Well before the June 14 removal of Covid-19 restrictions, planes, Air B&Bs, and vacation rentals began selling out for the balance of 2021 and well into next year. Anticipation, desperation – whatever the reasoning – Americans are determined to break free from the Confines of Covid and are planning ahead in massive numbers.
While airline travel is one of the safest ways of getting from one place to another, unfortunately too many short tempers are resulting in onboard passenger violence. Yelling, fist fights, assaults on passengers, crew members and other acts jeopardizing the safety of everyone onboard have become a major problem. In a few cases, pilots have had to make unscheduled landings to remove unmanageable passengers. Since the beginning of the year, airlines have reported a record 3,000 incidents, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. During the entire prior decade, FAA investigations only totaled around 140 cases annually. Understandably, demands are fast rising to get this unprecedented situation under control before it worsens.
That being said, commercial flights are still by far one of the safest modes of travel. As of today, masks are still required from airport entrance to exiting the destination airport. HEPA-filtered air captures 99 percent of airborne microbes, and re-circulated filtered air also increases cabin humidity. These filters have the same standards as those required by hospitals, making airlines the best form of commercial transportation today. And the filthier a HEPA filter becomes, the more effective it gets – especially reassuring for passengers on larger jets.
Tray tables, seatbelt buckles, seatbacks, video screens, armrests, window shades, doors and overhead bin handles are all disinfected prior to boarding. High-contact airport surfaces i.e. ticket counters, seating area, kiosks, etc. are frequently sanitized, but as a rule, we still recommend wearing gloves as well as masks until seated aboard the aircraft. Some carriers also allow you to scan your boarding pass at a kiosk in many U.S. airports to print your baggage tags.
Be aware that food and beverage service is temporarily suspended or quite limited as determined by each carrier, flight departure, duration, and destination. Due to irresponsible passenger behavior, alcohol is currently limited or restricted by many carriers. Check at the time of reservation. Same rules apply if you want to prepare to bring aboard your own snacks and soft drinks.
Despite any inconveniences, plane seats are selling fast. If you are even thinking of booking a flight, check availability now. Also, remember, Covid-19 will be with us for a while. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov requirements and recommendations before finalizing any travel plans. Also check with your destination.
