I had to fly this week due to a family need. Here is what I learned on my international and domestic flights returning to the US from the UK (thread):
#fridaymorning #FridayThoughts #friday #COVID19 #COVIDー19
#fridaymorning #FridayThoughts #friday #COVID19 #COVIDー19
1/ To be honest, I wasn't excited about re-entry to travel. It felt too soon. I travel A LOT, mostly international, and am more comfortable on a plane than in a car most often. Lets start w/ #Uber to Heathrow. Really nice driver, no PPE whatsoever. Then...
2/ My driver took my suitcase by the handle, placed it in trunk. Normally SO appreciated, but I cringed seeing his bare hands touch the handles without gloves. Yikes - the #NewNormal has me make a mental note to wipe down handles upon arrival at Heathrow.
3/ BTW, I am in gloves and N95 mask. Oddly this can give you a false sense of over confidence. I found myself adjusting it, hands sweating in rubber globe, nose itching from allergies (windy lately in London) but small price to pay.
4/ London airport was more crowded than I expected-not crowded anywhere near the usual but still more people compared to what @jongarysteele had reported from the day before. Best guess: 70% people wearing mask and/or gloves. Security line with floor markers for 2m apart (yes!)
5/ At Heathrow, 3 of 5 terminals closed and flights consolidated. Not a bad idea for efficiency, not sure how that will work in the # of people increases. All businesses closed as well as lounges so that consolidated people at gates. Easy to spot those not taking this seriously.
6/At gate, see a line of people waiting to be called to 5 tables-each staffed w/nice person in full PPE. Good - this feels safe as they give/tell me mask required on flight, offer hand sanitizer, explain social distance seating and then ask me for my "paper"... wait, what paper?
7/ Paper? Should've rec'd when checking in- they ask me questions re:exposure to #coronavirus locations related to #CoronavirusOutbreak etc. 🤷♂️"Where are u flying today?" Find out this line if for @Qantas flight, my #AmericanAirlines flight next door. Off I go, 10 steps away. 🤦♂️
8/ Now at AA terminal, I look for similar procedures. Nothing. I ask at desk. Nothing required. Absolutely N-O-T-H-I-N-G. I dream of flying on Qantas for the next 10 hours. Quick boarding area review - yep, about 75-80% people wearing some PPE. What r these other people thinking?
9/ Pleasant trip, spaced out, flight relatively empty. AAirlines attendances wear PPE, extremely nice. Everyone wipes down seats. Food served wrapped in plastic (u undo it yourself). Arrive Texas, everyone crowds in line to exit flight (no!), door about 2open 2exit. But wait...
10/ Announcement: must complete questionnaire 2depart plane- everybody confused (no social distancing going on to exit plane - we all want off). AA staff announce they have no idea, eventually someone finds a form. No one backs up to return to seat. People ask 2borrow pens (no!)
11/Form is awkward, reads like I've been to China? Confused, people shout questions, staff not sure. 10 people w/forms allowed to exit plane at a time. Meanwhile we stand inches away from each other-very thankful for my PPE. Some young guys banter about getting to the bar - bar?
12/ "This is Texas!" I am told by the bartender with no PPE, but very nice. I REALLY want a drink lol, but tables are full - no way, no how! I find an open corner allowing for quick escape should the 20%, now more like 40%, take stool next to me. Only 4 hours until next flight 🤦♂️
13/ Louisiana,small plane - AA does its best to space us on a 2-1 seater. Very grateful only 1/2 full,wear PPE entire flight. Another wipe down b/c gate check carry-on. Finally arrive.Onto family matters. BE SAFE! PLAN AHEAD! DON'T COUNT ON OTHERS TO BELIEVE AS YOU DO! 🥰
