Katie Turpin, CTA
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Flying during a global pandemic - what to know!
After being "grounded" for over five months this year (possibly the longest I've ever been HOME in my adult life!) I knew it was time to dust off my luggage and get back to traveling. Prior to COVID-19, I had my airport routine down to a science, could do it with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back. I knew it would be different this time, but I was pleasantly surprised by my experience.
Keep in mind that I was flying Delta Airlines out of Minneapolis airport in mid-August 2020. Your experience may vary.
At the airport
-Masks required from airport to airport. No excuses, no exceptions.
-I was SO glad to have SkyPriority AND TSA Pre-check. Especially because I was traveling with my kiddos; it made for short lines and prompt service.
-There were signs everywhere requesting social distancing and reinforcing mask wearing requirements.
Boarding the plane
-Prior to boarding, there were several reminders from the gate agent about the mask requirement.
-Unlike Delta's standard boarding procedure, the plane was loaded from the back row forwards, 2-3 rows at a time.
-Delta has blocked out the middle seats (currently through early January 2021), so the plane was appx 50% full. Boarding 2-3 rows at a time equalled 8-10 people approaching the boarding doors at a time.
-At the jet bridge, each passenger was handed an individually wrapped disinfectant wipe.
During the flight
-In the main cabin, the food and beverage service consisted of each passenger receiving a pre-filled zip-top plastic bag filled with two snack items, a bottle of water, napkin, and an individual-sized hand sanitizer gel packet (pictured).
-Passengers in Comfort+ and First Class had additional beverage selections available.
-As always, Delta Studio was available for movies, shows, games, etc.
-Passengers were free to move about as needed to the restroom while the captain had the seat belt light turned off.
After the flight
-Passengers were asked to remain in their seats until the row in front of them had moved up through the center aisle.
Overall, the experience of getting back into the air was a great one. Delta Airlines has done a great job of welcoming their passengers back into the air, and I'm already looking forward to my next flight!