Have you flown recently?

[Clarinet]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.

[dewilson58]

Depends on the airline. Some are keeping the middle seats empty, some are not.


I don't think the airports are bad at all................just the plane.


How far of a drive??

[Stu from NYC]

Good friends just flew north to visit family and due back later this week.

My wife and I were discussing whether we need to keep extra distance when we see them on their return.

Have to worry about the flying and their activities on their trip.

[billethkid]

Good friends just flew north to visit family and due back later this week.

My wife and I were discussing whether we need to keep extra distance when we see them on their return.

Have to worry about the flying and their activities on their trip.

Do not compromise all the careful actions taken to date.
The friends will be in an environment of opportunity for contracting the virus and should be treated as such.
If they really are good friends they will understand.

[BS Beef]

I have flown 4 times and have yet to have an issue or concern. Southwest on 3 and American on the other. Airports are San Juan, Costa Rica, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Fl, Atlanta, and Columbus, Oh. Ft. Lauderdale was the only one that gave us any pause. It was very early on and the airport was pack (as well as the plane). Since then All airports and all planes have felt very safe and very comfortable. Southwest leaves the center seat open and board 10 at a time. It has gone very smoothly as the planes are rarely over 1/2 full. I have 3 times seen the cleaning crew come into the plane to get it turned around for the next flight. It is a completely separate crew than the flight crew. They go over it VERY thoroughly. We still wipe down our area and use hand sanitizer but after seeing how seriously they take it I'm not sure that's a necessary step.

I will say I agree with others on here who say you have to do what you think is best for you and your family. I'm just sharing what our experience has been.

[Aloha1]

I've flown 3 times since mid May, all on Delta, Orlando/Detroit .No worries whatsoever. DL sanitizes the plane after every flight, only fills to 60% capacity, no middle seats, and masks are mandatory. Go for it.

[Clarinet]

I have flown 4 times and have yet to have an issue or concern. Southwest on 3 and American on the other. Airports are San Juan, Costa Rica, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Fl, Atlanta, and Columbus, Oh. Ft. Lauderdale was the only one that gave us any pause. It was very early on and the airport was pack (as well as the plane). Since then All airports and all planes have felt very safe and very comfortable. Southwest leaves the center seat open and board 10 at a time. It has gone very smoothly as the planes are rarely over 1/2 full. I have 3 times seen the cleaning crew come into the plane to get it turned around for the next flight. It is a completely separate crew than the flight crew. They go over it VERY thoroughly. We still wipe down our area and use hand sanitizer but after seeing how seriously they take it I'm not sure that's a necessary step.

I will say I agree with others on here who say you have to do what you think is best for you and your family. I'm just sharing what our experience has been.
This is very reassuring. I thank you for your reply and now have a good deal better feeling about whether we will fly or not.

[davem4616]

we're not flying, until there's a vaccine

there doesn't seem to be a 14 day quarantine in FL like there is in other states

I'd drive...as you just don't know who or where the other folks on the plane have been

hotels are doing their best to clean the rooms between guests

just my 2 cents

[EdFNJ]

We just did a 5 day (2-1-2) quick round trip drive to NJ. Cancelled our flights because American Airlines didn't block middle seats. Hotels were cheap and gas was cheap and not a single toll until we hit Virginia. Delta , Southwest, and JetBlue leave the middle seat empty. JetBlue has committed to the empty seats through the end of July. Southwest and Delta have said the policy will be in effect through Sept. 30. Of course IF things go bad again which seems to be expected in the fall the flights may again be empty (or cancelled).

[Two Bills]

I haven't, but my brother has.
His comment was that if you are happy shopping in a supermarket, you will have no problem flying.
In his opinion there were more stringent precuation at airports, and the planes are sanitised between trips.
The air quality is at a far higher standard on the plane, than any supermarket or shop.
He felt quite comfortable at all times, and the fares are cheap!!

[Rwirish]

Florida is the epicenter of the virus. Why would you fly or drive to Florida in the Fall?

[Henryfrakl]

Have flown Jet Blue and Southwest both were excellent for cleanliness and distancing of passengers and keeping masks on plane. My son flew Spirit and every seat was full and he said once seated most took of masks and nothing was said by attendants.

[pvetrano1]

One suggestion. If you can afford it, fly first class. My wife and I got on the plane last and off the plane first. The airport was no problem at all. Masks and social distancing.

[Mimi0808]

Just recently flew for work to Chicago and to Tennessee, everyone wearing masks, safe distance seating on the planes and the line at the checkpoint in the airport small, found no inconvenience whatsoever and everyone very cautious of the situation we are going through.

[crash]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.

We flew to Virginia on Jet Blue who does not book the middle seat. They require a mask and both Orlando and Richmond required masks and social distancing. Every row was full so no social distancing involved. They requested everyone remain seated until the rows in front of them exited but of course quite a few people paid little attention to that.

We are flying again at the end of August.

[DecaturFargo]

Some planes (not United or American) are not booking the 3rd seat, BUT it only takes one person on a flught to try to take a mask stance by removing it and ranting and raving about his constitutional rights, which has happened multiple times. Then you've been exposed to that person. They may or may not have the virus. Florida's numbers are soaring. We here don't want outsiders coming in and pitentially bringing the virus with them. Unless you've been tested the day of your flight and received negative results, please don't come here.

[Girlcopper]

Florida is the epicenter of the virus. Why would you fly or drive to Florida in the Fall?
Exactly

[matandch]

Cabin air on most planes is completely exchanged by being filtered and mixed with 50% clean outside air every 3-4 minutes.

[arlenandsusan]

I just flew home yesterday. I also flew 10 days ago. I would absolutely not be afraid to fly. Everyone wears masks. The air is recirculated and hepa filtered every two hours. The airlines really need the business. And I am living through this thing believing that hyper fear over everything about this virus is not the way to be. I try to live my life as normal as possible, but using wisdom and common sense.

[dcurrie947]

I flew a couple weeks ago Allegiant Airlines Sanford to Appleton WI & return. Only thing different is wearing a mask in the airports & on the planes. Planes were packed, airports busy.

[tallmanf]

Flew Spirit plan was full. They required masks and made sure they were worn over mouth and nose. Plane was clean on boarding.

[sooziesoul]

I flew 2 weeks ago from Maine on Southwest. Had to wear a mask. We were spaced apart, every other seat. Very easy and I felt very safe.

[sborlove]

Southwest is keeping the middle seat clear. They change the cabin filter each flight for more safety. They have the safest protocol right now. The airports are a bit different since they do not require the masks to be worn. Stay your distance and wear a mask and you should be great and safe on your flight. Minimize the time your actually in the airports since a few non believers are there.

[Kilmacowen]

I just flew on Jet Blue Sunday. Plane was more than 1/2 empty. Everyone was required to wear a mask unless eating. Boarded back to front. Used restroom before boarding. I felt safe, my mask has a hepa filter.

[Garwood1]

All of Florida is not the epicenter south Florida is a problem

[daca55]

If your not flying until the fall what is going on now May be very different then agree months from now. Hopefully it will be even better than it is now. Make your reservations now and make sure you will get a refund if you cancel. Then check to see how things are a few weeks before you leave. More than likely it will be about the same and with what the airlines are doing now you will be fine,

[billethkid]

Florida is the epicenter of the virus. Why would you fly or drive to Florida in the Fall?

Incorrect!!!
Miami is the focus in "the state of Florida".
That is exactly how the media prefers to create a more scary impression than actually exists.

Why would anyone dump the entire state because of one specific area?

[Villagesgal]

The airport and planes were fine, flew to the West Coast, paid more for a direct flight. The problem was the drive back to the Villages on the airport shuttle. There was a man coughing and hacking away the entire trip home. We asked the driver to open windows to get fresh air circulation and he said NO. We asked this man to put on a mask, he said he couldn't cough with a mask on and said it was just a cold. He flew back from LA. We were all very uncomfortable. We self quarantined and both came down with a fever, cough, the runs, were totally exhausted and ached all over. Our dr. said to stay home unless things got worse. It took almost 3 weeks to feel OK again. My point here is, the plane and airport were fine, the ride from airport to the Villages was not. Rent a car at the airport for 1 day and drop it off the next day here in the Villages, it costs about the same or less and is much safer. We will do that next time.

[donfey]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.

Wife and I flew Illinois to Sanford and back a few days later on Alllegiant. The airport wasn’t crowded and the airplanes were clean. Crew wore masks, as did most of the passengers - until seated. Separation was good because plane wasn’t full. Good to ask others because, if you’re getting your direction from “the news,” your misinformed. Only YOU can keep yourselves safe, and only you should decide what’s best for you.

[kelci]

We flew from Virginia on Spirit on back on JetBlue. No problem with either airline. Middle seats were empty except for a couple families. Masks mandatory. They boarded by rows allowing time between groups so no one was standing in the aisles. Airports were pretty empty. Security screening maintained social distancing as well. I would not hesitate to do it again.

[riamd1954]

My friend just drove up no quarantine and no check points ! So did my friends family! It’s a bs Cuomo is trying to stop people from coming up !

[DannoMac]

Flew up to MA last week. Traffic to and within the airport very light. Everyone wearing masks. Flew Jet Blue and flight was not even 1/2 full. Planes were clean and we brought our own disenfectant wipes as a precaution. Felt safe. I’ve attached a couple of pics from inside the plane.

[2newyorkers]

Flew back to NY 3 weeks ago on Frontier. Everyone had to wear masks the entire flight. Plane was about 2/3 full. They did announce they are using hepa air filters. The longest lines at Orlando airport were at food courts because only half of restaurants are open.

[Daneenmarie]

I fly on Southwest Airlines every week and feel just fine. Boarding is done in groups of 10 to keep social distancing. Middle seats are kept open. Cleaning crews come on each flight and completely sanitize the entire plane including seatbelts, tray tables, seats, overhead bins, call button and light switches. Flight crews do a modified beverage service to adhere to social distancing recommendations , the air in the cabin is exchanged with outside air every three minutes, masks are required...If you’re not afraid to go to Publix you should not be afraid to get on an airplane!

[tamidolls]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.
My son came from NH to visit us last month and he said there was 17 people on the flight, and even less a week later when he flew home.

[sdos0106]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.

I worked for a major airline and although the aircraft is disinfected between flights, it is still a cause for alarm. You may bring sterile wipes and clean all surfaces especially the tray, but remember someone was probably sitting in the seat you have a few minutes before. On all modern aircraft, passengers and crew breathe a mixture of fresh and recirculated air. If someone has symptoms it's very possible you may be exposed. Also, as someone has said, you need to quarantine for two weeks.

[NJRICHARD]

We flew United, middle seats empty, airport and check through easy, place very clean (Newark) everyone had a mask. IMO as safe as it can get, this virus has become a political foot ball and AGAIN IMO if a vaccine is made without at LEAST a 5 yr test to see if it has any UNINTENDED consequences it would be like playing Russian roulette to take it!

[Alaska Butch]

I just flew in and out of Orlando to see Mom. No problem. Bring a mask. Had to wear it the whole flight.

[Marylynn]

Won’t you need a car when you get here anyway?

[jerseyvillager]

Flew Spirit MCO-ACY beginning of month. Plane about 90% full, no social distancing, everyone wearing masks.

[Oceancouple]

Our grandkids flew from California to Orlando and stayed 16 days. My wife back to California with one child and returned within 5 days. Our other grandchild flew from Orlando to Virginia to Camp and returned to California within one week. No problems just follow all health requirements required.

[Siegfried]

Don't fly. Fresh air is ducted into aircraft from the outside via the engines, where it is compressed, then cooled when piped through the wings. Air at altitude has a considerably lower oxygen content. Cabin air is piped through the highly touted HEPA filter. This filter blocks all particles in the air 0.13 microns or larger. The problem is COVID 19 is measured in nano microns (1,000 times smaller). I'm a former airline pilot and I don't fly.

[bjp1673]

Inside Edition did a story on 3 high end hotels and ever one had issues with sheets not being changed, remotes for TV’s, towel, door knob, etc not being cleaned. We drive from PA to Florida every year. We use to drive straight through, but with some back and leg issues we have stopped the last two years about halfway. If and when we go down this year we will drive straight through.

[Aloha1]

Florida is the epicenter of the virus. Why would you fly or drive to Florida in the Fall?

Miami-Dade is the Florida "epicenter", not TV.

[Willow&Darla]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.


I flew to Baltimore last month and had no issue, but wear your face mask the entire time plus carry lots of hand sanitizers and wipes. I am planning to go back to MD again next month. It's up to you.

[PhilipB]

Avoid United. On a flight to Denver they packed us in. I hear that Delta and Southwest treat you better.

[Hifred]

You need to see what the rate of infection is then. If you have a preexisting condition, you are better off to stay put until there is a vaccine and don't fly or drive if you will need to be stopping to sleep at hotels or eat in restaurants. Why risk it, especially when the numbers are as high as they are. Covid 19 is contagious. Respiratory droplets are trapped for several hours indoors after a person sheds them. Airports, planes, restaurants and hotels, stores etc. are not the best place to be because there are a lot of people in an indoor space. If you do have to be in one of these crowded indoor places you should wear a mask and face shield. I do know a person who flew on a plane with a mask and got Covid. There is speculation that it entered through their eyes because he did not have a face guard. You have to make your own risk assessment. I have a history of heart and lung surgery so I wouldn't take the chance but you might. If you do wash your hands often, keep your eyes protected by wearing a face shield and a mask and try to hear to social distance rule avoiding crowded areas then hopefully you will be safe.

[gregcharlesnelson@gmail]

My wife fly to Bozeman, MT from Orlando last Saturday. The airport was NOT busy and she wore a mask and shield. No problems..so far

[kendi]

Husband has flown a couple of times on Delta and Frontier. Middle seat was open. But you still have people in close proximity behind and in front. Most wore masks but they come off when drinks/snacks are served. At other random times as well. Some airlines have announced they will no longer keep the middle seat empty but I don’t recall the start date for this.

[Freeda]

I would not fly now not only because of covid, but because TSA is now allowing bottles of highly flammable hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in size (versus 3.4 ounce limit for all other liquids - and that 3.4 ounce rule started after 9/11 over safety / terrorism concerns) to be taken on board into the passenger compartment. You are also allowed to take matches and lighters in the passenger compartment.

[DeanFL]

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ZERO (0) appeal to get on a plane to go ANYWHERE. Let alone the trip to/from the airports, waiting at the airports, etc etc.

We had reservs to travel to CA<>WA<>MO<>NH this June to visit kids & grandkids. Canceled all flights in mid-May when it was apparent it would be unsafe for folks at our age et al.

Then had flights booked to go to WA state in August to help with 2 grand daughters - canceled 2 weeks ago, as the Virus etc flared.

We had a Mediterranean cruise booked for Oct 2020 - cancelled that.

ONLY way we would chance to get on an airplane for a while is IF it was our private Gulfstream - to the airport in our private limo - traveling to our private island.
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[chrssyb40@aol.com]

We would rather NOT sleep on beds, use motel bathrooms, touch gas pumps and eat at restaurants that could be contaminated by thousands who travel. We figured the probability of getting sick was much higher on a 2-day car trip vs. a 3 hour flight. We also would not want to sleep in exactly the same spot as hundreds of other potentially contaminated travelers vs. wearing a mask for a few hours.

[B-flat]

We would rather NOT sleep on beds, use motel bathrooms, touch gas pumps and eat at restaurants that could be contaminated by thousands who travel. We figured the probability of getting sick was much higher on a 2-day car trip vs. a 3 hour flight. We also would not want to sleep in exactly the same spot as hundreds of other potentially contaminated travelers vs. wearing a mask for a few hours.

Great point! I recently faced traveling 2 days by car 1 night in a hotel or a 2 hour 40 minute flight to New England. Only 50 on the Southwest Air Flight I sat alone and no one sat near me in the back of the plane.

[kaydee]

I have a flight booked to fly into Providence RI mid August...spend time with kids & grandchildren in Weymouth, MA. I am so apprehensive about going. Anyone know of restrictions for that area?

[Bruce03]

I've flown 3 times since mid May, all on Delta, Orlando/Detroit .No worries whatsoever. DL sanitizes the plane after every flight, only fills to 60% capacity, no middle seats, and masks are mandatory. Go for it.

Thank you for providing names of airlines and the steps they are taking. My daughter is moving from Washington state and we are debating the safest way to fly, or, if the safest way flying is not safe enough, to find a different way. Comments without specifics are hard to evaluate and once we buy our ticket and board the plane, it's too late to change plans if the plane is not healthy. Anyone flown Jet Blue lately?

[TFordos]

I would not fly! Drive! We drove to The Villages from Arizona, then to Michigan, and back. No Problems. Wear a mask at the gas station, pay at the pump, and wear glove to hold handle.

[Stu from NYC]

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ZERO (0) appeal to get on a plane to go ANYWHERE. Let alone the trip to/from the airports, waiting at the airports, etc etc.

We had reservs to travel to CA<>WA<>MO<>NH this June to visit kids & grandkids. Canceled all flights in mid-May when it was apparent it would be unsafe for folks at our age et al.

Then had flights booked to go to WA state in August to help with 2 grand daughters - canceled 2 weeks ago, as the Virus etc flared.

We had a Mediterranean cruise booked for Oct 2020 - cancelled that.

ONLY way we would chance to get on an airplane for a while is IF it was our private Gulfstream - to the airport in our private limo - traveling to our private island.
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Can I fly your private plane. Been wanting to fly for awhile now.

[Mikey Osmond]

No. The last time I flew was last October.

[Spikearoni]

We are debating flying versus driving to the Villages in the Fall. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer on what you experienced re: safety, social distancing, etc on both the aircraft and the airports you were in. At this time the news concerns us enough so we want to make a safe decision.

A couple of days ago,Dr. Fauci said he would not fly at the present time. This year, my husband and I decided to forego our annual summer flight to our Maine "home away from home". We miss it tremendously but felt it isn't worth the risk, not only in the plane, but in the airport as well. I hope that helps you make a decision but in the long run, you need to decide based on your comfort level and health risks.

[queasy27]

I would not fly! Drive! We drove to The Villages from Arizona, then to Michigan, and back. No Problems. Wear a mask at the gas station, pay at the pump, and wear glove to hold handle.

Where did you go to the bathroom? My main concern would be using public facilities.

[SharonW]

Just few to Charlotte and back from Orlando on American. No problems.

[cologal]

We have flown 2 times in the recent past. Flew to Arizona to look at a new winter home. Flew back from Portland after delivery of a car to a relative and we will fly again back to Florida so that we can vote and put the TV home up for sale.