Non-Rev in the Time of COVID

Tips for Safe Non-Rev Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The last week in May, I scanned a boarding pass, walked down a jet bridge, and boarded an aircraft for the first time in exactly 9 weeks and 1 day. A few minutes later, as I instinctually gripped the armrest, I realized how badly I missed that rush you feel when the jet reaches 150 mph at the end of 6,000 feet of runway. When the wheels were up over the ATL skyline, it marked the end of the longest period of time my two feet have spent on the ground in 11 years.

The last week in May, I scanned a boarding pass, walked down a jet bridge, and boarded an aircraft for the first time in exactly 9 weeks and 1 day. A few minutes later, as the engines roared and I instinctively gripped the armrests, I realized how badly I had missed that rush you feel when the jet reaches 150 mph at the end of 6,000 feet of runway. When the wheels were up over the ATL skyline, it marked the end of the longest period of time my two feet have spent on the ground in 11 years.

I have probably never put so much thought into planning and preparing for a flight in my entire life. I had an idea of what to expect flying in this era of COVID-19, but I was still nervous about the risks — especially because I was traveling specifically for care-taking responsibilities of a high-risk parent. I stepped out of my front door with my trusty carry-on in tow, turned my face toward the warm spring sky, and donned a mask before getting into my Uber. It was the first of many changes to what was once my usual travel routine.

Since the early days of the pandemic, friends have come to me with questions about traveling during this unprecedented time. I’ve had this trip planned forever, should I go? Is it safe? What do I need to know? I seem to never have an easy answer, but I do what I can to point them to all of the data and recommendations available to make a safe, informed choice.

Over the summer, I traveled a few more times. Most of those were again for care-taking, but we did take a leisure trip for each of my and Rufio’s birthdays. The planning and decision-making that went into each of those trips were serious, and sometimes complicated.

I want to share some of my thoughts about non-rev travel in the time of COVID-19, speaking from the perspective of someone who lives and breathes public health. It’s not an easy topic to tackle, and in general I don’t think most of us should be doing much leisure travel right now (though I have some caveats, more on that below). Some travel is unavoidable, though, so it’s important to approach it in a way that is safe for the individual and is socially responsible. Rufio and I have figured out a system that works for us, which I’ll share along with some other considerations and resources. I hope it can work for you, too.

Please note these are my opinions, and do not represent the position of any official public health agency.

What’s different?

In a word, everything.

In just those two (seemingly never-ending) months I was grounded, everything in the travel industry — like every other aspect of our lives — had drastically changed. From the moment I stepped foot through the sliding doors into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, I could see it and feel it. For one, there was…space. So much space and notably so few bodies, in the airport that had held the title of “World’s Busiest” for the last twenty years.

Every step in the process that was once so routine to me — from check-in, security screening, getting to the terminal, visiting the lounge, boarding, in-flight, to de-planing — suddenly looked and felt so foreign. Some changes were welcomed, like seeing the ubiquitous sanitizer dispensers stationed every few feet. Others were jarring, like the eeriness of walking through concourses where usually bustling shops and restaurants were now shuttered, thinking of the countless people who lost jobs all across the industry.

In fact, revenue travel may plummet nearly half a trillion dollars this year due to the pandemic. All of the major airlines were forced to cut routes or otherwise reduce service due to the sudden halt in both business and leisure travel.

The greatest shock of all is the sheer number of countries that have implemented restrictions barring U.S. passport holders from entry. Even within the U.S., certain states are imposing 14-day quarantines or requiring negative PCR test results within 72 hours of arrival for travelers coming from high burden states.

Even if you can get across a border (domestic or otherwise), the mitigation efforts in place all over the globe severely limit the activities one might typically enjoy while on leisure travel. Restaurants, bars, music venues, museums, shops, sporting events, and many other forms of entertainment are shuttered, or at the least limited. The fun industry was dead on the arrival of COVID-19. Little by little though, a semblance of normalcy is returning to some cities and countries who are controlling their outbreak, and people who have felt isolated for months are beginning to think about venturing out.

Is it even safe to fly right now?

The short answer is that at this moment, airline travel is inherently risky. Very simply, commercial flying puts us in close contact with strangers, and thus makes it a high risk activity. (In general, all aspects of travel, not just flying, increase your risk of getting COVID-19. Staying home is the safest way to protect yourself and others.)

However, some airlines are taking extraordinary steps to mitigate these risks. Capacity limits help to increase space between passengers onboard. Masks are mandatory. There has been what seems like an overnight revolution in the technology and intensity of cabin sanitation and air filtering. Passengers receive sanitizing wipes and gels. In-flight snacks are prepackaged and bottled to reduce touch points. The boarding and de-planing procedures have been upended to allow social distancing. Airlines are doing all they can to make passengers feel safe and comfortable, and I applaud their efforts.

What is the state of non-rev travel right now?

One might assume that the significant decrease in revenue travel means flights are “non-rev specials” right now, but that’s simply not the case for all airlines. Thanks to the caps, odds of getting on a flight are no better today than they were during the not-so-distant booms of airlines flying at peak revenue capacity, and might actually be worse.

Now more than ever, non-rev travelers need to be incredibly flexible with their travel plans to account for possible strandings. You need to have a handful of back-up routes planned, and a stash of miles in case you get really stuck.

In fact, I had to use miles to get home from one of those trips visiting my parents this summer. Check out my post on steps to take the stress out of non-rev travel for more tips like these.

Should I travel?

Some travel is unavoidable, as we may have family or work obligations that require us to hop on a flight. While most leisure travel should and can probably be avoided at the moment, I do strongly believe there is merit in leisure travel if for the sake of one’s mental health.

The pandemic, economic crisis, social justice movements, climate disasters, and political theater of this year have taken a massive toll on us collectively and individually. Combine those external factors with our usual daily stresses, and the burden can start to feel unbearable. We all know travel, even for a weekend, can have an incredibly powerful effect on mental health and wellbeing.

I mentioned we took trips for our birthdays this year — Rufio’s in July and mine in September. The timing of both trips coincided with periods of intense stress for either one or both of us. Speaking personally, especially around the July trip, I had reached the end of my rope. I had returned from a second pandemic-related deployment, both of which were — for different reasons — incredibly taxing on my spirits and mental health. I was angry, sad, despondent. The light was dim, I was not myself, and I needed badly to break away.

We did not take the decision to travel lightly, and so developed a set of decision-making criteria and rules for ourselves to follow to ensure we were making safe, socially conscious choices. We found destinations that met our safety criteria, and had flight availability on our airline.

If you are considering travel, whether obligatory or for much needed mental health respite, there are a few questions you can ask yourself first to guide your decision-making.

Are you, someone in your household, or a frequently close contact at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness?

If the answer is yes, you may want to find an alternative to traveling. Ask your family or boss about remote options for your visit. Find a safe, local “staycation” getaway to de-stress.

What is the outbreak situation where you live, and in the destination you are considering?

If the outbreak is uncontrolled at home, you increase the risk of spreading the disease to others during travel, and may even face travel restrictions. If the outbreak is uncontrolled in your destination, you may unnecessarily put yourself at increased risk traveling there, and risk bringing it back to your community. Research the situation and weigh the risks when deciding.

What are your transportation options?

Can you get there by private vehicle? If so, you reduce your risk while traveling. Remember to wash your hands and wear a mask at rest stops!

What precautions are in place in the destination?

Are negative test results required? Are mask mandates in effect? Are enhanced sanitation and social distancing measures being enforced? Will the limitations impact your plans significantly?

Choose a destination wisely, and set realistic expectations for the new normal.

Do you have time, flexibility, and access to testing and to quarantine when you return?

Be able to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Test a few days after arrival home, and quarantine until you know your results. If you don’t have access to testing, consider quarantining at home for 10-14 days after your return.

For more information, visit the CDC Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic website.

What can I do to travel safer and be socially responsible?

If you have considered the above questions and decide to travel, there are steps you can take to be a safe and socially responsible traveler.

Seasoned non-rev travelers used to love to brag about their capricious adventures hopping on an open flight on a whim, landing in their destination with no reservations, and going about the journey as the wind blows before hopping on an open flight back home. Until the pandemic ends, those days are gone.

Travel doesn’t end with the flight, and I would argue what you do before travel, during your trip, and when you return are much bigger considerations to take into account than whether to non-rev or not.

Pre-departure

Develop a set of criteria that a destination needs to meet in order for you to consider it, and schedule out the time you need to test and quarantine before and after travel to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.

Today entry requirements and restrictions change monthly, and an unforeseen change in the local outbreak dynamics can cause a state of emergency in a flash. Non-rev travelers need to research both entry requirements and flight status to that destination around two weeks in advance (but probably no more than one month) to be able to prepare adequately.

Common requirements are proof of a negative PCR test within a designated timeframe, and submission for travel authorization approved by the local government or health authorities. Research thoroughly the test types and timeframes accepted by the local governing body, testing accessibility and turnaround times in your area, travel authorization requirements and deadlines, associated costs, and who to contact if there are paperwork issues before or during travel.

Besides entry requirements, you’ll want to research what COVID-19 precautions are happening on the ground at your destination, and how this may impact your plans. Are there mask mandates, and where do they apply? What is open? What is closed? Have operating hours for certain businesses or services changed? Is cash still accepted? Will you need internet access (if abroad) to read QR codes at restaurants? Are there capacity limits for accommodations? What are the cancellation policies? Knowing the answers in advance will help you enjoy your time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Travel day

Passport, phone, wallet, keys…mask, hand sanitizer. These days I like to have a back-up mask and travel-size sanitizer in all of my travel gear — carry-on, purse, backpack, dive bag, hiking bag, camera bag — these items have become a staple and it’s good to have extras. You’ll need to don your mask from the moment you step in the airport (and earlier if you ride share or take public transportation) all the way through baggage claim and out the door, so be prepared before you go.

Make sure you have all your relevant documentation (e.g. test results, travel authorizations) ready and available, from check-in through boarding, and at your arrival airport. Your documents may be checked several times.

Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. While security lines are generally shorter now, social distancing measures and operational changes at airports may make the process of checking in and getting to your gate lengthier than expected.

Lounge and in-flight food and beverage options are more limited now, so more than ever it’s important to pack and fill up a reusable water bottle pre-flight, and pack a few snacks for the journey.

At your destination

Follow all local mandates. There are countless horror stories of rude tourists shirking the local rules, and it coming back to haunt them.

The rules are meant to protect you, and they are meant to protect everyone around you. Respect local mandates and enjoy your time away.

Post-trip

Get home, unpack, post your photos to Instagram, and schedule your post-trip COVID test! Bonus points for quarantining until you are tested and cleared.

Is this required by almost any jurisdiction? No, but it’s just a way to be a good human – and we need more of those right now.

The New Normal

Non-rev travel, travel in general, everything in general, is different in the time of COVID. We might not be able to travel as often, as far, or as easily as we used to, but I’m thankful there are still a few glimmering opportunities to explore this beautiful world in a way that is safe and socially conscious.

I’ve said it many times, but non-rev travel is a privilege that I will never take for granted. I look forward to a future where we can return to the capricious non-rev days of old. Until then, we’ll continue to plan, test, mask up, quarantine, and take any other special measures needed to have a brief glimpse of that luxurious old life.

Stay safe out there.

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Sojourn Information

Frequently Asked Questions

If a destination has a quarantine order, do I quarantine there or when I get home? In general, if a destination has a quarantine order for visitors (or sub-sets of visitors), it means you will need to quarantine in your accommodation for the specified period or until you meet specified testing requirements.

It may be the case that where you live has a quarantine order in place, for all returning residents or residents who have visited certain destinations. If this applies, you would need to quarantine at home for the specified period or until you meet specified testing requirements.

Where can Americans travel right now? A handful of blogs and websites are keeping updated lists. Try CNN, The Points Guy, or Travel & Leisure. Always check the country’s tourism website and keep up to date with airline news, as access to any given destination can change quickly.

“Can I ZED? Can buddy passes travel right now? What’s the capacity limit for non-revs?” and other assorted non-rev questions. The short answer is the allowances for non-revs right now vary by airline, and are constantly evolving. Find out where information relevant to your airline is posted, and check it before every planned flight.

What is the right COVID test to take? Some destinations may allow other options, but most commonly local authorities are requiring molecular (RT-PCR) tests.

Resources

Entry Requirements

For international locations, start with the Department of State. For more information, visit the official government tourism website of your destination.

For travel to U.S. states, visit the state’s tourism or public health websites.

If you are traveling through an international airport, be sure to research rules for transit. In some cases, countries may require proof of confirmed return tickets, so non-revving roundtrip may not be an option.

Testing

Visit your state or local health department’s website to find out how and where to access testing, and results turnaround times.

Information on COVID-19

Learn how to protect yourself and others by visiting the CDC and WHO websites.

COVID-19 Gear

Note, masks with “vents” are largely not allowed on flights.

We’re obsessed with the fit and breathability of sports masks, like this one from Under Armour.

Grab a pack of travel-size Purell gels and throw one in all your bags.

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Have you traveled during the COVID-19 pandemic? Leave a comment below to tell us about your experience.

Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliates. That means if you make a purchase using the link, I’ll earn a small commission to help me run this blog, at no cost to you! As always, the opinions and recommendations presented in this post are mine, and always an honest reflection on our experiences. Thank you for reading!