traveling by air

[SNL]

Can anyone tell me what we are in for with the airlines traveling to Disney. How are they enforcing the quarantine ?

 

[jimmytammy]

A fellow DVCer wrote this article on the DIS. I read it this AM so will share it here in hopes it may give some insight

General DVC Trip Reports
Should I Fly for My Next DVC Trip?
July 25, 2020 Paul Krieger 1262 Views 9 Comments Airport, Southwest, Traveling, walt disney world
We’ve seen many times over the past few months in the DVC Facebook Group the question of whether flying is a safe way to travel in this new era. While you and your family should evaluate this on a personal level, I thought providing a first-person account of our recent trip may help many with this challenging decision.
Choosing An Airline
Just as each business is choosing how to handle sanitizing and social distancing differently, the same can be said with airlines. Like you, we’ve heard stories both good and bad for almost all of the companies out there. For our recent trip, Amy and I selected Southwest due to both its convenience in offering a nonstop option to Orlando, Florida, as well as its current social distancing and cleaning policies. Southwest has a detailed cleaning policy outlined on its website as a result of the current pandemic and is promising middle seats open through at least October 31st to promote social distancing onboard.
I would strongly suggest that you take the time to review your airline’s current safety procedures, as well as see how successful their policies are being implemented before making a final decision.
Arriving at the Airport
To best maximize our time at Walt Disney World, we usually choose the earliest flight possible out of our home airport of Pittsburgh International. For this trip, that meant a 7:30 am flight with plans to arrive around 6:15-6:30 am.
One of the first noticeable differences for us was parking. Due to the limited number of flights operating, a large portion of the regular parking area was closed, and we found no trouble finding a place just a short walk from the terminal.
Within the terminal, it became quickly apparent how few people are currently flying. We were surprised to find ourselves the only people checking in with our bags when we did.
Many have raised concerns over mask compliance, but we noticed no real issues. Were there some people that needed to go back to school to learn how to wear one properly? Of course, but that was minimal, and throughout our time at the airport, we felt safe and able to socially distance as much as needed.

Social Distancing on the tram was pretty easy at 6:30am.Security
Fewer people flying means less time in line for security as well! Amy and I are TSA-PreCheck; however, we noticed the wait for the regular line was next to nothing with social distancing markers on the ground to space out travelers properly. Regardless of this, we still say TSA-Pre is some of the best travel money ever spent and worth every penny!
As is typical, I was a problem child in security with my belt causing some problems, but otherwise, we breezed through.
Also worth noting is that TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger. We each had a large sanitizer in our bag and went through without issue.
The Airplane
Amy and I also opted to purchase “EarlyBird Check-In” for our flight, which gave us a priority boarding position of A19 and A20. Surprisingly we ended up being the first on the plane and took advantage of the situation by snagging the front row with lots of legroom.
Now I know Southwest is blocking middle seats, but this flight was exceptionally dead! I would be surprised if there were fifty people on the airplane (per a later announcement, there were forty-four). Passengers were well spaced out, and as I watched everyone walk back the aisle, I saw full compliance with mask-wearing.
Beverage and snack service, while in-flight, has been modified with passengers only being offered a small bag of pretzels and a cup of ice water. We took the pretzels and saved them for later, but were a little leery about the water. A small bottle would’ve felt a bit safer. Flight attendants did inform passengers that they were only allowed to remove their mask while eating or drinking.

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  Complentary snack mix.
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  Masks are required on the plane.
• 
  Complentary snack mix.
• 
  Masks are required on the plane.

Masks are required on the plane.
Arriving in Orlando
You can’t really compare Orlando International Airport to Pittsburgh. It is a much bigger airport and thus was quite a bit busier. Noticeable was the fact that the majority of guests were wearing their masks appropriately. Social distancing here is a bit harder, but I felt as though everyone was doing their part in these difficult times.
In the baggage claim area, most travelers were well spaced around the belt awaiting their luggage. I did get the feeling here that some did not understand or forgot that we were in a pandemic when they excitedly plowed through the crowd of people to get the bag they just spotted. This area is noticeably lacking social distancing indicators on the ground, which I believe could help.

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  Orlando International Airport
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  Orlando International Airport
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  Orlando International Airport
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  Orlando International Airport

Orlando International Airport
Rental Car Pick-Up
In most cases, I would not have felt the need to make this a separate section; however, given our experience, I think it is worth noting. Amy and I elected to rent a car this trip instead of utilizing the Magical Express and Walt Disney World Transportation. This was a personal decision, and we felt let us have more control over our travel and be a little safer. If you are questioning this yourself, head over and check out our recent article outlining the current policies and procedures for Disney transportation.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with what I can only describe as a mob of people waiting to pick-up their car. Since Enterprise owns National, Alamo, and probably many other small rental car agencies, everyone was asked to go into a tiny Enterprise line. While the upper part of the line had social distancing markers in place, the “mob” area was truly chaotic. This situation, coupled with many tired travelers, does not make for the best social distancing environment. Guests also have the option to check-in their rental via digital kiosk; however, only one out or four were operational at this time and it did not work well as most people were still given a messaging saying they needed to use the desk. After getting through that line, the rest of the rental process was a breeze and we even got to pick what we wanted from a line of standard SUVs.
I did notice two MCO representatives walk by at one point and took notes and commented on the line and kiosks. My hope is that this situation gets re-evaluated and corrected to run a little smoother and safer.
Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how traveling right now should be an individual consideration for each and every member of your family. Depending on your health, age, risk, and many other factors, airline travel may not be appropriate. I think I speak for both Amy and myself when I say that we were pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. Maybe we caught the airports on a good day and a good time.
If you’ve traveled through an airport to head to Walt Disney World recently, I’d love to hear your experience! Also, if you have any questions about our travel experience, feel free to ask!
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[SNL]

Thanks for the post. I can only think they were not asked to quarantine. Unless I missed it. But the whole trip seemed to be pretty good. Just wondering if anyone had issues with not quarantining after landing and heading straight to Disney

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks for the post. I can only think they were not asked to quarantine. Unless I missed it. But the whole trip seemed to be pretty good. Just wondering if anyone had issues with not quarantining after landing and heading straight to Disney

Quarantine was not addressed in the post, since their state of origin was Pennsylvania, Florida requires a 14 day quarantine from the tri-state area. Only those traveling to Florida from those states would likely post anything regarding the quarantine requirements, and how it is being handled. I would suggest you call and ask Disney (I know, you'll be on hold forever) but they would likely have the most current info.

 

[keishashadow]

Nice review posted but YMMV greatly!

we flew out of same airport PIT May/June & had totally different experience on Allegiant

Biggest Surprise...no mask requirements nor open middle seats

there were mandatory Mask requirements At PIT but not enforced, we were in distinct minority



yes goofing here with my mission brand cooling gaiter . I switched over to real mask & gloves at gate

PIT security line

In exit row, sweet talked for an empty middle seat via military recognition program.

Tram back at PIT

Then walking to luggage retrieval

 

[SNL]

I am headed to mco from islip on the 9th. I hope to have no issues. The masks are the least of it I am more concerned about the order to quarantine. Are the enforcing it.

 

[disneymama8]

I HIGHLY recommend Delta or Southwest. I would easily put Delta on top with their current health and safety protocols, however I think Southwest is doing a wonderful job too. I would be VERY skeptical about the airlines that are putting profits ahead of people.... In my opinion, the choice of airline is more important than the price of the ticket in today's current climate.

 

[disneymama8]

Also, if you have the chance to fly non-stop, DO IT. The actual airports have felt much more concerning to me than the planes themselves (at least speaking of Delta and Southwest.) Taking a non-stop flight really helps to minimize time spent in the less controlled environment of the airports.

 

[JM23457]

We flew United. One flight attendant from each flight was improperly masked: one had her mask under her nose, the other took his off whenever he was in the galley, including during boarding & while preparing drinks. First class was packed, and people took off their masks to snack & drink throughout the flight. No enforcement of passengers wearing masks improperly.

Boarding was the most crowded part of being at the airport. Covid be darned: people just had to get on asap to stow all of their carry-ons in the overhead bins, and ignored the gate agents' asking them to wait their turn to line up.

We had predicted this & checked our bags so we could avoid the boarding madness, and waited to board until the other groups had gone ahead. We had also sat across from our gate rather than at our gate, as our gate got pretty packed as boarding approached.

 

[1911]

We fly out saturday and have had our tickets since november of last year.in the last 30 days our direct flights have changed no less than 5 times from direct to multi stop with lay overs as long as 12 hours and connecting times less than 10 minutes.sunday was the last change which made it necessary to call and rebook our flights to an acceptable alternative. I have never had so many changes or drastic Made to our original bookings. Usually its just been moving departure time and arrival times forward or back an hour or 2.

 

[LSchrow]

I am headed to mco from islip on the 9th. I hope to have no issues. The masks are the least of it I am more concerned about the order to quarantine. Are the enforcing it.

If you're speaking of MCO, The Miami Herald, CNN, Newsweek, and other credible new outlets have already posted that it is indeed true: both FL Dept of Health & National Guard stopped airport screenings in June.
Coming back to NY, you will be required to fill out a form with your info (not filling out the form makes you subject to a fine, court, & quarantine). You will likely be called once, and texted daily for 14 days, asking if you have been quarantining, in contact with anyone showing covid signs, etc.
We're flying SWA out of ISP 8/23, return 9/3 - would love if you could share your experiences when you get home.

 

[mrd7896]

is anyone aware of what happens if you fly from the tri-state area but actually aren't FROM the tri-state?
I'm from PA but have used points to fly from Newark, NJ and had my flights booked since December

I wasn't sure what happens upon arrival into FL?
we travel in about a month
we are self-quarantining upon return even though it isn't mandatory yet in PA

 

[mrd7896]

a follow up to that...i have seen reports where upon exiting the plane at your gate that clearly says where you flew from, you are asked to fill out a form saying you are going to quarantine, while others made no mention of any such thing

 

[Denise W]

Also, if you have the chance to fly direct, DO IT. The actual airports have felt much more concerning to me than the planes themselves (at least speaking of Delta and Southwest.) Taking a direct flight really helps to minimize time spent in the less controlled environment of the airports.

I think you mean non stop. Direct makes a stop but you don’t change planes.
Denise

 

[puffkin]

We are flying Southwest PHL to MCO tomorrow! I will try to report back if any issues.

 

[disneymama8]

I think you mean non stop. Direct makes a stop but you don’t change planes.
Denise

Hi Denise!
A direct flight is actually another term for a non-stop flight. The terms ‘direct flight’ and ‘non-stop flight’ are typically used interchangeably A flight that stops in an additional city (prior to the final destination) with no plane change is typically referred to as a ‘through flight’. But yes, either a non-stop or direct flight would certainly be ideal during covid times!

 

[hsmamato2]

Nice review posted but YMMV greatly!

we flew out of same airport PIT May/June & had totally different experience on Allegiant

Biggest Surprise...no mask requirements nor open middle seats

there were mandatory Mask requirements At PIT but not enforced, we were in distinct minority

View attachment 514118

yes goofing here with my mission brand cooling gaiter . I switched over to real mask & gloves at gate
View attachment 514119
PIT security line View attachment 514120

In exit row, sweet talked for an empty middle seat via military recognition program.
View attachment 514121
Tram back at PIT
View attachment 514123
Then walking to luggage retrieval
View attachment 514124

My son had to fly out from east to west coast last week due to business.... he was NOT impressed with the 'social distancing' on the plane. He said it was way too full for that. As far as quarantining,that's on you. No real enforcement. I would hope that people will comply.

 

[DVC-Don]

Nice review, but the mask worn by the male in the photos is now banned at WDW as of earlier this week.

 

[mu51c10rd]

Can anyone tell me what we are in for with the airlines traveling to Disney. How are they enforcing the quarantine ?

We flew Delta. The plane was probably half full. MCO was a ghost town, only saw the passengers from our plane all the way to baggage claim (arrived late afternoon). The shops were all closed, and all the rental car companies are only using Terminal A for rentals (we arrived in B and had to cross the airport to get our car). Masks were in use by most people we saw. When we left, the TSA checkpoint was a walkthrough, no line at all (early PM flight), and only 2 gates at our concourse were in use at all, which meant the passengers were very spread out. We returned just last week.

 

[kaytieeldr]

A direct flight is actually another term for a non-stop flight. The terms ‘direct flight’ and ‘non-stop flight’ are typically used interchangeably

Interchangeably by passengers, but not from airlines' points of view https://www.flightcentre.com.au/tra...etween-non-stop-direct-and-connecting-flights
Here's one from a .com site (in case anyone think Australians might define things differently ) https://travelgeniuz.com/difference...e,journey. To book a cheap airfare click here
And this https://www.businessinsider.com/the-difference-between-a-nonstop-and-direct-flight-2015-9