Flying to Florida! How was it?

[Niknak88]

Hey y’all!! I’ve been contemplating flying to Florida from California!! (This ‘No Disneyland’ stuff is starting to get to me lol) But, I’m not sure about the flying part. Anyone want to share their experience? If you could also share the airline you used, that would be awesome.

[DLandChris]

I'm guessing you're asking specifically how flying is in these pandemic times?

If so, I've gone to WDW three times in the reopening conditions in 2020 and from California. I specifically flew out of SNA because of being local to Orange County and I just felt like it was safer than LAX in these times. When I first flew I was a little nervous. The masks didn't bother me, but it was whether I would be sitting next to anyone. That first time there was no one in between me and another in my row. That was August and in September it changed on the airline I usually take and rows were full.

I have read a few studies and it is safer to fly than to go to a local grocery store right now. I try to get window seats because that is the best for air quality safety.

Overall, it has been fine. Sometimes in airports you don't see people playing it as safe with some mask wearing issues and crowding. But, it's easy to avoid the crowds still. I really like that airlines are now boarding and disembarking by rows. So, pick a seat toward the back if you want to be on the plane first, or pick the seat toward the front if you want to be off first. Or get first class and don't worry about either one

I was also doing all carry-on because I don't even like people handling my bags in non-COVID times. But, even more now. Overall it's been good that airports haven't been too crowded and the flights feel more and more safe the more and more I travel. As for airlines, I didn't have a good experience with American and have had a good experience with United. I've heard people having good experiences with Southwest as another.

[Niknak88]

I'm guessing you're asking specifically how flying is in these pandemic times?

If so, I've gone to WDW three times in the reopening conditions in 2020 and from California. I specifically flew out of SNA because of being local to Orange County and I just felt like it was safer than LAX in these times. When I first flew I was a little nervous. The masks didn't bother me, but it was whether I would be sitting next to anyone. That first time there was no one in between me and another in my row. That was August and in September it changed on the airline I usually take and rows were full.

I have read a few studies and it is safer to fly than to go to a local grocery store right now. I try to get window seats because that is the best for air quality safety.

Overall, it has been fine. Sometimes in airports you don't see people playing it as safe with some mask wearing issues and crowding. But, it's easy to avoid the crowds still. I really like that airlines are now boarding and disembarking by rows. So, pick a seat toward the back if you want to be on the plane first, or pick the seat toward the front if you want to be off first. Or get first class and don't worry about either one

I was also doing all carry-on because I don't even like people handling my bags in non-COVID times. But, even more now. Overall it's been good that airports haven't been too crowded and the flights feel more and more safe the more and more I travel. As for airlines, I didn't have a good experience with American and have had a good experience with United. I've heard people having good experiences with Southwest as another.

Thank you so much!! Yeah, I meant flying in these Pandemic times. I’ve been a bit concerned about the mask enforcement on the planes. Also, if they are sitting everyone right next to each other. But I’ve heard mostly good things!

[DLandChris]

The mask enforcement on the flights have been good for the most part. I’ve noticed attendants telling people to wear them properly and they give masks if people don’t have them for some reason (airports don’t check).
One thing someone pointed out and now I’m actually considering checking on this if I go again soon: Airlines might let you buy a seat next to you if you’re willing to buy it. But, I think it’s if you are really concerned. Like I said, it’s a thought I have but I really felt fine with the flights this last December/January. The second return flight I didn’t have anyone in my row at all which does happen sometimes now.

Oh! I will say I know direct flights are usually nice but I did like having a layover to get a quick bite to be able to take my mask off briefly. You can have it off to eat snacks on the plane but I was putting it back on while chewing. Also, bring a few extra wipes to wipe down more of the seat. They say they wipe but it just made me feel better and other people were too. Also to wipe the seat belt.

[Niknak88]

The mask enforcement on the flights have been good for the most part. I’ve noticed attendants telling people to wear them properly and they give masks if people don’t have them for some reason (airports don’t check).
One thing someone pointed out and now I’m actually considering checking on this if I go again soon: Airlines might let you buy a seat next to you if you’re willing to buy it. But, I think it’s if you are really concerned. Like I said, it’s a thought I have but I really felt fine with the flights this last December/January. The second return flight I didn’t have anyone in my row at all which does happen sometimes now.

Oh! I will say I know direct flights are usually nice but I did like having a layover to get a quick bite to be able to take my mask off briefly. You can have it off to eat snacks on the plane but I was putting it back on while chewing. Also, bring a few extra wipes to wipe down more of the seat. They say they wipe but it just made me feel better and other people were too. Also to wipe the seat belt.

Wow, thanks so much, Chris!! Lots of good info!!

[DLandChris]

Wow, thanks so much, Chris!! Lots of good info!!

Haha thanks! You picked the right forum to ask the question and I’m glad the trips I took could be useful for others.

[randyf79]

Hi!

We recently flew from Charlotte to Orlando (and back) on American Airlines. There were no issues at all. Everybody was following protocols, masking, etc. My wife and I did purchase a some KN95 masks that we used on the days we were traveling...just a little extra insurance. (Check at your local Lowes.) We had no trouble in the airports either. Orlando was fine...we used Disney's Magical Express to get to our resort. And everything in the resorts and parks were Disney-quality.

Back to the flights...we did what we always do and did our own 'wipe-down' of our arm-rests, tray tables, etc. You should plan to bring your own beverages/snacks. I'm sure the airline has some water on request...but they aren't doing the normal inflight servicing.

So bottomline...enjoy your flight and have a magical experience!

[MDFang83]

The first time I flew to Florida, it was on an airline that no longer exists, Eastern Airlines. All the others have been on Southwest. I live in Chicago and prefer to fly out of Midway Airport instead of O’Hare. Southwest is the best of the budget airlines.

I’d say you probably want to arrive at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. For going through TSA, I recommend putting all of your loose items in ziplock bags. It helps a lot.

[WisconsinDisneyDad]

I flew American twice during Covid, and am again in March. It was good, but full planes. They changed to smaller Jets to make capacity maxed. I believe Delta still is doing open middle seats, but you won't find that on American.

One thing I'd highly recommend, for credit smart people, is an airlines credit card. I have the American one. This enables me a free checked beg for EVERY ONE in my booking party. So when we fly, we check 3 big bags each way. Card costs $100 a year, but one flight of checked bags pays for it. Such a great feature to take advantage of. Delta is the same way, I have that card as well.

[CH-GenX]

For those of you who fly I've found google flights to be really great way to find the best priced flights.

https://www.google.com/travel/flights

Here is a youtube video that might be helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmE1Y8XAWE