Flying during the pandemic can be a little stressful, but like everything if you organise in advance and have a plan you will feel less nervous and more in control. I’ve been on three flights during the pandemic, the longest one was 14 hours each way from Sydney to Dubai return. Here is everything I’ve done to organise ourselves to check-in seamlessly, and what I’ve done to keep myself and my daughter Covid-free. I also wrote this checklist for everything you need to do when traveling in the pandemic and how to find cheap flights – there’s a lot out there atm!
To be perfectly honest, I don’t know how much of an impact these actions have on keeping covid away. But I have remained Covid free after these flights PLUS I am following instructions from our health organisations and the airlines. It’s important to do the right thing, and it gives me peace of mind to know that I am doing my best to avoid covid. Being protected makes my flight less stressful. Plus, I’m sure it helps. No one wants to get Covid on the way to their holiday, so I hope this helps you too.
If you’re concerned about staying safe when you’re traveling, check out my ultimate safety guide: Holiday Safe – The Complete Guide to Staying Safe When Traveling with Kids
Be assured too that airlines say there is a low risk of transmission on flights. This is because of the high airflow and air turnover within the cabin. This infographic from the International Air Transport Association explains it well.
My tips for flying during the covid pandemic:
Check-in:
You may need additional documentation to fly. This includes:
- Vaccination certificates – international with QR code + domestic
- Printed PCR result
- If you have had covid recently you may need to provide documentation such as a doctors authorisation
- Declarations – if traveling to the US, the Hawaiian Airlines resource page is an excellent source of information.
- Find out what you need to travel to Fiji – eg/printed travel insurance and first three days accommodation at CFC accredited property.
Check with your country’s home office for outbound and inbound requirements, your airline, your destination – for their inbound requirements. Protocols are frequently changing so keep an eye on it!
I keep a folder with me with print outs of everything.
Get to the airport around three hours before the flight if you want a relaxed experience and maybe time for a wine when you get through.
When flying:
Take onboard with you:
- disinfectant wipes
- hand sanitiser
- spare masks
Wear proper masks ALL THE TIME.
We wear the N95 which give much better protection. They can hurt around the ears on a long flight though, although to be honest I did get used to it. I think it was because we only had to wear masks inside in NSW at the time, so my ears weren’t match fit. Don’t be that person who takes off their mask or pretends to be drinking the whole time so they don’t have to wear it. We are all in this together.
MASK TIP: A fab tip from Bec is to buy a headband and sew buttons onto it – then you can loop the strings of the N95 around the buttons and not have the pressure on your ears!
Put a new mask on as you board the plane.
Throw away the old one that you’ve probably had on during transport and in the airport.
Wear your mask as much as you can while eating.
I pull mine on, put food in, then put it back up while I chew. Sure sounds crazy, but whatever it takes to minimise the risk – I do the same for wine.
Change the masks when you get off the plane.
I just feel like as soon as I get off the plane I need to get rid of that filthy mask so I throw it away and put on a new one, and sanitise my hands again.
Take disinfectant cleaning wipes and wipe everything.
This includes the arm rests, head rests, tray tables, pockets and seatbelts. Wipe it all down as soon as you get on.
Take wipes with you to the toilet.
Wipe the surfaces before you touch them including the door handles. Give yourself an extra hearty clean with sanitiser when you return. I use wipes to hand towels to touch the taps, the door, everything. Keep the risk as low as possible!
Touch as little as possible.
Just be aware an keep your hands to yourself. This is especially true for kids. Take their own gear and keep them occupied.
Sanitise frequently.
Sanitise when you touch something, before and after meals and whenever you think of it.
If you see someone not wearing a mask, let the staff know.
Flight attendants shouldn’t have to police the planes for mask wearing, but everyone should be wearing their masks. No-one wants to, but everyone should and sadly there are some people who will take their mask off and let everyone down. I have no shame in asking them to put theirs back on: “Oh I think you forgot your mask” or asking the Flight Attendant to.
Let me know if you have any more tips! Safe travels!