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Is It Safe To Fly? Here's What To Expect In The USA Right Now

November 16, 2020

I love love love to fly.. but things have been crazy lately and with constantly changing regulations, is it even worth it? I definitely understand how it can seem daunting for those of you who haven’t been through the flying process since Covid hit. You are not alone. Is it safe to fly? Here’s what to expect in the USA right now as I take a minute to let you know what’s really happening and try to take some of your fear away!

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Disclaimer: The following is based on my experiences flying recently during the fall months. I will underline Covid changes. I’m also being thorough so you don’t get surprised/caught off guard by changes.

Ready for take off? I’ll take you through the whole process step-by-step.

First Some Friendly Reminders....

GET TESTED BEFORE YOU FLY SO YOU DO NOT ENDANGER OTHERS… PERIOD!
Check in 24 hours in advance. (They will ask you how you want your boarding pass. I personally always opt for email and then reprint it at the kiosk in the airport so I have a paper copy in case my phone dies.)
I suggest getting to the airport 2 hours early so that you don’t get anxious and you also will miss the rush of the others on your flight. You can putz around all you want and explore the airport’s changes when you have plenty of time to do it. If you are doing everything all stressed out and anxious, it won’t be a pleasant experience for you and you won’t want to fly again.
Check if your flight is delayed or cancelled before you leave your home for the airport.
Have your travel size liquids that are in your carry on in an easy spot to get for when you go through security. Check out the latest in TSA changes here.
Make sure you have a proper id. If your id is expired, check the latest regulations. As of today (when I’m posting this article) you can fly with an expired id if your driver’s license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint.
Make sure your luggage locks are TSA approved. YES you can and should lock your bag (don’t forget to keep your key in your wallet and not pack it in your bag) BUT they can cut the lock if it’s not TSA approved.
Baggage charges do not accept cash (just card) at most airports.
Agents are there to help. If you need help, ask for help about changes!
I have a friend who does all of the airport lounges etc and he told me the lounge was open and they were back to normal operations, but when he flew earlier that month it was open but nothing was being served. So it sounds like they are open but it’s 50/50 chance of serving food or alcohol.

You just got dropped off at departures in front of your airline’s sign. You wave goodbye to your ride and look for the entrance while you adjust your mask (because for some reason it loves to go into your eyes whenever you move.)

Don’t be surprised when someone immediately steps up to you with a mask on to offer to assist with your bag. These guys are called Skyscapes or Porters, every airline tends to call them something different. They are still there to help check you in even during Covid in an effort to encourage social distancing and help everyone to fly safe.

I don’t travel with a lot of bags… Here’s an article I wrote about how to pack light. If you do decide to use one, here’s a link that explains the process a little bit more and how much you should tip your skyscaper.

In this case, we will say you are like me and decided against using them. You go towards the closest entrance, which is usually a round automatic door which is just a few people allowed through it at a time.

If you need to use the restroom or need something quick to drink after your long drive, the restrooms and snack options are currently open. Just keep in mind, as usual, that you cannot bring drinks with you through security and any unfinished snack needs to fit in your bag. and

Just so you know, there is usually a long line, but you may not have to enter that line depending on your luggage. You will see a couple of options. There are kiosks and then there are agent assisted counters that provide ropes to shape the lines with 6 feet social distancing stamps on the ground. You will notice that the signs that designate agent assisted lines are all electronic, because these days they are constantly changing what they are called. Sometimes they are carry-on only, economy, airline club member, it just depends on the airline. They are all different and always changing so just make sure you are in the right line so you don’t waste your time. With the kiosks, it’s much faster, and you will be able to do everything you need to do besides dropping your bag.

Kiosk Step By Step…

You will be asked to type in your confirmation number. (Type it in.)
You will be asked if you have any hazardous materials. (Click No.)
You will be asked if you would like to change your seat. (This is up to you, generally airlines that charge for a chosen seat will still charge.)
You will be asked if you’re carrying an infant. (Answer correctly.)
You will be asked about your bags. (Answer correctly.) If you haven’t paid for your bags yet, you will have to pay for them here with a card (no cash).
Some will print your boarding pass as well as your baggage tag. Just make sure you keep your copy of the baggage number for your records. (I usually put mine on the back of my boarding pass.)
Eitherway, now is the time you get in line to talk to a countertop agent if you have a bag to check. If you don’t, you proceed to security.

Counter Agent Steps…

Get into the proper line. Generally, the agents will be behind a plastic barrier. When it is almost your turn, take out your boarding pass and your ID.

Wait until the agent calls you forward. (Though one may be open, they have to sanitize their station so just wait. They aren’t ignoring you.) When you are called forward, hand over your boarding pass and Id, then put your luggage onto the scale.

The agent will weigh your bag and return your items back to you. If a baggage tag was not printed out, this is when they will tag your bag.

Each airline is different, but generally these days, after your bag is weighed and tagged, you are to drop your own bag off at the bag drop. When you drop off your bag, wait until it has been fully assessed before you walk away unless the agent there tells you to do otherwise.

As you head for security, keep in mind that some lines are bigger than others. If there are multiple lines for the same gate, then go stand in a different line. Don’t be just follow the person in front of you.

For example, Cleveland Hopkins Airport has all gates and terminals connected so you can enter from any security line to enter to your gate. New York Laguardia Airport has entrances specific to your gate (depending which airline you are flying with.) Don’t worry, they check your boarding pass before you get into line at those kinds of gates to make sure you are in the right place.

Similar to the counter agent, follow the social distancing stickers and wait until you are called by the next TSA security agent. Generally they are surrounded by plastic and have to wear a mask and a face shield with gloves. They will look at your ID under their special light, ask you to pull your mask down, and may ask you where you are going or what’s your name. Just answer whatever questions they have and keep it moving. The hardest part of all this is right around the corner.

As you round the corner, make sure you put your ID and boarding pass away. You no longer need them until you reach the gate.

Make sure you pick the smallest security line. This is another spot where people just follow the person in front of them. All routes go to the same gate so just go whichever way is fastest.

You will be asked to take off your shoes (make sure you wear socks with Coronavirus lurking around), hat, remove your jacket, belt, and empty your pockets. The idea is to have no layers, empty pockets, and no heavy metal on. You will see bins for you to put your stuff in. Depending on the airport, your shoes and bags will go outside of the bin but with Covid I have seen some airports use big bins that fit luggage. You are permitted to bring hand sanitizer that’s larger than usual, but make sure you still put it outside of your bag.

Do not stress as you see your stuff go through the metal detector. It will be on the other side when you get there. Keep an eye on it yes, but chances are, the person in front of you is the one who has their stuff in front of yours and you can’t get yours till they get theirs. Got it? Plus, add in social distancing. It’ll be a while.

When you go inside you will put your arms up as the machine rotates around you. Sometimes, if there is a bunch in your clothes or something, a TSA agent with a mask and gloves will pat down that area. I always have to get my hair patted down.

Now, two things may happen to you.

1- You may be chosen to do a random screening. This is a random screening where an agent will pat you down and ask to inspect your bag. They usually test for drugs with a swab. It only takes about 5 minutes and yes it is annoying, but it is what it is.

2- This one happens more often to me because I don’t usually check a bag. Which means my curling iron, umbrella, or all kinds of things may look like a weapon clumped together. They will ask you if you are carrying any weapons and will ask you to open your bag. Feel free to explain to them what you think it may have been. Like I said, usually it’s been my curling iron that looks suspicious but I’ve also had random things like a cluster of seashells I collected set off the alarm. The technology is always changing so who knows how sensitive it will be when you travel.

Ok great! You made it through security! Good job! You’re one step closer to making it home for the holiday!

After you have put your layers and shoes back on, you should check your flight. Sometimes things happen and gates will change or a flight may get delayed because it is running behind schedule due to Covid cleanings etc. All these things could have happened while you spent your hour going through security. (It’s not always an hour, but it’s good to plan for more time than less.)

Adjust accordingly, but you should have plenty of time to explore the airport’s changes. No matter how much time I have, I always walk to my gate to get an idea just where it is. Some airlines have you take a shuttle to the gate, others don’t have escalators and you have to walk what feels like miles to get to the gate.

I’m sorry I keep saying this but every airline and every airport is different and always evolving in their efforts to make it safe to fly. I once had a flight that was at say gate C2 which I thought was right at the end of the hall next to C1. Nope, turns out it was a whole process and I had to take a shuttle to get to the gate. I was freaking out but somehow I made the flight right before the gates closed and that was before Coronavirus so I can only imagine how it could be. Just trust me and get there early.

Once you know just where you will be boarding, now you can explore because you know how long it will take to get back to the gate. Things are pretty “normal” in that everything is open, the employees are wearing masks, and there are plastic barriers at most checkout counters. Social distancing is in place and only so many people are allowed into stores and restaurants at a time.

Magazines, books, drinks, and snacks are a must. I highly suggest getting something for the plane ride. Most airlines do not offer you much of anything because of Covid let alone for free and they usually run out of the limited things they offer for purchase. If you don’t have them already, or you forgot to pack them, now is the time to buy gum, chapstick, and lotion.

Gum – This is great for take off and landing. It helps your ears pop and not build up pressure. You could also use candy that you suck on. It also helps when your mouth gets dry during the flight from wearing a mask the whole flight.

Chapstick – The air gets dry and so do your lips. I also use it around my lips to help my mouth from sweating behind the mask.

Lotion – Your face will get dry too and it will prevent your face from chafing from the mask.

Take advantage of the charging docks. Once you are on the plane, there will be no way to charge your phone most of the time.

And, don’t freak out if your flight gets delayed. Here’s an article I wrote about What To Do If Your Flight Gets Delayed.

This is the easy part. It’s time to board! The holidays are one step closer!

The gate attendant will get on the speaker and announce that they are ready to begin boarding. They let families and people who need assistance on first. Then, they begin to call your boarding group.

It always annoys me how quick people are to stand in line to get on the plane, oftentimes before their group is even called. Especially now, I suggest just letting the anxious people on first, let them get situated and then you board. It will also save you from awkward Covid conversations with people you are sitting next to.

The agent will be wearing a mask and you will scan your own boarding pass and on you go down the jet bridge, socially distancing your way to the plane.

As you enter the plane, you will be handed a wipe to wipe down your seat and sanitize it. You’ll also be given earbuds for you to use. Make your way to your seat and relax, with your mask on for the whole flight.

Once the plane door closes, you are good to go. Go ahead, click your seat belt, and enjoy the ride… almost.

Planes are getting back to normal, so don’t be surprised when you are on a packed flight. I suggest flying at odd hours to cut down on the population on your flight.

Make sure you sanitize everything you’re going to use, including the air vent, light, and the call button above your head. Of course you clean your seat, airplane tray, and the seat in front of you. Because of Covid I suggest you do not read the airline magazine, if there even is one.

If there is a screen on your flight, you can find your earphone plug in your seat armrest. Depending on the airline, the plug may be in the monitor. This is becoming a dying perk. More and more, airlines are suggesting you bring your own tablet and use their app to entertain yourself. There, you can connect to wifi, watch movies, play games etc. Most of them you have to pay for.

Everyone loves to stand up and crowd into the aisles. Guess what, there’s nowhere to go until they open the plane door! So, don’t let yourself get caught up in the anxiety. Just sit down and patiently wait until people start moving. Because of Covid you will be getting specific directions on how to deplane.

Generally, people will exit row by row from the front, so just wait your turn and .

Usually the flight attendant will have said which baggage claim carousel to go to. Generally, this is when you CAN follow the person in front of you. They are all headed towards the exit, same direction as you.

If you didn’t hear which carousel is your’s, you can find your city of origin on top of the carousel.

In all my personal experiences so far, once you are out of the airport and into the baggage area, it’s a free for all. People just do their usual crowd the carousel until their bag shows up. Just keep your mask on and keep yourself protected.

Depending what state you are flying into or what state you are flying from, some states are making it mandatory to self quarantine for two weeks while others are making it voluntary. Either way, for the safety of your loved ones, I encourage you to quarantine your items to one room and always wear a mask. Some states even fever test you when you land. Other states will not permit you to stay in one of their hotels if you are from out of town. Keep yourself up to date because this is one of those things that’s always changing.

There’s a number of sources out there to make it safe to fly ( my favorite is The Points Guy ) with the latest changes so stay tuned to those before you head to the airport. Otherwise, as long as you are healthy, go home and see your loved ones!

Everyone could use a socially distanced pick me up during this crazy 2020.