Each week we talk about important travel topics to help you decide when, where, and how to explore the world in style. We’ve been getting a lot of questions on what it’s like flying right now. Listen for a full description on what it’s like flying during COVID and how you can stay safe and sane this season. Episode 2 is all about how to stay safe while traveling during COVID!

Listen Now:

Transcript: How to Stay Safe While Traveling Right Now

J.Q.: Buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride while we’ve flown on planes a little less this year; we have been lucky enough to take some quick trips to some fun destinations in 2020. Today, we’re going to discuss how to stay safe and sane while traveling during covid-19.

J.Q.: This is Travel Babies, a podcast on all things travel. I’m J.Q. from the travel blog, JQLouise.com. 

Juliana: And I’m Juliana from Travel with Juliana. Each week we talk about important travel topics to help you make decisions on when, where, and how to explore the world in style. Let’s get to it. 

Juliana: Before we can even start talking about what to pack. We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Lots of destinations now require you to get tested for Covid before you can even go.

How to Stay Safe (& Sane!) While Traveling

J.Q.: Yeah. First of all, our travel checklist these days is making sure we’re adhering to any travel restrictions or requirements that the destinations have. The good news is that destinations that are welcoming tourists are doing a great job at publicizing their requirements. For example, when I went to Aruba this summer, the Aruban government had a great website with all the pertinent info. So I knew exactly what to do and what to expect when I landed.

Juliana: The questions you need to have answered before leaving for a trip these days, or do you need to get tested? How long in advance? And do you need to fill out any forms before you go? 

J.Q.: Yeah, in Juliana. The great thing is, I mean, all of these destinations are making it so clear for people to really understand what they need to do. And it’s great. I mean, these restrictions and requirements, I mean, it’s just to make everybody safe.

Juliana: Yeah, exactly. When I went to Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago, I knew exactly what we needed to do before our form was all filled out when we landed. And then we passed right through when we got there.

J.Q.: Yeah, same for Aruba. It was so organized at the airport. We just went through an additional health check. They checked everybody to make sure we had a negative covid test within the time frame, and it was super easy. 

What to Pack While Traveling During the Holidays

Juliana: All right, let’s get to it. These times are certainly different now with the pandemic. So before I even get to the airport, of course, I think about what to pack and when I’ll need certain items. 

J.Q.: Me too. And it’s funny because clothes like that’s now second on my mind. First is all the protective gear that we have to bring to the airport like masks and hand sanitizer. 

Juliana: Definitely. So what’s your typical process for packing your bag that you will have on the plane with you?

J.Q.: So with my carry on, I like to bring disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and lots of masks and for masks. I found that when you’re traveling, you need a few different types. I mean, I like to wear just the disposable one while I’m sitting on the plane because it’s the easiest and the lightest on my face. But I also, you know, I like to bring a lot of the reusable ones because those I think are easiest to have on when you’re walking around, 

Juliana: Especially during the day. You know, when you’re traveling, you want to be able to easily take it on and off, like when you’re eating and things like that. Exactly.

J.Q.: Yeah. And that’s when I like to use them, you know, the reusable cloth mats for those and some taking it off and putting it taken on to taking it off. 

Juliana: Right.

J.Q.: And, you know, for hand sanitizer, I think it’s great because so many brands have really been offering, you know, some fun scents and there are lots of organic and, you know, really quality products out there now and especially in travel sized. And for me, I like the spray on ones because, you know, they don’t leave your hands exactly wet. And I think you can just get just the right amount with the spray on rather than the gel.

Juliana: Definitely. And I even found some, you know, they’re more organic and they have like coconut oil in them. That keeps your hands warm, moisturize. So you’re not, you know, when you’re traveling, it’s so easy to get dehydrated, washing our hands so much. 

J.Q.: Yeah. Getting your hands so dry. And like now with the winter, your hands getting dry, cracked skin. I mean, I think, yeah, investing in a quality hand sanitizer is definitely worth it.

Juliana: Right. And bringing, you know, getting some in travel sites, you can bring them wherever you are, even when you’re at home. Just always have it in your bag.

Juliana: Exactly. Great. And then also, let’s not forget, not forget about the disinfectant wipes which can be used on anything. So, you know, anytime you are in the airport or on the plane or just whenever you need to wipe something down, those are great. And again, you can get travel size, which. Yeah. 

J.Q.: And the great thing is a lot of airlines are giving you a little packet of those if you forget them, like when you walk on the plane, you know, a lot of them are giving you a little packet of hand sanitizing wipes, which is great.

Juliana: Right. So if if you don’t bring enough with you, then the airlines can provide them, which is awesome. And then let’s not forget about bringing always reusable water bottle. You know, I like to bring it empty when I go through security and then fill it up when I get into the the gate area.

J.Q.: Exactly. I know. And this was one of I know both of us. We’ve always done this, even before Covid. But now that there’s a lot fewer, you know, food and beverage options at airports. And while you’re on the plane, I think it’s important for everybody to make sure you bring a reasonable water bottle that you can fill up because, you know, you need to stay hydrated. And also, you know, there’s just a lot fewer options. You want to make sure you’re prepared. 

Juliana: Right, so to recap, checklists is what J.Q.? 

J.Q.: So you definitely need lots of face masks, bring plenty of extras, bring hand sanitizer or reusable water bottle and some sanitization wipes.

Juliana: Great. And so with that, after the packing process. Now, let’s talk about once you get to the airport, how to stay safe and limit the spread.

How to Get to the Airport

J.Q.: Think there’s a shared responsibility here in how you get to the airport? There’s lots of options. In Boston, we have great public transportation. So I go with that because I know they’re sanitizing all the trains and buses very often, a lot more frequently. And I think it’s easier to social distance. 

Juliana: Yeah, definitely. Because there’s so few people on it these days.

jQ: Yeah, there’s few people on it. There’s more space. You’re further apart from people than you would be in an Uber. So I’ve been taking the silver line to the airport.

Juliana: Yeah, me too. And if you can, if you have your own car, that obviously limits the spread even more. So if you can take your car and park it at the airport, that’s something you should keep in mind, too. 

Going Through Security at the Airport

J.Q.: Exactly. OK, so now you’ve gotten to the airport safely, you’re packed and now it’s time to check-in. So what I always do and I’ve done this before Covid I think most people do is check on online if you can, and especially if you don’t have a checked bag. This is the easiest and fastest way to check-in for your flight. And now it’s also the most contactless way that you can check-in. 

Juliana: Yeah, for sure. When me and Pierre-Luc went to San Juan a couple of weeks ago, it was so quick in the airport because we checked it online. We didn’t have any checked bags and we were able to go right through security really fast with PreCheck as well. So the security line wasn’t long to begin with, but with PreCheck, you just walk right through. You don’t have to take off your shoes—none of that. You just walk through the security detector and then.

J.Q.: Yeah, I know PreCheck is awesome. So that’s always been one of our big travel tips. If you can apply for PreCheck or global entry, it makes your you know, you just breeze right through the security line. 

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

Juliana: Yeah.

Especially Pre Covid. It was there was some really long lines in different airports, you know, almost the entire year. So it really makes a big difference, you know, especially when things will get back to slightly more normal travel.

J.Q.: Yeah. So if you can, we highly recommend, you know, apply for global entry because then you also get PreCheck.

Juliana: Right, and it lasts for five years. It’s pretty cheap for that amount of, you know, that amount of time that you do get it. And it’s super easy.

J.Q.: Exactly. And so but when you get to the airport, I think we’ve been getting a lot of questions from people about, you know, what does the TSA experience look like right now during Covid? So at Logan, you know, there’s the normal lines and there’s some social distance markers on the ground as well. But the biggest difference is once you get up to the TSA agent, they have Plexiglas barriers between the agent and all of the travelers. So, you know, that’s mainly to keep the TSA agents safe. But I think, you know, the one funny thing that people have been asking us, so once they’re checking your I.D., they do ask you to pull your mask down so they can see your full face.

Juliana: Right. Because with those masks, you really can’t tell who’s who. So they still need to check and make sure it’s you. And that was one thing when I first took a flight, you know, since Covid, I was there were like, can I see your face? And I just stood there. I was like, oh, my God, I’m going to take off my mask for one second. But, you know, of course, they need to. It’s not like putting you at any higher risk for one second you have the glass there like Jacqueline said.

J.Q.: Exactly. So so, yeah. Just something to expect. Know that you’ll have to pull your mask on for a second while they check your I.D. But other than that, TSA is the same as it always was. 

Juliana: Right. And one thing I would add to that, too, is just because there’s no airport lounges open right now because of Covid don’t get to the airport way, way before your flight, because then you’re just going to be sitting at the gate. And like we said before, there’s not that many restaurants open. So try and plan it, you get there, you know, just a little bit before. So you have you know, you don’t have too much time to kill.

J.Q.: Yeah, definitely. I mean, you know, things are starting to open back up again. But again, like Juliana said, there’s not a ton to do. So, you know, you don’t need to leave so much extra time before your flight because also, you know, the lines are still shorter. So even if you don’t have PreCheck, you’ll be able to breezed through security. Right.

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

Eating at the Airport

Juliana: And it’s best to probably bring some of your own snacks just because the few stores that are open usually have longer lines. So you can either expect to wait in a long line or bring your own.

J.Q.: I know at the Dunkin Donuts in Terminal C, 

Juliana: it looks so crowded. The line is so long, especially if you have a morning flight. Exactly. That’s what me and Pierre-Luc did when we went to San Juan. And we were like I was like, OK, I’m going to bring our own snacks just because worst case, I’m not waiting in an hour-long line. And then when you do get on the plane, most airlines give you a couple of snacks and drinks anyway. 

J.Q.: Exactly. So just be prepared, bring some snacks, bring a reusable water bottle, and you should be all set.

Juliana Right. Do you have any favorite snacks, J.Q.? 

J.Q.: So I love to bring you some. Healthy granola bars or some, you know, fruit and not bars. I really like that. I do have a few favorite water bottles. I love my Ivanna water bottles because they have a nice little handle so you can have it on your finger while you’re carrying it around. But yeah, I mean, what about you? 

J.Q.: Yeah, same here. I mean, I like to bring granola bars that are filling because, you know, if you really are basically missing a meal because of your flight, you don’t want to be, you know, starving and then feeling, you know, starting to feel sick on the flight. So I like to bring any granola bars that have a lot of protein in them.

J.Q.: Exactly. Great tip. 

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

Boarding a Plane During COVID

All right. Well, let’s move on to boarding. So this varies from airline to airline, but many are boarding from the back of the plane rather than from the front. And this is just to help with social distancing so people aren’t passing by hundreds of people as they walk onto the plane. 

Juliana: Yeah, that definitely helps. And we’re getting a lot of questions about whether flights are full or not. J.Q. 

J.Q.: Yeah, I know. I’ve been hearing that from so many people wondering, you know, what is it like on planes these days?

And I’ve experienced both. So back during the summer, when I went to Aruba, the flight was almost empty. There are probably ten people on the plane. But a few weeks ago, when we went to Miami, the flight was pretty full, like it was almost packed. 

Juliana: Yeah. And I mean, that doesn’t put you at more risk because, of course, they still sanitize everything, and everyone has to wear masks. There’s still all the requirements. And when I went to Puerto Rico on the way there, I mean, Pierre-Luc all got everybody basically got their own row except you if you’re a party in your seats together. And then on the way back, it was completely full. So it really just depends.

J.Q.: Yeah, I think it really depends. And I think why we’re starting to see some of these fuller flights is that airlines are still having limited routes. So there’s fewer flights. People are starting to travel again. So I’m hoping that starts to balance out where they offer more flights to really, you know, equal demand. Yeah, but, you know, I honestly feel very safe on planes. They have the strongest like they have hospital-grade air filters on these planes, and everyone’s wearing masks. And I haven’t seen anyone complain about masks. 

Juliana: Yeah, me neither. And I mean, as long as you keep your mask on the entire time, except, you know, when eating drinking, then I feel like it’s totally fine.

J.Q.: Yeah, I feel very safe. But expect full or kind of normal amounts of people on flights. I think the days of those empty flights are probably gone. 

Juliana: Right, exactly. And it’s surprisingly easy to forget about the mass because, you know, you’re just sitting there, especially if you have kind of a shorter flight like from Boston to Puerto Rico, Boston to Miami. It’s not that long. And so another good tip to prepare before you get on the flight is downloading episodes are like trying to maybe plan what you’re going to do on the flight to distract yourself from having the mask on. 

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

How to Stay Safe While Traveling – Wearing a Mask on a Plane

J.Q.: Exactly. I know I was surprised the first time I had to wear the mask on the plane was for a super quick trip just to Nantucket. So it was a half an hour flight, but I was surprised that it was surprisingly easy to just keep the mask on. And I just kind of forgot about it because you if you’re just sitting there, you’re not breathing that heavy. It’s actually not that bad. 

Juliana: Definitely. And another big question we get, J.Q., are airlines serving food and drinks on planes?

J.Q.: So, unfortunately, most airlines are still serving very limited food and drink during flight. Many of them are giving you a little prepackaged set of a water bottle and a little package snack. So I think that’s pretty much it. I haven’t seen or heard of any airlines doing full dinner service yet. 

Juliana: Yeah, me neither. And I mean, like I said, on the shorter flights, they always give a little snack and drink. They don’t. I flew JetBlue when we flew to Puerto Rico, and they didn’t have any hot beverages, I think just to limit kind of the touching and pouring, I mean, I think it’s I think the airlines are doing the best they can to just keep everybody safe.

J.Q.: Exactly. So, again, just be prepared, bring some snacks, and the time I’ll just fly by. 

Juliana: Yeah. And some of my favorite things to do while I’m on the plane are obviously, you know, catching up on some of my favorite shows or just any starting a new show that I’ve been wanting to get around to or watching a movie. I don’t typically watch a lot of movies besides when I’m on flights. So when I am watching a movie, I really feel like I’m actually traveling. I’m on a flight. I’m going to be somewhere new in a couple hours. 

J.Q.: It’s such a treat. 

Juliana: It’s so a fun. You know, you really get that travel rush. Yeah. What about you, J.Q.? And what do you like to do when you’re, like, sitting on the flight?

J.Q.: Yeah, I mean, hopefully, I have a few movies downloaded that I can watch. But if I’m flying on JetBlue where they have the free Wi-Fi, I actually love to catch up on work. It’s actually so relaxing where no one’s bothering me, and I can just either get through my inbox or write a blog or just kind of clean up my calendar for the next week. I don’t know. I think it’s just so relaxing to just. Check a few things off my list.

Juliana: And especially because your phone, you know, has been an airplane mode. So I really feel like that’s I’m always distracted by my phone, and I even sometimes go to airplane mode during the work week. Well, I’m just working at home, and I feel like that really helps where you just have uninterrupted time just to do work like you said.

J.Q.: Exactly. So I love it. So, you know, it’s there’s always a silver lining. And, you know, these flights, it’s just a great time to catch up on work or catch up on a new show. 

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

How to Stay Safe While Traveling – Arriving at Your Destination

J.Q.: All right, so you’ve gotten on the plane, you’ve sat on the plane, you know, you’ve made the time pass, and now you’re actually arriving at the destination. So, you know, this is another area where in a lot of places it will look a little different than you’re used to. But it also depends on where you’re flying. So when I went to Miami, everything was normal. I mean, they didn’t have any extra checks for us to land. I think most of these extra checks would be when you’re arriving in a different country. So, like, when I went to Aruba, they had a very strict entry requirement. So you needed the negative Covid test and then also an additional health screening and temperature check when you landed. So going through customs, it took us about a half an hour, and this was back in August. So, you know, just be prepared in a lot of the Caribbean destinations. I know they’re all doing similar things. So that’s something to keep in mind.

Juliana: Yeah. And in Puerto Rico, I mean, it’s still technically part of the U.S., but you had to get a negative covid test, fill out a form, and then once you land, they said they were going to have your checks, but they actually didn’t. But I think they meant when you walk through these kind of revolving doors, it actually has a heat sensor. So it can kind of tell if someone has a fever, which is a really cool thing, because you don’t have to necessarily wait in a long line, wait to get your temperature checked. And, you know, you can only fit like two or so people through the revolving doors at once. So you really it is like a kind of a slow process of walking through them. But you still make sure, you know, it’s it’s still pretty safe when you you know, you have your negative test, you fill out the forms and you don’t have symptoms. You just get a barcode and then you have that barcode already downloaded on your phone before your flight. And then if you have that, you’re all set and you just walk through kind of these health officials standing there before you leave the airport, you scan your barcode and you’re good to go. 

J.Q.: And, you know, so like Juliana said, if you have everything prepared, you have the document, and you have everything either downloaded on your phone or printed out, you should be all set. So just be prepared. 

Keep listening for more on how to stay safe while traveling during COVID.

Returning to Boston

J.Q.: Yeah, definitely. And now let’s fast forward. So you did your trip. You were on your vacation, and now it’s time to go back to Boston. So what are the kind of steps that you think of when you go back J.Q.?  

J.Q.: Yeah. So this is something to also keep in mind. So for a lot of states, they actually have requirements for state residents who are returning from other places. Right. And for Boston, if you’re returning from one of the they’re calling them like red states. So there are states that have a higher Covid infection rate than Massachusetts does. You have to fill out a health form, and there’s requirements to get tested. So for us, whenever we’re returning, you either have to get tested within three days before coming back to Massachusetts or within three days after your return. So typically what I’ve been doing is I fill out the form before I get on my flight to come home. And I mentioned in there that I’ll get tested when I get back to Massachusetts because it’s usually difficult to find testing in a separate destination. So I just come back, come home quarantine until I get my test result, and then I’m all set. So, you know, again, it’s just being prepared. Different states have different requirements, but it’s I know the states have been very good about actually making that information easy to find and easy to adhere to.

Juliana: Right. And same, you know, when I went to Puerto Rico, same thing. So I just Googled, like, free testing centers near me, you know, especially in Massachusetts. There’s a lot of them. So like Jacqueline said, just be prepared and just make sure you have all the paperwork that you need to be have filled out.

J.Q.: Exactly. So, yeah, traveling during Covid is possible. It’s just you have to be a lot more prepared and kind of more proactive than you would normally. So but as long as you’re prepared, you follow all the guidelines and the rules and restrictions, you should be all set. 

Juliana: All right. That’s all the time we have today on travel babies. Join us next time for our top ten trips we took in 2020. We’ll see you next time. Thanks, J.Q. 

J.Q.: Thanks, Juliana.