Flying in a Global Pandemic

After thinking about going back to my apartment in LA for weeks, I pulled the trigger and bought a one way ticket from LAS to LAX.

I almost canceled my trip a handful of times, but alas, June 27th came and I took a leap of faith. I had made full preparation for flight: read every flying-related COVID article there was, booked a flight at a time that is *usually* not as busy, perused through Southwest's twitter replies trying to see what travelers had been saying, and ordered a face shield, along with my face mask, gloves, wipes, and hand sanitizer.

Also, oddly enough, I had just caught a Dr. Oz segment about flying the day before and an expert had recommended nasal spray to keep your nose moist and more resistant to infection. The morning of my flight, I sprayed my nose, put on my gloves and other protective gear.

The Las Vegas airport (that's where I'm from) was fairly busy for being 6 AM on a Sunday. My anxiety was definitely kicking in. Especially in security, where there was a huge line and while there were signs all around and reminders on the ground to stay six feet apart, I hadn't been around this many people in five months and I was hyperaware of anyone coughing or sneezing (thankfully no one did).

Everyone was wearing a mask and being fairly conscious about staying apart from other people. The line moved quick enough, only three individuals were allowed at the security stations at a time, and the security guards were wearing gloves, masks, and face shields. Walking past security, I definitely felt relieved. The next challenge was the plane.

At the waiting area, people were leaving two to three seats between themselves and their fellow passengers, and I opted, along with a few others to stand away until boarding began.

I put my face shield on, getting a few stares for sure (mostly everyone just wore a mask, but it made me feel safer, and I also knew I would never see any of these people again so their judgement did not mean much), and went to the boarding line. Southwest is leaving all middle seats open until September 30th at least (unless you are a family and want to sit together)-- that is why I felt safer with Southwest, than airlines such as United and American.

From my research, I knew that sitting at a window seat would be my best bet. Simulations showed those in window seats had overall less contact with sicker people. My first observation in the plane? These planes look cleaner than any flight I have ever been on and I have done my fair share of flying. Especially the LAS to LAX route. I go to the back of the plane, find a window seat, use my Lysol wipes to disinfect my seat, tray table, arm handles, and seatbelt and turn on the AC to blow directly on me. I had read that it is incredibly important to ventilate since ventilation, other than isolating, was the main method of control for airborne viruses. The vent acted like an invisible air barrier.

No one sat on the aisle seat next to me and the plane was still fairly empty. It was a quick 50 minute flight and before I knew it, we had landed in Los Angeles.

Oddly enough, everyone got up as soon as the plane landed and forgot about social distancing. I stayed seated until almost everyone had left and then headed to passenger pick up. The LA airport was emptier than the Vegas one for sure.

When I saw my roommates pull up at passenger pick-up, all my worries fade away. That is, until I got home, showered, and ate.... and then realized I forgot to disinfect my phone! (I never forget anymore though thanks to this one worry)

I am writing this beyond two weeks, so thankfully, I was not infected during my flying journey. All in all, I felt surprisingly safe on the plane but I would not recommend flying if you do not absolutely have to. If you do, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fly Southwest, Jetblue, Alaska, or Delta who are continuing to block middle or adjacent seats through Sept. 30 (stay away from United or American -- I do know people who have gotten COVID by flying these airlines).

• Book a flight on an "off" day (Tuesday or Wednesday) and an "off" hour (early in the morning or late at night)

• Do not touch your face - easier said than done. It's an inherent habit for a lot of us.

• Get a face shield. It made me double protected and eased my anxiety.

• Get a window seat in the back of the airplane.

• Disinfect your seat, tray table, arm rests, and seatbelt.

• Turn on your AC vents and make sure the air is blowing on you.

• On the morning of your flight, see how many seats are left by trying to buy another ticket. By doing this, I knew how full my flight would be in advance and put my backpack down on the aisle seat next to me - no one sat there and I had the row to myself.

• Shower after your flight

• DISINFECT your phone (and laptop if you use it or any other electronics).

Stay safe and take care!

-Ambika