FLYING IN THE FACE OF DANGER?
If you have to hop on a plane, there are ways to reduce the risk of catching the virus on your travels
Airplanes can be a COVID-19 breeding ground: you’re crammed into a large aluminum tube with a few dozen strangers, hoping they all adhere to airline policies to wear a mask while in the air.
But not everyone can avoid being on a flight right now; some are forced to travel for work, others are heading home for family emergencies.
There’s no denying it. Travelers are coming back to Houston’s airports. Here’s how to safely take a trip on a plane during a global pandemic.
Should I fly?
Whether you buy that cheap airplane ticket depends on your comfort level. Flying is riskier than driving from an infectious disease control standpoint, said Firas Zabaneh, director of system infection prevention and control at Houston Methodist. If it’s possible to drive to your destination within a reasonable amount of time, Zabaneh recommends doing that.
But should people avoid airplanes altogether?
“It’s not necessarily that they have to avoid it,” Zabaneh said. “However, they have to know the risk not just for themselves, but when they come back from travel, to their loved ones and significant others.”
The shorter the trip, the safer it is. Maybe rethink those international flights if they’re for leisure.
Also, keep in mind that any travel time might be eaten up by selfquarantine periods. Workplaces may also require employees to quarantine at home before returning to work, even if it’s business travel.
According to the New York Times, the following states and territories are asking travelers from Texas to quarantine for 14 days: Alaska, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Some counties and cities may have more specific requirements, or accept negative tests to get out of self-quarantine. Others merely “recommend” quarantining if traveling from out-of-state. You can also find a map of restrictions from AAA Texas — check www.houstonchronicle.com/covidtravel.
Going through security
The Transportation Security Administration (www.tsa.gov/coronavirus) is temporarily allowing travelers to bring a bottle of 12ounce or less of hand sanitizer through the checkpoint. If you do, though, it might result in a delay, so federal officials advise budgeting extra time.
Experts advise packing light and bringing just one carry-on so that you don’t have to stick around at a crowded baggage claim. Belts and personal items such as wallets and phones should be placed in the carry-on bags, according to TSA.
Also, if you were worried about having an expired driver license, there’s an exemption for that. Licenses that expired on or after Mar. 1 can be used to fly. As for REAL ID, the federal law enforcing which forms of state-issued IDs can be used to fly, that has also been granted an extension from the Department of Homeland Security to October 2021. (The original expiration date to fly with a non-compliant state-issued ID was October 2020.)
Waiting in the airport
Airport officials are asking all visitors to wear a mask, practice social distancing, regularly wash their hands and use hand sanitizer while on-site. Don’t travel if you think you’ve been in contact with someone who recently contracted COVID-19.
Houston’s airports have stepped up cleaning procedures in the terminal waiting areas, bathrooms and even on the tram that runs around IAH. There are also more than 420 new hand sanitizer stations all over both airports to encourage personal hygiene, said Augusto Bernal, a spokesman for the Houston Airport System.
“The airports have never been this clean, really,” Bernal said.
If you’ve forgotten your mask, airport employees will be around to provide you one before you get far into the terminals. At Hobby, travelers wishing to get an extra mask for their travels can pick one up for $3.99 at a PPE vending machine stationed just outside the TSA entrance. Need an infrared thermometer? That’ll run you $89.99.
Just because fewer people are taking to the skies doesn’t mean that security is a breeze. Bernal recommends allocating two hours of buffer time for people flying domestically, and three hours flying internationally.
On the plane
Expect a few departures from the norm once you’ve boarded. Many airlines are not putting passengers in middle seats to increase distance between travelers. Every airline has different cleaning policies so be cautious if you’re worried about germs and call ahead to hear about their procedures.
Of course, for peace of mind, maybe bring your own antibacterial wipes.
“You want to wipe down your tray table, armrests, seatbelt and screen,” said Joshua Zuber, an AAA Texas spokesperson.
Certain airlines have suspended snack and drink service on flights less than 350 miles, while others are offering limited prepackaged snacks and bottled/ canned drinks on longer flights. Check ahead with the carrier if you’re worried about your cheese sandwich crackers and coffee.
If you need to eat, you don’t have to remove your mask and sit down for a meal at one of the airport’s restaurants. Some snacks could be carried on — think solid foods like cookies or nuts. Federal recommendations suggest putting all food items into a clear plastic bag to make it easier to screen. But that’s, of course, if you want to risk taking your mask off, even for the brief moments you’re sneaking Chex mix in your mouth.
“Let’s be honest,” Zabaneh said. “Everyone’s going to take their mask off to eat, drink or take a breather. But make it extremely brief. Look around, make sure people don’t have their masks off at that time. You’ll be fine. It’s a short time you’re going to have it off to take a sip of your drink and you’ll put it back on right away.”