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The thought of travel after/during COVID is scary for so many people! But it's exciting to be able to go on holiday again or visit loved ones in another country. This blog is to help you get ready for your next trip!
I have taken about three flights during this pandemic. I traveled when they didn't know what the pandemic was. I also traveled when they knew what pandemic was and had no processes in place. Lastly, I flew once they had got the process into place. So, I have experienced travel at it's most scary. Things are much safer now and there a few things you need to do to/get ready to be able to fly in 2021.
Spare Masks:
The first really important thing is, spare masks. So, I know for a fact that everyone will take a mask with them to go on a flight. However, it's essential to have spare masks because your mask will start getting soggy while you are flying. The reason for this is, you are breathing on it the entire time. Even when I flew from Canada to the UK, I changed my mask four times.
I recommend using the white mask KN99 mask. They are the most protective masks. People were wearing fabric masks, but this is not something I would recommend. Also, the airlines do tell you to wear a medical grade mask.
Get a COVID Test:
COVID tests are the next big change the government has made. I know for the UK that I needed to get a test within 72 hours of flying. Now, this may vary from country to country. So please double-check with your airline provider and the country you're going to how long in advance you need to get your test.
I thought I could get a BC health COVID test. However, that is not the case. I had to get a private clinic to do my test. That cost me a lot of money. When I say a lot of money, I mean $400. The price may vary from clinic to clinic. Google search travel COVID tests in your area and it will show the correct places. Now, bear in mind, you have to go to a specific clinic that gives a travel certificate to fly. So, these travel clinics do make sure that you get your test results within 48 hours. I would recommend going two days before your flight so that you have enough time to get your results. Book as far as you can in advance. I didn't do that. That's why it cost me more money.
You need to have the COVID test result printed out because they don't accept the COVID test result on your phone. You do have to have a physical copy. They let you print it at the information desk, but it's not worth the risk. There are so many things that can go wrong in this situation.
You Need a Plan:
Unlike before, now you need to have a plan when you get to your destination AND/OR for when you come back. Some countries you will need to isolate when you get there and your home country might expect you to isolate when you come back.
I was always lucky when I came to the UK. I was able to quarantine at home, so I didn't need to pay for a quarantined hotel. However, this may not be the case when you travel. Countries, even in the UK, you need to make sure you have a hotel where you can go. Look at the government website of the country you are visiting/coming back to, this will give you an idea of what you need to do next.
I don't know about other countries, but in the UK, if your test comes negative after five days, you are free from isolation. Please keep in mind. You need to pay for these COVID tests.
Beware of the Airline Rules:
Now I don't know if this is similar in other airlines, but I know that they have stopped letting you use the QR code boarding passes in Air Canada. Even though you can check-in online, you do have a few more steps at the airport. So, make sure you reach the airport with plenty of time. You not only need to collect the printed boarding pass, make sure your bags have the correct tags. You also need to make sure you leave them with enough time so that they can check your COVID test result. This is super important because it takes them a little while to do that.
This may vary from airline to airline. With Air Canada, they are still very strict on luggage weight. I was 1kg over in one bag, under 1kg for the other and they made me move my stuff from one bag to another. So make sure you weigh your bag before you go, even though you may think it's not that important anymore. They still charge you if you are overweight, which sucks.
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