I've Got Two Tickets to Paradise! Pack Your Bags We'll Leave Tonight!
Published Monday, July 20th 2020 - Updated Monday, July 20th 2020I recently took my first flights since the pandemic began steamrolling travel plans for 2020.
If we could go wherever we want, then actually there's never been a better time to fly.
Taking a Lyft to LAX finds no traffic jams en route or inside the terminal.
There's not much of a line for airport security, and at the gates, there are plenty of empty seats.
The planes are about half full, so you don't have anyone in the seat next to you unless you want to sit next to your own loved ones.
There are downsides, like no meal service, but the United stewardess did throw us plastic bags containing some snacks and bottled water, which proved sufficient for a 2 1/2 hour flight. It's kind of nice that they don't come around regularly to inadvertently wake you up or interrupt your movie.
Checking in online before leaving home, there's a simple questionnaire asking if you've had any symptoms or been in contact with someone who is sick in the last few days.
Hopefully, everyone answers those questions truthfully, but if someone has paid for a non-refundable vacation, then let's face it, some travelers --- neither you nor me, of course --- have probably gone ahead as scheduled despite having a few minor symptoms that could be due to a simple cold or allergic reaction to some pollen wafting through the air.
That's why it is a good idea that vacation destinations like Jamaica and Hawaii currently require testing before you leave home for your safety. If you arrive and test positive for this season's hot disease, Covid-19, then you will be quarantined in a room with cable TV and room service, which is not likely the vacation of your dreams, although it is certainly preferable to "90 days in the hole."
While I had no inspection before boarding my flight, I did fly from what's considered a Covid-19 hotspot, so upon arrival, some guys in military uniforms took my temperature by pointing a thermometer gun in my ear.
Not a problem for me: 96.6.
What?
I hope I'm not, as the old euphemism goes, approaching room temperature!
No, in fact I feel as strong and youthful as usual, despite all those deceptive birthday songs I've heard over the years.
However, what if I was running a fever and got quarantined for 14 days, which is what is required many places including within the continental United States for travelers arriving from Covid-19 hotspots?
Major bummer, dude!
That's why you better be sure that you can cancel without penalty from this day forward!
Airlines, cruise lines and many others have been more flexible than they've usually been for other viruses, but this will not last forever.
I have always recommended travel insurance, but remember that cold and flu season bugs usually aren't covered by standard policies. Plus, with every year that we grow older, we all have greater health issues that may come into play for ourselves and our loved ones.
It's more important than ever to evaluate your travel plans to be sure you're covered for the unexpected.
That way, if you test positive for Covid-19, Chicken Flu-20 or Shiver-Me-Timbers-21, you can cancel without losing your vacation investment (except the price of insurance).
In the long run, this is good news for everyone, because let's face it, none of us likes to have some should-be hospital patient coughing up a lung in the next chair over from us while we're trying to enjoy a boat drink at a barefoot bar.
And it has never been more important to book through a trusted travel agent who is aware of all the latest travel policies, because "Better service leads to better trips!"
Wes
Leave a Reply
indicates a required field
