In light of the vaccine, more and more people are finding themselves feeling a little better about taking a vacation or accepting a destination wedding invitation to see a close friend get married. I very happily took my first trip since the pandemic this past week and had a firsthand look at how airlines and hotels are doing their part to keep their passengers and customers safe. To make your travel plans go more smoothly, you will want to adjust your expectations. (at least for the time being). Refer to my 2021 Travel Etiquette tips below.
2021 Travel Etiquette: The Airport Experience
The airport was busy. There is no lack of food stations to buy a burger, doughnut or coffee. Not to mention plenty of travelers to support the friendly skies. People were asked to social distance every step of the way, in lines, when seated and when boarding the plane. Mask rules were strictly enforced and I found most people were more than happy to oblige. I suggest packing a carry on rather than checking your luggage to make the trip go more smoothly. Dress in layers because the plane is either too hot or too cold. Better to peel layers off rather than get stuck wearing a thermal t-shirt in a hot airport, waiting to board your next flight to chillier weather.
The Flight
To avoid large lines (and crowds), bring a variety of healthy snacks with you to enjoy ahead of your flight. Buy a bottle of water in the terminal when you get to the other end of security so you won’t be at the mercy of the already overworked flight attendant. When you board, you may likely be given a sanitizer packet. Use it to clean your hands and personal seating area. Be sure to include the armrests, seat belt buckle, and any other high touch area. I always carry extra wipes and use them liberally throughout my entire trip. A habit I have always exercised, even pre-Covid. My hands are a wreck by the time I get home, but that is why it’s also important to pack a good moisturizing hand cream.
Be the last to board the plane rather than the first if possible. If you are concerned about crowds on the plane, boarding the plan last will allow you to have less opportunity for idling in line and congestion while people are trying to get their bags in the bins and find their seat number. The downside is you may not have a space for your bag by the time you get to your seat. The upside is you will be given the opportunity to check your bag from the plane if space is a premium.
To ease your mind, most airlines use HEPA filters (high-efficiency particle air filters) that remove 99.97% of airborne particles. I flew American and they use an EPA-approved electrostatic sprayer to sanitize the inside of the cabin. According to Business Insider Delta, United and American are “fogging” their plans to keep them safe for travel.
2021 Travel Etiquette: Public Transportation
It goes without saying, there will be an opportunity to expose yourself to germs all along the way. But public transportation is one of the necessary evils to get to your hotel. Taxis, subways and rideshares are doing their part to keep their customers safe. Keep your masks on and do your best to social distance. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can lower a window for fresh air in a cab or Uber. And wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as possible after you arrive at your destination.
2021 Travel Etiquette: The Hotel Experience
My hotel experience is where I was temporarily taken by surprise. While I completely understand the changes, it was a small jolt (and big relief at the same time) to see warnings and signs discreetly plastered all over the hotel. Elevator etiquette during Covid dictates you allow a family to travel the elevator alone or let a single person go to their room or lobby and wait for the next car. This did NOT happen, and several times people from different pods would load on the elevator without blinking an eye. If this happens, feel free to pop off and take the next elevator or the stairs if you are capable. If you are on a particularly high floor, your best option is to wait for the next elevator car.
Some hotel restaurants are still closed for business. The one where I stayed was opening their beautiful restaurant back up the following week. Sad to have missed the lovely outdoor dining experience. Rooftop bars are a great option if you want to get out and about but don’t want to be seated indoors. Anywhere you plan to go, make sure to make your reservations well in advance. Limited seating means long waits without a reservation.
Hotel Amenities
Robes, housekeeping, valet service and special amenities may be curtailed right now. I made a reservation at one hotel and decided to leave after staying one night as it was stripped from most of the features I consider a necessity. We moved to another hotel which still offered robes, plenty of towels, limited housekeeping and a morning coffee station in the lobby. An important etiquette tip is to ask in advance so there are no surprises. A morning coffee bar, or coffee shop in (or near) the hotel, is a “must” on my travel list.
The fitness center may be temporarily closed or by reservation only. Mini bars have been removed in most hotels along with full service daily housekeeping. If you need something, however, don’t hesitate to ask. Make sure and tip accordingly.
Pack Your Patience
Travel right now is not the same. The front desk and concierge will probably greet you with a mask and a smile (you can see by looking at their eyes) from behind a plexiglass window. The mask mandate will be strictly enforced and you will be kindly reminded to put your mask on if you accidentally walk through the door without one after your morning stroll or afternoon shopping trip. Spa treatments will be limited and you will keep your mask on for most services. Indulge yourself with room service, if they offer it. Or order takeout if you prefer to social distance at the hotel. Don’t forget to be kind to fellow guests and hotel employees. It’s a difficult time and kindness goes a long way when we are all getting accustomed to venturing out with restrictions once again.
For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Travel Etiquette: Preparing Now for a Post Pandemic Adventure. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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