines are not keeping middle seats open.  I kept her flight as is. On the day of check-in, again there was a notice offering $150 air voucher if you wanted to change to a less crowded flight.  I did read on American Airlines site that it looks like this option to opt to change your flight due to crowding will be offered until September.  Again, we left things status quo.

Departure day, we headed to the airport with planned arrival of 90 minutes prior to domestic flight.  The airport itself was almost like a ghost town at terminal A where American operates most of their flights out.  Other than the bit of hustle and bustle at the check-in area the place seemed rather deserted.  Face masks are required in Newark and other than everyone in covered faces, it was business as usual.

Veronica then kept me updated through text as to the experience of her travel.  She said it was a full flight, no middle seats left vacant. She herself ended up with a couple that had a service dog. She was happy as the service dog was near here.  Note, American Airlines currently has suspended pet travel other than for service type animals.  Their snack and drink was given to them at boarding in a paper bag.  It contained a bottle of water, pretzels, Biscoff cookie, and a small Purell hand sanitizer wipe.  You are allowed to remove your face covering to eat, but then return it.  Veronica, said everyone traveling and the airline staff were in masks.

Her connection was in Dallas where she said again everything was fairly normal as she made the mad dash across gates to catch her next flight. Again, it really just seemed to be business as normal with masks on.  Same upon her arrival in Memphis.   She did note heightened cleaning and while the plane was full overall traffic at the airport was much less than normal.

American Airlines has implemented many new items in their new clean commitment. Beginning, June 30th, will be their new symptom check list for travelers. They’ll ask all travelers during the check-in process to certify they have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the past 14 days. This is in addition to requiring all travelers on board to wear a face covering. Note a face covering can be anything from a scarf to a medical mask. For more information on American Airlines new COVID-19 commitments, visit here.

As things continue to evolve, please know you can depend on us to give you the most up-to-date information we have at our disposal for your travel.  Whether it be air, land, or sea.  The coming months as travel resumes will require a lot more knowing and preparation.  Make sure you have an advocate working for you by using a travel professional for your next escape.