In recent weeks, I’ve been helping clients with holiday travel plans and I consistently hear the same question. Is it safe to fly? As the holidays quickly approach, I thought it was a perfect opportunity write a blog article aimed at helping you decide whether to fly for an upcoming trip, the best time to book holiday flights, tips for booking a flight, and what to expect if you do fly in the coming months.
When is the best time to book holiday flights?
According to travel site, Hopper, in their annual holiday guidance report, the best time to monitor and book flights is mid-October and you should book your Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday trips by Halloween.
Are prices going to be lower this year?
Yes, prices will be lower, but for a limited time. Hopper and others industry websites suggest that flight prices are lower this year, as much as 40% lower, than last year’s flight prices. The best prices can be booked by Halloween, but prices will increase the most two weeks before travel.
Book flights even if you’re not sure if your plans may change
If you are still not sure if you will be comfortable traveling for the holiday, book anyway with carriers that have flexible cancellation or change policies. Several US airlines including Southwest, United, Delta, American, and Alaskan do not have or have abandoned change fees (at least for a period of time). If you book soon with one of these airlines, you have secured the lowest fare and are don’t have to worry about any unexpected travel plan changes – the best of both worlds.
Book with airlines that require masks and block middle seats
If some extra space is important to you (and it probably is), check on an airline’s mask and middle seat block policies before you book your flight. American, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Southwest Airlines require a mask to fly, but can also suspend flying privileges for passengers who don’t comply. Delta, Jet Blue, Hawaiian, and Alaska are blocking middle seats for a limited time, as well limiting the number of customers per flight. Check with the carrier or we would be happy to check with the carrier’s policy before booking your flight.
What can you expect at the airport?
The TSA issued a statement in September to help passengers know what to expect when flying for Labor Day and it is still a good resource for gauging expectations. We suggest that you also review TSA’s COVID-19 policies and information before you book a flight or fly. TSA workers are required to wear a mask and gloves, but only some TSA workers wear face shields. Face coverings are also required at all TSA checkpoints, but you may be asked to temporarily remove your mask to verify your identity. TSA is working to minimize security lines and suggest arriving an hour or two prior to domestic flight departures. Crowd levels and wait times are also still low since passenger numbers are less than half of what they were in October 2019. If you haven’t flown in several months or more, TSA’s travel checklist is another excellent resource for preparing for your next flight.
Is flying safe? It is safer than you may think, reports say.
A new report on the transmission of COVID-19 when flying indicates the risk is low, especially if you are on a short flight (2 hours or less) on a flight that requires masks and has a middle seat block policy. The most ideal seats are near the window, towards the front of the plane. But, always research an airline’s policies prior to booking and traveling, as well as prepare yourself with the proper supplies, and lots of patience.
Safe flying and holiday travel tips
Review the CDC’s guidance on staying safe during holiday celebrations. Know where you can visit in the US and follow the CDC’s tips for traveling during the pandemic. Very Well Health published a recent article with helpful travel safety tips that can help mitigate health risks when traveling. Another good tip is that if you do make the investment to travel it is a great idea to extend your trip so as to give you more time from your usual routine.
Not sure if you want to fly, drive, or take the train?
If you are still weighing your travel options, Conde Nast published an article in August that explains driving might be safest, but driving can also put you and passengers at risk too. Overall, train travel may be safer than driving and flying. More recent studies have been published, however, on the low risk associated with flying.
Traveling during a pandemic is personal decision everyone has to make for themselves. Whatever you decide is best for you ad your family this holiday and beyond, Beautiful Tomorrow Travel is here to assist you with planning your next vacation.
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