What it is like to Fly again!
Air Travel in 2021
What is was like to fly for the first time since Covid
I was pretty content hanging out at my house full time with the kids and hubby for most of 2020. We broke it up a lot with road trips in the RV, but finally, it was time to fly away again. I talked to some friends who started had already traveled a couple of months before me, and I was given some pretty solid advice, and I learned things too. This is a little about my experience with air travel in 2021. I am here to pass on the good vibes and hope this advice helps you with your next flight.
Packing for the first flight
Upon leaving, I packed my stuff and stuck with carry-on’s to make it even easier. I tried to pack light, but I took a computer and camera, so I ended up with a backpack and a carry-on suitcase. By eliminating check in luggage I felt I was reducing my exposure to people by leaving right off the plane!
Side note – I love my ebag Motherlode Backpack, I can take that along with my carry-on suitcase. This backpack is so sturdy and has so many pockets, for loads of storage including a laptop section. It opens up all the way like luggage and is VERY comfortable to wear… It is perfect for a quick trip and air travel
Portland & SeaTac
My first flight was out of Portland, and my second was out of Seattle. Portland was a ghost town. Seattle was not as busy as usual, but it was still fewer people than flights I took previously. There is plenty of space and markings on the floor to make it easy to keep a safe distance even in lines, and it was easy to fly.
What was it like being at the airport?
Portland was amazing; it was actually very empty. I was the ONLY one in the airport until I got to the security line, and then there was ONE person in line ahead of me, LOL!
Not all the shops were open, and the restaurants were closed, but you can get stuff to go at some locations. I brought snacks and a water bottle to refill when you’re at the airport, and I would highly suggest you do the same.
After getting through security, there were more people, but the first flight was pretty empty, but on the way back it was a bit full, so I guess it is all luck on if you get a full flight or not!
I took another flight from Seattle to Spokane, and it was not overly crowded in the airport either. Our flight was not full, and very few people in the security lines again (loved it).
There are definitely fewer people flying now, and for those who don’t mind flying, it is pretty easy to get around without the large crowds. I found it a little enjoyable, I was into social distancing before it was cool anyways 🙂 Anytime you are not standing in long lines I consider that a win baby!
What’s different in the airports.
As with anywhere, you have to wear a mask, no exceptions. This is standard, and it keeps up traveling, so just count on doing it. One helpful tip I will mention is to bring multiple masks! It helps to change them up after you have worn them a while! As you probably know by now after a while it gets sweaty and your face likes a clean mask after a while.
In the airport, when you have to stand in lines, clear markers are on the floor to help you stay socially distant.
Some seats in the waiting area were taped off, so while you’re waiting for your flight, you have your personal space, which I liked a lot!
The flights have limited food and drink options; if you want to snack more, bring your own. BYOB! None of the flights I was on served alcohol, unless you were first class 🙂
Everybody, for the most part, seems respectful and mindful of space.
Tips for Air Travel in 2021
Do the research and know the restrictions. Research what is required of the airport and the area you are visiting. If you go international they require a negative covid test or a quarantine when you get there or when you return. If you go international, you have to have a negative covid test before you hop on the plane to return to the states.
When booking, I like to get the window seat, so I am not coming into contact with so many people walking up and down the isle. I am also a plane napper, so I like leaning against the wall. If there are empty seats available, the airlines will offer to move you to give you more room.
Bring extra masks so that you can change them out. Bring ones that are a variety of fabrics and are worn differently. Your ears can get irritated, so I bring the kind that goes behind the ears and wrap around my head. Another thing is when you’re wearing a mask for a while; it can get uncomfortable, so change it out and put a different fitting mask on.
Bring some supplies such as a water bottle, snacks, hand sanitizer. They serve food differently on planes and do not offer extras. One Airline even had snacks already bagged up with water.
Things are changing daily when it comes to flying, so most importantly I would stay up to date on the latest news and make sure if you have any questions about your flight, contact the airline.
Happy Travels
What it is like to Fly again!
Air Travel in 2021
What is was like to fly for the first time since Covid
I was pretty content hanging out at my house full time with the kids and hubby for most of 2020. We broke it up a lot with road trips in the RV, but finally, it was time to fly away again. I talked to some friends who started had already traveled a couple of months before me, and I was given some pretty solid advice, and I learned things too. This is a little about my experience with air travel in 2021. I am here to pass on the good vibes and hope this advice helps you with your next flight.
Packing for the first flight
Upon leaving, I packed my stuff and stuck with carry-on’s to make it even easier. I tried to pack light, but I took a computer and camera, so I ended up with a backpack and a carry-on suitcase. By eliminating check in luggage I felt I was reducing my exposure to people by leaving right off the plane!
Side note – I love my ebag Motherlode Backpack, I can take that along with my carry-on suitcase. This backpack is so sturdy and has so many pockets, for loads of storage including a laptop section. It opens up all the way like luggage and is VERY comfortable to wear… It is perfect for a quick trip and air travel
Portland & SeaTac
My first flight was out of Portland, and my second was out of Seattle. Portland was a ghost town. Seattle was not as busy as usual, but it was still fewer people than flights I took previously. There is plenty of space and markings on the floor to make it easy to keep a safe distance even in lines, and it was easy to fly.
What was it like being at the airport?
Portland was amazing; it was actually very empty. I was the ONLY one in the airport until I got to the security line, and then there was ONE person in line ahead of me, LOL!
Not all the shops were open, and the restaurants were closed, but you can get stuff to go at some locations. I brought snacks and a water bottle to refill when you’re at the airport, and I would highly suggest you do the same.
After getting through security, there were more people, but the first flight was pretty empty, but on the way back it was a bit full, so I guess it is all luck on if you get a full flight or not!
I took another flight from Seattle to Spokane, and it was not overly crowded in the airport either. Our flight was not full, and very few people in the security lines again (loved it).
There are definitely fewer people flying now, and for those who don’t mind flying, it is pretty easy to get around without the large crowds. I found it a little enjoyable, I was into social distancing before it was cool anyways 🙂 Anytime you are not standing in long lines I consider that a win baby!
What’s different in the airports.
As with anywhere, you have to wear a mask, no exceptions. This is standard, and it keeps up traveling, so just count on doing it. One helpful tip I will mention is to bring multiple masks! It helps to change them up after you have worn them a while! As you probably know by now after a while it gets sweaty and your face likes a clean mask after a while.
In the airport, when you have to stand in lines, clear markers are on the floor to help you stay socially distant.
Some seats in the waiting area were taped off, so while you’re waiting for your flight, you have your personal space, which I liked a lot!
The flights have limited food and drink options; if you want to snack more, bring your own. BYOB! None of the flights I was on served alcohol, unless you were first class 🙂
Everybody, for the most part, seems respectful and mindful of space.
Tips for Air Travel in 2021
Do the research and know the restrictions. Research what is required of the airport and the area you are visiting. If you go international they require a negative covid test or a quarantine when you get there or when you return. If you go international, you have to have a negative covid test before you hop on the plane to return to the states.
When booking, I like to get the window seat, so I am not coming into contact with so many people walking up and down the isle. I am also a plane napper, so I like leaning against the wall. If there are empty seats available, the airlines will offer to move you to give you more room.
Bring extra masks so that you can change them out. Bring ones that are a variety of fabrics and are worn differently. Your ears can get irritated, so I bring the kind that goes behind the ears and wrap around my head. Another thing is when you’re wearing a mask for a while; it can get uncomfortable, so change it out and put a different fitting mask on.
Bring some supplies such as a water bottle, snacks, hand sanitizer. They serve food differently on planes and do not offer extras. One Airline even had snacks already bagged up with water.
Things are changing daily when it comes to flying, so most importantly I would stay up to date on the latest news and make sure if you have any questions about your flight, contact the airline.
Happy Travels
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