Zero part of me was nervous to fly. I was more so extremely curious as to what travel looked like in our social distancing age. At this point, we all have to do a personal risk assessment and move forward with how we feel comfortable – no travel shame included. I recently wrote about the future of travel, and we can only hope summer brings an uptick in travel for the sake of many businesses as well as a flattened curve. I believe in a world where both can exist at the same time with the most precautionary measures in place. Here’s how our travel day went down.
COVID-19 Testing
Anyone who wants a test can get a test in the state of California. I’m grateful for that because at the beginning of the week, Alex and I drove to the nearest testing site to do a nose swab. The test results came back negative! I wanted that peace of mind since I’m visiting my parents in their 60s. The last thing I want to do is put them at risk, especially because I’ve been at protests, outdoor restaurants and around close friends as California begins to open.
Direct Flight
Only one airline operates a direct flight from LAX to Little Rock, and it’s only offered at 6am on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Allegiant isn’t anywhere at the top of my preferred airline list, but I’ll take the direct flight over having a layover at DFW any day. This minimizes the chance of picking up the virus on another plane or contracting it from more travelers.
Uber
I was anxious about the number of operating Ubers at 4:30am in Manhattan Beach during quarantine. I checked availability around 4:15, and the app read 5 minutes. Not bad. Note to self: Don’t rely on that information! I should’ve reserved a car right then and there because when I went back at 4:30 to call one, the Uber didn’t actually arrive until 4:50am. Our flight was at 6am…and baggage cut-off times and I don’t mix very well. Thankfully, Allegiant has a 45 minute cut-off time before flights, so we made it to the airport a little after 5am with about 10 minutes to spare 🙂 Nothing like a little baggage stress to wake you up in the morning!
Shields
We wore a mask in the Uber (as did our driver), and masks are mandatory in the airport. LAX was straight tumbleweeds – hardly any passengers in sight! I filled up my reusable water bottle, stopped by one of those Hudson News stands for some granola bars since nothing else was open and went straight to board with hand sanitizer at every stop. We chose not to wear gloves and didn’t see any other passengers with them on either.
In-flight
We boarded by rows, and it looked like the flight was about 65ish% full with passengers spread out as much as possible. Alex and I headed for the back where the last two rows were completely empty. I knew it was party time once we heard the most beautiful phrase ever: “Flight attendants, prepare for take-off.” Up, up and away! We placed the blowing vents facing downward because ventilation is any travelers main means of control by creating an invisible air barrier that blocks particles. We used hand sanitizer (you can never have enough!) after touching any surface. Beverage service was offered although we opted out. Neither one of us used the restroom on board either. From take-off to touchdown, the 2 hour and 53 minute flight was a breeze.
On the Ground
Aside from extremely high winds swinging our plane like a see-saw upon descent, all is well in Arkansas. Masks are not mandated here which might contribute to the state’s rising COVID cases. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Final Thoughts
All in all, the one-way trip was very pleasant and uneventful. Alex took a nap, and I stared out the window thinking about how good it felt to be back in the friendly skies. I also wrote this blog for your viewing pleasure! We are all still figuring out how to navigate life in this pandemic, but I hope this post helps ease any fear or anxiety about domestic travel right now – although keep in mind we booked an early flight which helped with airport crowds. If you’re a conscious and responsible traveler who takes the precautionary measures and social distances as much as possible…welcome aboard.
This made me smile and teary – eyed all at the same time. It’s been a rough week and this was just the light I needed. I haven’t had one hesitation about getting on plane especially being in the events industry and keeping up to date on all precautions the airlines, hotels, venues, etc. are taking – but this just made me that more ready to travel and see the world again. Thank You!!
This is comforting! I haven’t seen my mom since November and am dying to go see her. Did you notice any children at the airport? I’d love to take my girls to visit my parents in July…
We really didn’t see many people other than the passengers on our flight, but it was very early so having children present could’ve changed as the day went on. I think it would be okay to travel as a family if everyone can be a cautious, responsible traveler!
Thank you for reading and for your support. So many travelers are ready to get back into the skies – both for personal and professional reasons. I’m confident if we all take the necessary precautions including (and especially) staying home when feeling ill, we can make it happen!
Thanks for the Post and Happy Birthday 🎂 to Martha ❤️🧁
Martha Ann Huey Sloan
Thank you – will pass on the well wishes!!
Thanks for the post. Glad to hear it went well & glad you are getting to see your Mama. 🙂
You’re so welcome, thanks for reading and for the well wishes – will pass them on!
Thanks for sharing Lesley! I’m sure everyone is anxious about flying, and those of us who are in the “proof of concept” or “wait and see” groups are grateful for the “early adopters” like yourself. And your willingness to share your experiences. And not surprisingly, your Ariel mask was definitely on point. Oh, and happy bday to your mother!
Thank you, Justin! Really appreciate the message. I hope all is well with you in Oregon – may be taking a road trip up that way this summer. Will have to let you know!
Glad to hear you’re up, up, and away! I laughed when you said Alex had a nap. That’s exactly what happens when we travel. Everyone else naps and I have my nose glued to the window watching the world go by, trying to figure out which towns we are flying over.
Ha! Same 🙂 Great travelers think alike.
Thank you for sharing! Can’t wait to get back to traveling internationally!
You’re welcome! xo
This is so timely and added a sense of relief as I prepare myself to travel domestic here in Canada in a few weeks. I did not choose the early am flight (yikes) but rather early eve. I simply need to arm myself and just go for it. Once I get the first flight in and prob few more,
I will be ready to fly international. I cannot wait! Absolutely love everything about your blog, IG,
yoga classes and yourself and drone pilot. Happy birthday to your mama!
Thank you, Trish! Appreciate the love. Safe travels on your way through Canada and beyond. I can’t wait to cross the border once it opens.
I am so happy for you sweet Lesley. Happy for you and Alex! This made me cry Happy tears. Have a BLAST!! And tell your sweet momma “Happy Birthday” 🎉🎈🎂
Thanks for sharing with us!!!
Annette
(Nette_hunt)
Thank you for the love, Annette! Appreciate you! Will pass along the well wishes.
Thank you so much for posting. My future husband and I are planning on taking our honeymoon soon. I know, it’s a risk, but I can’t imagine not celebrating our marriage!
I’ve been wondering what flying is like these days and don’t have anyone to ask.
I just want to dip my toes in the water anywhere but here and your post makes it seem like a reality! Thanks for the insight… let us know if anything changes on your way back home!
Safe travels on your honeymoon! I know everyone’s travel experiences vary – both now and pre virus – but the early flight and empty airport were on our side.
Thanks for sharing your ‘virgin’ voyage in the Covid19-era skies!
Your calm voice with all the details on the ‘how’ to be a responsible flyer are so helpful and gives me confidence that flying is possible in this new world!!! Enjoy your mama’s birthday celebration 😎!
It’s definitely possible! Thanks for reading and will definitely pass on the well wishes!
I’m flying from Ohio to Alaska in July and while I wouldn’t say I’m scared, or even really nervous, I feel better prepared knowing what to expect at the airport and in flight, so thank you! Line you, I’ll be armed with a mask, hand sanitizer and my own water bottle to travel as safely and responsibly as possible!
Yes! That’s the way to do it. Safe travels to Alaska!
This post was so encouraging to read! My fiancé and I had to postpone our wedding at the end of this month, and as an alternative, our plan was to get married in his parent’s backyard in Phoenix (we live in Missouri). Arizona is seeing a rise in cases, but we know when we get there we will only be at his parents house. The only catch is my parents (61 and 63) are traveling with us. We were most worried about the transmission in the airport and on the plane. This brings a new piece of mind and I so appreciate you taking the time to write a post about it!
The rise in AZ is directly related to the Navajo population Katie and is in a pretty secluded portion of the state! AZ is still really safe overall.
So so sorry about your wedding postponement but wishing you and your groom a beautiful time in AZ!
Hi Lesley. Thanks for the post. Curious as to your thoughts on a Covid test days before your flight making you immune and safe from infecting your parents and others. Are you not concerned about having picked up the virus since the test was taken and during your day of travel? Will you get tested again in Arkansas? Will you stay with your parents or elsewhere? See them only outdoors or indoors as well? I’m trying to navigate the best ways to start seeing family too so all input welcome.
I’m not concerned, no. Alex and I both tested negative less than 24 hours before arriving to Arkansas. We took every precaution we could think of – copious amounts of sanitizer, sat in the back of the plane without any other passengers. Didn’t use the restroom or take beverage service. Seems a little trickier to get a test in Arkansas so no, we didn’t get a test upon arrival. If the state was more liberal with tests like CA, then I would not be opposed to that idea but again, I’m not concerned. States like Alaska are now having passengers show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result obtained 5 days or less prior to arrival. I feel like we made all the right moves so no regrets here.
Loved this recount, Lesley! Would love to see similar posts as you take to the skies again. I’m part of a task force at Airbus on regaining trust in air travel and it’s really valuable to have influencers who are also enthusiasts (like you) share their experiences. A world without air travel is a sad reality so let’s get back to it in the safest and most sustainable way possible!
I completely agree! Many lives and businesses rely on air travel, and I’m a firm believer that if we all take the necessary precautions, we can get back to it while flattening the curve. I believe in a world where both are possible.
Thank you for sharing your experience and giving us all hope. What measures did you take once you arrived at your parents house? Please keep us posted on your return trip. Have a great time with your family!
Washed our hands!
Welcome to Little Rock! You are lucky to have near perfect weather and missed the 200% humidity of last week. 🥵🥵🥵
I heard! xo
I flew domestic recently and when we landed the flight attendant said over the speaker, “in order to maintain social distancing” (as if I hadn’t been elbow to elbow with a stranger for 3 hours) “we’re going to deplane from front to rear.” I still giggle when I think about it – how did they previously deplane?! hahaha
HA! That’s funny. Isn’t that…normal?
I finally get to fly again this coming Wednesday and I couldn’t be more excited. I am headed to California and thankfully have a direct flight from Kansas on Allegiant.