Introduction
With the COVID-19 vaccine being released to the public, many are getting open to the idea of leaving their houses- and possibly their state or country. With low airfare prices and landmarks reopening (and figuring out safety procedures), here are things to consider when booking a vacation in 2021.
Take advantage of low fares
Since traveling is not popular as of now, it is essential to book a vacation while you can. A flight from EWR (Newark, NJ) to MCO (Orlando, FL) starts at just $67 if you’re looking for a trip in late May. If you’re not booking last minute, fares will be more expensive (in the $120 range), but demand for flights is still extremely low compared to pre-COVID times. The cost for these flights can only go up, so please, book flights while prices are still considerably low. To aid with this, I would consider using the Hopper app, which will tell you when the best time to book a flight will be.
COVID precautions
With COVID being over a year old, every business has set precautions and created safety measures to make their customers feel as safe as possible. For example, United has launched a multitude of procedures to make sure that their customers feel safe flying with them. They can be found here. 11 of the 35 procedures that are most notable include:
- United creating an automated assistant to answer questions regarding the cleanliness of planes and safety
- Emailing customers before their flight about proper safety measures they need to take
- Social distancing stickers in the lobby
- A touchless check-in process for flyers with bags at select airports
- Implemented temperature checks for employees and flight attendants working at hub and line stations
- Disinfecting high-touch areas
- Providing hand sanitizer stations
- Launching an Agent on Demand program that allows customers to connect with customer service agents through phone, video, or chat
- Providing hand sanitizer wipes for flyers
- Using hospital-grade HEPA air filters during the flight, which removes 99.97% of airborne particles.
- Using Ultraviolet C (UVC) lighting wands to disinfect sensitive components on pilots’ flight desks
Similarly, hotels are also following in airlines’ footsteps. Large chains of hotels like Marriott are reducing person-to-person contact and are disinfecting high-contact surfaces with hospital-grade products. Another example is Four Seasons teaming up with experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine International on its new Lead With Care program that emphasizes cleanliness on all Four Seasons properties.
General reminders for flyers
Most of us have not traveled in a while, so it is important to know what to do before and during your trip to the airport.
- Make sure you are checked into your flight
- Frequently check your flight’s status
- Make sure your bags weigh under the airline’s weight limit- nobody wants to pay extra!!
- Liquids that are being carried through security must be less than 3.4 ounces and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.
- Have comfy clothing for the long flight- a neck pillow, even!
- Arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight
- Bring an ID or passport, in addition to all travel documents
- Make sure you get a COVID test with documentation if the location you are traveling to requires it
Conclusion
Now, with these tips in mind, you should be good to go and should be traveling like a pro! As we return to normalcy, it is healthy to get back to our old lives and see different sights. We have all had enough with staying in our houses and being on screens all day, so treat yourself to a vacation! At the very least, go on a nice day trip to a local landmark or an amusement park. Happy (and safe) travels!
