What do we know about Covid-19 protocols for international air travel right now? Things are pretty fluid that’s for sure! Protocols for travelers entering the Eastern Caribbean where I live are quite strict across the board. A negative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result and vent-free face coverings are required to board commercial airlines. Upon arrival, tourists (as well as residents) are required to fill out paperwork regarding where they will be accommodated and quarantine is mandatory for all travelers– residents and visitors alike.
Travel between the Caribbean and the US is not restricted, at least up until November this year. In early December 10 US states were identified as Covid-19 hotspots– of course, this is no surprise to anyone! An increase in the numbers of infected cases was the expected fallout of the Thanksgiving weekend travel spike. There were no restrictions placed on interstate travel previously but, by December 11th the situation changed drastically. According to this article published by USA Today, US interstate travel guidelines have become more stringent. Some states are now requiring mandatory quarantine or a negative Covid-19 test result. This is a bit like closing the stable doors after the horse had escaped right?
To mask or not to mask?
I gather that wearing a mask is not mandated in the majority of the 10 states mentioned. While there are ongoing arguments for and against wearing masks, I can’t help but notice that the states where masks are mandated happen to have lower numbers of infected cases. Will travelers from the US be refused entry to other countries if infected numbers continue to escalate into January 2021? Who knows? As it stands, the US and most other countries have banned travel from the following locations indefinitely:
- China
- Iran
- European Schengen area (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City)
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Republic of Ireland
- Brazil
This was my recent travel experience
To put this all into context, let me tell you about my experience. In November I set off on my annual birthday getaway, traveling from Antigua and Barbuda to Flagstaff Arizona Via Miami. American Airlines required only that I wear a vent-free face covering for the duration of the flight. At the first point of entry to the US in Miami, there were no special requirements beyond keeping my mask on. I overnighted in Miami and departed for Flagstaff via Dallas the following day.
I arrived in picturesque Flagstaff in the early afternoon on Sunday November 22nd and met with my best friend and travel buddy Lyn. We spent my birthday exploring the magnificent Grand Canyon followed by a quiet celebratory dinner at a delightful Mediterranean restaurant. I noticed that everyone wore masks unless they were eating or drinking – even while walking outdoors. We retired that night with plans to set out early the next day for a leisurely sightseeing tour of Sedona. I also needed to get my Covid PCR test done since I had to have results for my return to Antigua.
After a hearty breakfast on Tuesday November 24th, we set out for Walgreens to get my Covid test done. I waited in line at the counter and when it was finally my turn, I explained that I was there to get a Covid-19 PCR test done. The pharmacist told me that the drive-thru must be used for Covid-19 testing. I explained that I am visiting and I do not have a car. I inquired whether there was some other way for me to get the test done. He told me ‘sorry ma’am, the test is only offered at the drive-thru.’ As you can imagine, this seemed quite ludicrous to me! I was right there, why couldn’t he just administer the test?
The testing process
I stumped away in frustration grumbling that ‘they’ were making it difficult for people to get tested yet ‘they’ complained about increasing numbers of infected cases. After much deliberation, we decided that our only option was to get an Uber. The Uber driver was intrigued by our unexpected request but was very helpful after we explained the situation. I was relieved, this was turning out to be quite easy after all I thought. We drove up to the service window and the pharmacist (the same one I spoke with previously) informed me that he could not do the test because he was about to go on his lunch break!
I lost it! I was so frustrated that I all but snarled at the poor man! he stared at me in surprise for a moment then politely asked for my ID and insurance details. He patiently walked me through how to do the nasal swab and drop the sample into the collection receptacle. When I had completed the process, he explained that I will receive my results in 2-3 business days. I thanked him profusely and we drove off to finally resume our adventure. When our Uber driver asked, ‘where to?’ I quickly said, ‘Sedona please!”
After a few glorious, fun-filled days my friend and I said our goodbyes on November 25th. She departed to New York and I departed to Miami where I planned to overnight before leaving for Antigua the following day. I had created my online account to receive my test result as instructed and I assumed I would receive it that night. Alas, when I arrived in Miami my results were still not ready so I canceled my flight and extended my hotel stay.
The following day I ventured out to the mall intending to a pickup a few essentials and grab a hot lunch. It wasn’t until the Uber driver greeted me with ‘Happy Thanksgiving!” that it dawned on me – it was a holiday! Of course, the mall was closed but since I still had to eat, I asked my driver to take me to Bayside instead. I ate the thanksgiving special at The Knife and spent the afternoon idly wandering around the Bayside Marketplace and Bayside Park. It was a gorgeous day to do it too!
Two – three business days
It became obvious that my results would not be posted until after the holiday weekend so I resigned myself to staying put until Tuesday. My Vacation was officially over the Friday after Thanksgiving but since I was scheduled to work at home it only meant that I had to be up early. I extended my hotel stay to Tuesday but I did not re-book my flight, I figured I had better not tempt faith. On Monday evening I finally received my negative test result – yay! I immediately called American Airlines but the only available flight to Antigua was on Wednesday, December 2nd. All in all, I spent a total of 8 nights in Miami because of the Thanksgiving Holiday!
This was my experience but the situation is constantly evolving. Labs are inundated which makes the processing time longer depending on where you are but, the good news is that more testing sites are becoming available every day. On November 18th JetBlue Airlines began to offer testing for their passengers in JFK Terminal 5. From December 12th American Airlines requires pre-flight at-home testing and if all else fails you can also get tested at some international airports.
What do we know about Covid-19 protocols for international air travel right now?
Things are still pretty fluid, my advice to travelers is – find out what the entry requirements are for your particular travel destination before you fly. Bear in mind that while a rapid (Antigen) test may be acceptable for some destinations, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is required for others. Be prepared to spend a few days in quarantine – or maybe longer if (God forbid) you test positive. Once you board your flight, keep your mask on, avoid touching your face, and avoid close proximity to others. If you feel uncomfortable sitting next to someone, ask to be relocated (especially if they are coughing or not wearing their mask correctly).
Happy Holidays!
Above all, whether you decide to travel (or not) be mindful. Stay in your bubble, remember that your loved ones who are elderly or have underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. If you must host holiday gatherings indoors ensure you limit numbers so everyone can spread out. In the grand scheme of things, its better to be safe then sorry. Leave a comment below if you had a different experience traveling recently. The information may be helpful for someone in a similar situation. Happy holidays from my bubble to yours!
