Covid-19 Air Travel not worth the risk!
Covid-19 air travel is hard. I took American Airlines to St. John’s USVBI just to get away. The Stress of the job, the change of our world in front of my very own eyes as well the fear of death around the corner or sitting on every shelf was just too much. At the office I had to make a few changes in the interaction with employees and customers. Sanitize the hell out of the place, and market market market to try and scrape up any business up during these uncertain times.
I chose to get away and driving down tot eh North Carolina beaches just didn’t feel far enough away. I chose St. John’s Island in the US Virgin Islands. Still considered the United States but as close to Europe I could get. In fact i was within 15 minutes by boat to Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Island. Come to think of it I was within swimming distance from the now infamous PEDO-Island of Jeffrey Epstein’s fame. Not sure this is something to tell people, but I did want to piss on his beach to physically let him know how I feel about him.
RDU
Arriving at the airport was not difficult checking in and luggage was all normal despite the fact that everyone was wearing a mask. Most Airport shops were closed and the lounges were all closed. When I finally sat down to wait for boarding I relaxed. A rude voice over the loudspeaker announced the flight and that the herd gathering process would begin shortly. The Flight attendant then explained that because of Covid-19, Air travel had changed. Face masks were required all the time at the airport and on board, there would be no service, and “It is a Federal offence to consume your own alcohol on an aircraft.” What?
Stress Stuardest
I am already stressed about being locked up in that box for 2 hours. Not being able to drink and calm some nerves made me more nervous. Where is Xanax when you need it? Boarding has begun and I am trying to keep my distance from the people in front of me. The call out for group numbers is never clear and I ask the couple next to me if they were in group 4, they answered group 4 has not been called yet. I looked up at the board and saw NOW BOARDING GROUP 4. Please get out of my way and pay attention. I guess I really need a vacation.
Sitting by the window help me keep my distance from the other travelers while boarding but AA is not blocking center seats so I ran a risk of sitting right next to someone. What if the sneeze or cough? Could this be my end? “Welcome on board.” the flight attendant spoke. Then followed it with public announcement about Alcohol. Where am I is this AA or AA? Are we doing group after we take off and reach 10,000 feet? It’s too early to drink anyway. I will wait until Miami and lunch.
Miami airport was a disaster. Not enough restaurants are open and long lines are forming everywhere. It’s like going to the supermarket during Covid-19 they keep moving stuff around and I can’t find my normal stuff. I spend more time searching for the same thing because, who knows? More time in the store, means more crowded stores, which means more spread of the dread….
Before boarding my final flight to ST. Thomas I notice a crown of Boy Scouts gathering around my gate. Grate just what we need a packed flight of teenage boys who are probably the worst spreaders of the disease. I get on early and as I watch the packs come in I notice one very strange thing. Everyone is wearing a mask properly, whether they are young, old black white, except for the “Boy Scouts” They have their masks hangin off their noses, or dangling form an ear. I guess they never thought of having a Patch for that?
St. Thomas
Yes the plane finally landed after some of the most interesting window sites, the colors of the water and reflections and shadows were mesmerizing. Getting off the plane was normal but hard to keep distance from everyone. The bus is disembarked with stairs directly onto the tarmac and into the hot sun. That will kill the disease! As we file towards the gate, nice gentleman dressed in nurses outfits take our temperature and ask medical questions. A nice lady is behind them handing out a welcome package of sunglass holder, hand sanitizer, and disposable mask. I feel safe now! How hard was that?