Do Americans realize we went from having one of the strongest passports in the world to one of the weakest? We went from flying almost everywhere without issue or visa requirements to being locked out almost everywhere? Is anyone else embarrassed by that besides me?
Travel is forever changed because of COVID-19. It would be naive to think we’re going to go back to “how it was.” Not only do international destinations have restrictions to keep Americans out, but states are doing it as well. Negative COVID test results, 14-day self-quarantine, temperature checks, and masks are just a few things that are here to stay.
ATL, JAX, and SAN require masks throughout the terminals. I’m sure most all airports will follow suit if they haven’t already, but these are the only airports I’ve been to the last 4 months… unfortunately :(
Do I really think this piece of cloth that’s not medically graded is filtering the water vapor coming out of my mouth effectively? Probably not. But, will I wear it to comply with the requirements of Delta and the airport, so I can board airplanes? 100%.
When there’s a vaccine, I’m going to bet documentation showing immunization will be required to enter some countries and states. Certain countries already do this for yellow fever.
Temperature checks at border crossings have become more common with facial recognition technology. Masks have been common in Asian countries for years and are now required on all airlines. Delta could ban you for life if you refuse to wear a mask. (If you have a health note from a doctor stating you cannot wear a mask, then Delta will require a remote doctor screening at the airport. That is, if you choose to travel, which they encourage you not to.)
Empty bays all over the airport - even on a holiday weekend.
Departing flights in Atlanta are still at ~1/3 normal operation. July 4th weekend had additional flights, but nothing like a “normal” day in ATL.
Think about it, one TSA agent tested positive for COVID and shut down the Atlanta airport security gate. Now, image a flight attendant tests positive. Delta will cancel that flight. Delta is barely operating as it is. Flight attendants and pilots will be out of work for that rotation. Your travel plans will be canceled with limited flight options to reschedule. Is it worth it to you to wear a mask, wash your hands, and social distance, so you don’t shut down the busiest airport in the world?
First class can still board when they want; otherwise, it’s from the back to the front to limit passenger contact.
Sanitizing after every flight is a new Delta requirement. Not all airlines are practicing this, but Delta is taking extra precautions to make passengers feel safe.
Sky Clubs have adopted partition walls to encourage social distancing.
So, what is the new normal? Masks, Social Distancing, Limited Contact, Constant Sanitization.
We already know Delta is limiting their cabin service (if you read my last post), so passengers do not take off their masks during flight. However, they did start serving booze again to First Class and Comfort+.
The beer and wine selection is limited to single serve options that do not have ice handled by the flight attendants.
They’ve also brought back “meals” to First Class that are not touched by the flight attendants.
Hotels are using similar precautions through contactless check-in, no room service, no daily cleanings, and proof of room sterilizations. Why? Because if one guest claims they got Covid at a hotel, then the hotel will shutdown, and their limited staff will be out of work… again. They’re also limiting their liability in our sue-happy society by ensuring guests feel safe.
All electronics had stickers proving they were sanitized.
Housekeeping encouraged guests not to allow entry by providing meals to local communities.
Maybe you’re not interested in travel, in which case, why are you here? But, this same logic applies to your local neighborhood. Restaurants and bars are barely scraping by. If someone tests positive, they have to shut down for 14 days. Or file for bankruptcy. If you’re not interested in complying, stay home, so you don’t ruin it for the rest of us. Or, exercise your rights and get kicked off the island anyway.
For all the freedom fighters out there, you’re on the wrong side of history. Remember when we could smoke on planes, but then second-hand smoke became a concern? Remember when we could wear shoes through TSA, but then the shoe-bomber screwed that up? Remember when we could bring water and liquids through security until those ingredients were turned into a bomb? Masks and social distancing are here to stay. This is the new normal. Get used to it.