It’s our second spring season in the world of COVID-19 and very little has returned to normal. Air travel is no exception. With the spring season upon us and summer just right around the corner, many people are looking to book their trips asap.
It’s our second spring season in the world of COVID-19 and very little has returned to normal. Air travel is no exception. With the spring season upon us and summer just right around the corner, many people are looking to book their trips asap.
Multi-event places like Las Vegas have started reopening some of their nightclubs and party pools to the public and airlines are offering spring fare tickets as low as $29 one way (Southwest Airlines). Businesses and vacationers alike can’t wait for things to return to normal, but CDC says it’s just best to stay put.
However, if you’re going to travel, here are some things you should know:
- Expect Empty Middle Seats- Most airlines will not book people together. So, if you’re vacationing with your bestie, know that you won’t be sitting side-by-side.
- No Refunds- If you cancel your trip due to COVID-19 related reasons (even if you have a positive test) you won’t get a refund. You’ll only get a refund if the airline cancels your flight. Depending on the airline, you could get a travel credit or voucher for later use.
- Stay Flexible- Your flight could be canceled or changed without a second’s notice. COVID-19 is mixing everything up.
- Added Stops- Airlines have added new flights to vacation spots from their hubs in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas. So, keep your options open and shop discounters like Allegiant.
- Expired Credits- Don’t expect that last year’s travel credit is still valid, it could be expired. Credits from airlines are not indefinite, so find out what your deadline is and see if you can work out a flight.
- Always Read Fineprint- Pandemic travel waivers are not the same as other waivers, so make sure you check that fine print very closely.
- Destination Restrictions- Many places have COVID-19 restrictions that other places do not have, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico are prime examples. Most of these destination hotspots need a positive COVID-19 test, but according to the CDC, the United States doesn’t. Although, it’s still recommended to get one.
- Limited Food/Drink: Airlines are not serving much when it comes to food and drinks. Most will not serve alcohol and since you cannot carry food or drink onboard, this could make for a very irritable flight.
Air travel during COVID-19 is possible, but there are a lot of restrictions to consider, so if you don’t necessarily have to travel by air, might I suggest a road trip instead?
Thanks for checking out this blog! Be sure to check in regularly for more COVID-19 related travel updates and contact me at JamesCarpenterTravel@gmail.com to save up to 70% off on travel!
