Airports across the country saw a rise in traffic this past Memorial Day weekend. The TSA reported that they screened 300,000 people between Thursday and Friday of this past week, and while that’s a jump in numbers from weeks prior, it’s still not much. Over Memorial Day last year, in 2019, TSA screened 2 million air-traveling passengers.
What are your thoughts on air travel right now? Would you get on a plane? And what about the future? Do you think you’ll fly in 2020? What about 2021? The answer is, well, up in the air for many people across the globe.
Please vote in the poll below, and leave a comment on your thoughts on air travel now, or in several months.
My Sister flew this week. She said the plane was spotlessly clean and everyone on the plane was wearing a mask. There was no food or drink service, they were handed a bag upon entering the plane with a bottle of water and a package of crackers.
That’s a start. Now, hand the bag out as ticket is getting scanned and get rid of most of the economy flight attendants. For 3-4 hour flights, what did they do before besides clogging up the aisle with a “beverage” cart where they passed out 9 ice cubes with less than 4 ounces of liquid, and the crackers? Heaven forbid you ever asked for more. Mmmm, bye bye now.
Until airlines go bankrupt and/or get their bailouts, they could use the saved money to support the costs of cleaning the plane at each airport and that staff doesn’t need to stay overnight. The cleaners will be on board between flights, so you won’t have them giving you condescending looks. Do they teach that at attendant school? “Fly the Friendly Skies” hasn’t been possible for 2 generations, except in First Class where it’s “Fly the Phony (and pretentious) Skies”.
I have lots of destinations yet to visit via RV, but I also long for foreign travel. My most recent trip, Madrid/Malta/Israel was called due to travel restrictions from the pandemic or “hoax” (depending on which news network and public official you believe).
Although I enjoy flying, no thanks. With everything that we have to do and endure because of some hateful individuals many years ago, unless it’s a long distance trip where I need to get there quickly, I would rather drive.
I have not enjoyed flying since the security measures have gone into effect. My first flight was on a DC-6 and I loved it and I enjoyed flying in the 70s and early 80s but the enjoyment is now gone. Same as for visiting Canada, I love the country but with the hassle of crossing the boarder in both directions but especially coming back into MY OWN country, I have given up that pleasure.
I didn’t enjoy flying before Coronavirus, much less now.
The only time I fly is when my work demands it. I told them after the last trip they sent me on that if they wanted me to go again I would be driving myself and taking my RV with me because I don’t have any desire to stay in a hotel either.
Flying is STILL the Cheapest and SAFEST method of travel on the planet. Don’t let the fact that you are not in control in the cockpit fool ya.
In the last 10 years only 4 people have died in a commercial aircraft accident in the USA. We KILL almost 40,000 people EVERY YEAR on our highways! Now you want tell me how good a driver you are and how safe you THINK you are when you are driving to a destination.
Ya Right!
I REALLY only like to fly up front — as one of the pilots. Unless I can see out the front windshield I’m not happy.
The last time I flew was Aug.1985 I see no reason to get on one the crowd killers again.
In an RV retirement, what is the point of flying? So many things to see along the way. If we were going out of the country (excluding Canada – we would drive), we would likely consider a cruise line versus airline. The duration may be faster in an airline, but that air inside just gets passed around. There is some fresh air circulated in the cabin but with such close quarters, risk seems a lot more elevated. At least on a cruise boat, one can go outside and take advantage of the open air “spaces” which are so much more vast as compared to an airline. You don’t have to stay inside tight spaces if you don’t want to.
I enjoy flying, but the seats keep getting smaller with less leg room. Besides, now I prefer RV’ing.
Flying was exciting and fun way, way, back in the day when an actual meal was provided on a smaller than usual size plate, using smaller utensils that usually had the Airlines name or logo engraved on them. Actually back in the 60s or so, for my family, it was a family event to go to the airport to see a family member off on a trip and again when they returned. When Newark Airport was small, you could walk out to the gate, and listen to their flight arrival on speakers available for that purpose. You watched the plane land and taxi to their spot, where you watched the passengers debark and walk to the door entering the gate. Those are fond memories.
Now I wouldn’t care to fly at all, unless there were some kind of emergency involved. I much prefer to drive, taking my travel trailer with me. I’m glad I have that choice available to me.
Last time I flew was never. Plan on that till at least 2050
I retired from the Air force in 1994. I’ve been to many places in the world and enjoyed flying. After retirement, I went to work for a major private jet OEM. Again, it was great. When I retired for the second time flying was still a favorite thing. Then, the airlines started their squeeze play with passengers. The TSA procedures didn’t help. Time goes by and we go FT in a DPMH. I’ve adopted the “John Madden” transportation model. I like my own bed. I like my own coffee. I like my own easy chair. Peace. Out.
I agree with you. I retired from the USAF in 1981, I worked overseas for 3 aircraft manufacturers, a commercial airline and likewise have seen much of the world. We decided to see the U.S.A. Beginning with the TSA security measures (which I understand) I lost my enthusiasm for flying. Due to mobility issues we had contemplated selling our 5th wheel. However, with the pandemic I simply am totally not interested in flying in an aluminum tube with who knows how many infected people, eating in a multitude of public places and sleeping in a strange bed. We are not selling our trailer. I guess we’ll put more miles on our 350.
I love my truck camper. Drives like a car, goes as fast. Own bed, potty, kitchen. Going home from AZ to WI took 4 nights. Rather it be 3 hours like flying, but we are at the advanced age where the covid19 likes. Going to try to disappoint that bugger for awhile yet if we can.
Being an RVer I’m not inclined to fly at all. But if a situation presented itself I wouldn’t hesitate to get on a plane.
I have not been on an airplane since 2005. No plans to ever get on one in the future, since we prefer to travel with our 5-er. Only in a dire emergency would I get on a plane now.
Sooner or later everyone leaves this world. No one is guaranteed life. Just take one day at a time and be thankful for it. And don’t hide under a rock! There are countless ways that death will find you and even hiding under the covers won’t keep the reaper away ;-). So do what we RVers do Explore with the time we have left because the real killer may be the economic collapse caused by the virus. My hope is for swift recovery because 2 of our 3 pension funds have lost enough money that they have warned us of reduced payments and between our two IRA’s we’ve lost $42,000 so far and that was as of 04/30/20.
I used to LOVE flying…sadly, 9/11 ruined it all.
biggest problem I see is once I arrive at a destination, not sure about eating establishments, hotel availability, etc. But to think of getting on a plane that isn’t packed sounds good.
Answered only fly in an emergency. That’s because prior to pandemic, I hadn’t flown for ages. All the stuff you have to go through at airport. Issues you hear and read about with rude passengers. Just don’t need it. We travel far and wide (albeit just in the US) in our motorhome. There is a chance we may go back to Australia at sometime, but we have enough miles to upgrade to business class. That would be the difference.
Until I’m positive they’re cleaning thoroughly between flights I won’t be comfortable flying yet. Also, don’t fill plane to capacity….75% maybe
Get in a sealed tube and breath the same air everyone else is breathing. And the airlines are fighting the FAA about even requiring passengers to wear masks? That would be a big no.
The airlines have ruined the joy and pleasures of flight! With three row seating and virtually no legroom and the seat in front of you reclines! How dumb is this? I remember the days – and joys – of the DC6, DC7 and the Lockheed Electra and even into the jet-age with the Boeing 707. Outstanding service and comfort!
Now it is our motorhome or sleeper class on AMTRAK which is still a fairly nice service – and will continue if they remove the airline executives in the head office before they can destroy rail service to airline level with “more people – less cars” no food or box lunches and regional trains vs long distance.
I have flown thousands of miles and in fact have a commercial certificate and an instrument rating – now gathering dust and mold in my wallet.
Now I’m going to get on my soapbox. You opened the door. I have not flown since 9/11, nor will I until the crazy security measures are done away with. Yes, I know there are security and safety needs. But, the measures that our government undertook following 9/11 have taken away our freedoms. With the technologies of today there are so ways to combat terrorists without restricting travelers. The restrictions imposed have done nothing but tell the terrorists that they won!
I am full time and currently in Wyoming/Montana. I fly to Cleveland’ Clinic every 3 months for their Melanoma clinic and their Lupus clinic. Just one of the things I need to do. I’ve taken hydroxychloroquin daily for 13 years so maybe that will help. I will also be wearing a mask and face shield.
Flying – not just now. Flew on occasion for business. After 911 and an experience at Atlanta airport, (TSA hassle and missing flight – just because I wear cowboy boots), I will never fly again – except for my body to get home to bury. People talk about taking away our freedom with the virus – 911 took away many more freedoms and the complainers still fly. I will wear a mask but no govt is going to frisk me for no reason.
The first time I ever flew was on a Ford Tri-Motor out of Sandusky Ohio in 1954 and it was absolutely thrilling and it led me to flying often. For the first 20 years or so flying was a luxurious and dignified experience but it gradually got to the point of being worse than taking a Greyhound or Continental Trailways bus ever was. We flew for the last time in 1989 when we bought the first of 6 motorhomes we’ve owned and committed to never leaving the ground again as flying has become a totally degrading and annoying experience, even in !st Class. If we can’t get there by road, rail, or boat, we simply don’t go. Life’s too short to unnecessarily expose yourself to the absurd aggravation of flying commercially.
My first ride in an airplane was also in a Ford Trimotor, at the age of 5.
DH and I are still online MH shopping, and we’ve broadened our search to nationwide. He’s a bit younger than I am (“my boy toy”) so he’ll be the one flying to spread out parts of the country as we find those that meet our very strict criteria. Fortunately, he knows what to do and not do.
I think we all should know by now.
I flew regularly for work over the years and never enjoyed it. The planes were always crowded and uncomfortable. The airports were messy and unorganized. 911 made it worse since nobody seemed to know what they were supposed to be doing on a daily basis.
I realize that flying is generally the safest means of traveling but all the discomfort barely makes it worth it.
We haven’t flown since 9-11, not from fear of terrorists or COVID or anything else but because of all the hassles and inconveniences. If we can’t drive there in our own vehicle or RV, we aren’t going — now or any time in the future.
I haven’t flown anywhere in many years. I used to fly home and back to work every weekend, but I got sick of being crammed into a airborne subway — and it hasn’t gotten any better since. I have an RV to use if I want to go anywhere. Perhaps in a serious emergency, but only then.
20 years plus of service in which 4 of the 5 times the aircraft came down when it wasn’t supposed to has cured me of any desire to fly. Then add the aggravation just to get on the plane? No Thanks, I drive or even walk before I get on a plane
I love flying – in the past. Now the seats are so crammed both in width and leg room, the ‘fun’ of flying no longer exists. I don’t understand why the FFA keeps allowing airlines to move seats closer to add more. I would bet people would have no problem paying more money for better comfort. So unless an emergency I will not be flying.
I am a infectious disease nurse and have to travel on a 5 hr flight and a 3 hr return flight from Fort Myers, FL to Boston, MA 6/2/20. I have personal family business that must be tended to. Do I want to fly? No. Must I take the risk, yes. I will double mask, glove and wash hands regularly however, I am fearful after hearing an ID Doctor who contracted COVID believes he got it by not protecting his eyes. I will be wearing goggles on this flight as well!
No thank you very much
I just don’t know if I could. I have never flown one! Wouldn’t I have a license to fly one. I suppose I could try if someone really wants me to!!!
My husband retired last June from a major airline (it seems just in time) so we have traded fast and high for low and slow and I am thrilled especially now. Would only get on a plane now in dire emergency or a small plane DH was flying.
We work overseas 2X per year so flying is a must for us. Not afraid as we know precautions will be taken. Can’t be any worse than dealing with the TSA.
I totally get the mask thing on an airplane and on a train. If I had hind site I would have had our daughter when she took a train to NYC 4 years ago a mask. She visited some friends and within a week so sick that I thought I would have to fly out because she wanted to go to the hospital because she could not keep anything down. The family did not know what to do because they never saw anything like it. She wore a mask on the train home. Now when she flies? She wears a mask. But when we flew over 10 years ago we were fine. But we are planning a flight to WDW if we are not forced to wear a mask and social distance. My family is now so over this we want normal. There will never be a vaccine in time to remember what happened with the Spanish flu. It went away because our immune systems adapted. Ours will too. Enjoy cowering at home. I am enjoying my freedom to do what I want.
Hi,
Just a few things. The Spanish Flu has not disappeared and there is not an immunity. The existing FLUs (there are many strains) all are variations of the Spanish Flu.
Also, I guess you are not going to Disney, or any major theme parks for that matter. Disney and Universal are requiring masks by all visitors over the age of two and their employees as well as limiting the number of guest and requiring social distancing. At least that’s the plan as of 5/29. As far as flying, and this rule changes daily, depending on the airline, you may also be required to wear a mask while flying and some airports also require masks.
Masks and the requiring of them being worn are not an infringement of your “rights”. They are to prevent YOU spreading the virus to others, not to prevent the virus for you.
Your choice is to either wear or not, to go into an establishment or not and to help curb this terrible virus from the possibility of spreading.
I’m not in the medical field, but my wife is an RN, my son works as an RN and has a MSN, and also a PHN (public health nurse) and works in an infectious disease office doing pulmonary procedures; and my daughter in law, his wife, is a NICU nurse. They have a 19 month old daughter. They are required to have a temperature check every day before they walk into their respective hospitals, wear masks while inside the buildings and wear PPE including N95 masks, face shields, gloves and gowns, when doing procedures and treating patients.
Then, they go home each day, change clothes in the garage and throw the clothes in the washer.
So far, they nor my wife or anyone living in our homes have been affected. We have had family infected and friends and members of my lodge have had family member infected.
So, basically, wear a mask when out in public. Not to protect you, but others!
My husband found that keeping his sinuses wet with some special oil helps him stay healthy on a plane. The air is “super filtered” so probably not the source of your daughter’s germs, but the dry air can increase the likelihood of getting ill. And we too refuse to stay home any more.
I have no worries about flying now or in the future. I have no worries about getting sick either. It’s all part of life you have to get sick to build up immunities. Yes you do run the risk of dying when you get sick, but that’s part of life too…everybody dies of something at some time. Life is about the living you do while you’re alive! Don’t be afraid, go live!
I voted “no way” — although it is probably the reverse of most votes in that category. I already got the C19 vaccine, but I refuse to put up with any more security theater crap while flying. It’s just not worth travelling that way.
Last year, my “no flying” rule was that I’d drive 1500 miles one-way before even thinking of flying. They waste half a day with security theater, limit bag sizes, strip search me at EVERY checkpoint, and then literally WEDGE passengers into seats that pinch my hips, don’t allow for arms, and hammer my head (I’m 6’2″ and beefy armed). Now they’ve added mandatory masks when CDC/WHO/everyone with a brain knows they do NOTHING to stop virii anyway. The airlines and government want to kill the airline industry, I’ll let them.
You already got the C19 vaccine ? That’s the first I’ve heard of a vaccine being tested on humans.
Airlines are more diligent than ever at this moment regarding sanitation and distancing. Flights are half full…..at best. Once this thing blows over and complacency resumes, flights will return to normal, and you’ll be packed in like sardines. Meanwhile, EVERYONE is buying an RV and hitting the road…..ridiculous! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go stand in line to hoard something.