By: Gracie Swind, Contributing Writer
It’s definitely no-ones first choice to fly anywhere at the moment, but sometimes work or family obligations demand that a trip be made. If you’ll be facing the prospect of flying soon, here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect and what you’ll be expected to do, specifically if you’re flying from or to Tampa International Airport.
In cities that mandated it, face coverings were required in airports by their host cities before the airports themselves decided to require them.
After the face covering ordinance was put in place by Mayor Castor, all travelers must wear some form of face mask or covering while in the Tampa International Airport. Most, if not all, airlines also require passengers to wear a mask at all times while on the plane, except when eating or drinking.
Certain popular or high-demand destinations are still drawing a decent amount of travelers, but full planes, or planes maxing out the new lower capacities, are atypical.
Lines for things like ticketing, checking bags, restaurants, shops, and security checks are spaced for six feet social distancing. Tampa International Airport has stationed dozens of extra hand-sanitizing stations throughout the airport, as well as amped up the cleaning and sanitizing efforts in common shared spaces and high-traffic areas such as restrooms and handrails.
Like with most ordinances regarding face masks, face coverings in airports and on flights are required for children under the age of two.
The airports aren’t busy by any stretch of the imagination, and this significantly lower number of travelers makes for TSA checks that are quick and easy. Planes are also pretty empty and typically flown at a mere fraction of their capacity, which streamlines the boarding process and all but guarantees you your own row if you’re flying alone.
At TSA security check points, plastic shields have been installed and contact between the TSA officer and the belongings of travelers has been severely limited to only when absolutely necessary.
Most airlines will only fly below capacity, but typically they don’t get anywhere near their maximum number of passengers. Less travelers means a quieter flight and a quicker deplaning to look forward to.
To avoid as much contact as possible, flight attendants make fewer passes down the aisle, so it is recommended that if you think you want or will want a drink, you should ask for it.
Overall, flying during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t all that different from going to the grocery store: expect to wear your mask, keep your distance, and avoid touch other people and public surfaces. Before you fly, however, be mindful of what travel regulations are in place at your destination and plan accordingly, as some states requires a two-week quarantine period for any travelers coming into the state.
Waiting areas for flights are, like the rest of the airport, pretty sparsely inhabited.
