Tips on Flying During the Pandemic

Coronavirus changes everything. And flying is not as simple as before. I know some of us complaining of wearing mask but if you're flying you will have more to complain of. And the rules are endless nowadays. But we must do it. This is our new norms.

So our family had a week holiday in Turkey. Not ideal in this pandemic time but because of my visa run we have to leave.

I was prepared like 3 weeks before our flight. I have to ready everything and make sure I don't forget anything. Me and my son are Philippines passport holder so we have to apply for Turkish visa online. And they send me the copy of my approved visa on my email.

I have done all my research about the place, familiarize myself and learned the dos and don'ts. We stayed at the Garcia Resort Hotel and Spa in Oludeniz, Dalaman. It's all inclusive, we booked it in On the Beach. I will write about it on my next article.

What has changed?

So our airlines (Easyjet) now only allows passenger 1 cabin luggage that means no other carry ons (handbags or backpacks). Everything must be in your luggage and you have to make sure you have the right size as they will asked you to put it in their cabin box and if it doesn't fit then you have to pay extra.

There's a passenger locator form that you must complete upon arrival to your country of destination. You have to provide your journey details, contact details and the address where you staying at. This is relevant for contact tracing still regarding with the virus.

You have to wear your mask in the airport and on the plane. You can take it off if you're eating but must put back on immediately after. Limited food on board so you must be ready to pack your own or best way is to buy from the airport after you go through immigration and security checks. Social distancing is a must. Sanitize as needed.

Everything is contactless so they don't accept cash onboard. They don't accept credit card or prepaid card so make sure you have your debit card with you. You have to queue if you want to use toilet onboard. And if there are 3 on the line you have to sit and wait on your seat. Getting off the aircraft is also a waiting game. Those in front seats get up first and take their things not every passengers at the same time so if you're at the back, just sit back and wait for awhile.

Top Tips for Getting Ready

• First, you must make a checklist of what you need to bring.

• You must read your airlines rules and requirements beforehand. Every airlines has different rules.

• Check your luggage size and weight allowance so you don't get shocked to pay extra.

• Check the weather of the place you are going to make sure you got the right clothes to bring with you.

  (We went to Morocco and pack all our summer clothes and flip-flops only to be welcome by snowy desert.)

• Check your passport if it's not expired or will expired during your holiday period.

• Check if you need visa or if you're one of the visa free country then it's happy days for you!

• Google places that you can go throughout your holiday. It's a waste of opportunity just to stay in the hotel.

Packing

• Don't forget the mask and sanitizer.

• Don't bring the whole wardrobe.

• You don't need to bring towels. Your hotel provides it.

• There are some basic toiletries in almost all the hotels but if you like bringing your own stuff then that's fine.

• Put your important documents into easy access place in your luggage as some airlines not allows you to bring any carry on onboard except from your 1 cabin luggage that you put on your overhead storage.

• If you have kids traveling with you make sure to pack them some sweets and crisps. Download their favorite games and program on phone or tablet and have a headphones ready so they get entertained during the flight.

Everything seems to be more complicated than ever during this pandemic. It's not even easy to travel because of so many restrictions and the thing that you have to isolate after 14 days if you're going to country that is in quarantine list is a no deal for some. But for some that looking forward for a break since lockdown or a holiday that been booked longtime, no matter what the restrictions and isolation might be, they will take the risk and that's alright. We must enjoy and live with or without the coronavirus on our own cautious way!

Thank you for reading.

Have I forget anything? Have you got more tips to add? Please do so, comment below. Cheers!