Part 1
I took the trip – here’s what you need to know when travelling in the time of COVID 19
- The anxiety is real. Before my trip I thought the worst part would be sitting masked up on a plane, desperately avoiding contact with everyone and everything. It’s not.
Let’s start with the second worst part – deciding you are going to confirm your trip and clicking that “confirm” button. Before you do, speak to your travel agent. They can advise you on countries that are open to travellers, and destinations that are taking fully refundable deposits. There are many destinations that have made socially responsible travel possible during these uncertain times, and have gone above and beyond to ensure the financial and personal well-being of their guests. Next, talk to your insurance company and know what is covered in relation to COVID 19, for example you might be exposed to delays in travel due to slow COVID 19 test results, you may even need to book last minute accommodation while you wait, it is also important to determine whether your health or travel insurance will cover complications relating to COVID 19 while travelling abroad. There is a very real chance your travel plans may be affected by the virus, so it is important to do your research and make sure that you are completely covered for any and all eventualities.
Once you have made the decision that you are ready to travel, you will come to deal with the actual scary part – getting the timing right and staying COVID free before your flight. Most airlines require a negative COVID 19 PCR test (rapid tests are not accepted) 96 hours before departure. I recently travelled from Burlington, Vermont to JFK International, New York; where I was due to catch my flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. I found myself wanting, and waiting. I landed in JFK with a six hour layover where I anxiously awaited my test results from the doctor in Burlington. Nothing came. I had planned (and banked) on my test being back 72 hours prior to my departure, as I had read some mixed comments on whether my airline required the negative test to be 72 hours or 96 hours old. I stayed in a New York Airport Hotel for two days waiting on my results. At 90 hours my results arrived in my inbox. Two days of stress, self isolation and wishing I had known better beforehand. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
- The airline staff members are brilliant (I have travelled on both Qatar Airlines and Emirates during these times) talk to them, be patient with them, they have a mountain of new regulations to follow and learn. In my case they gave me clear instructions on who to call to arrange my new flight, what documentation to provide to show that I had in fact taken my COVID 19 test in a timely manner, and that the delayed results were through no fault of my own. Keep your testing documentation on you at all times, if this happens to you, you will need this as proof.
- Your negative test MUST be printed and you must present this physical document to the airline. I arrived back at the JFK Airport with my 90 hour old test in hand, and the airline staff swiftly put me on the next flight without any argument or hassle. They, like me, knew I had no time to spare, and if I missed this flight I would then have to sit for a new test and wait for a new set of results. Airline staff carefully checked each passenger, the date of their tests, their nationalities and what documentation they required at their specific destinations (be aware that some countries require a negative COVID 19 test, even if you are just transiting through the airport). I suggest arriving a little earlier than usual for your flight – be prepared and be patient, these times call for it.
- Check-in lounges are ghost towns. Most of the shops are closed, some even for good. Food stations are limited, so pack your own snacks. Seating is separated and chairs are cordoned off to ensure social distancing regulations are adhered to. Fellow travellers keep to themselves, behind their masks they avoid eye contact and are wary to return your gesture of smiling eyes. Again, a sign of the times.
- Only travellers are allowed into airports, and you can expect to have your temperature taken upon entering the building. I took some comfort in knowing that everyone who sat around me had been screened. But asymptomatic cases and false negatives are a possibility, so this is no reason to relax on your awareness towards your own personal safety and taking the required measures to maintain it.
- Airlines are ready! Each passenger is issued a safety kit on board the plane – masks, visors, gloves and hand sanitizers are provided to each passenger (it is also worth packing your own as a back up and for use in the airport before boarding). Use these items they will help keep you and your fellow passengers safe during your travels. Travel does not need to be a threat if you remain responsible at all times.
- Planes are constantly cleaned and the flight attendants keep watch, reminding passengers to adhere to safety regulations. From behind their hazmat suits and visors they tend to each passenger carefully and politely. I thank them for their kindness and willingness to keep travel open.
- Temperature and negative COVID tests will be checked on arrival. The regard for health and safety is constant. Before passing through customs you can expect your temperature to be taken and your test results to be examined. You will also need to fill out an entry form with your contact details. Should the country you have entered become aware of any possible exposures during your flight, you will be contacted on these details. Some countries may even ask that you download their COVID 19 Tracking Apps. Once you are through, baggage collection is standard and away you go to meet your loved ones or travel assistant outside the airport.
Southern Africa is desperate to have travel restored and we would like to assure our guests that our selected destinations are ready and prepared to welcome you and keep you safe during your stay.
Welcome back to travel!
