While we’ve been on a few road trips since the pandemic started March 2020 in New Jersey, we haven’t traveled outside the state via plane. We just didn’t feel safe enough hopping on a plane, but Arman and I decided it was time to give it a try. The kids didn’t come, because we wanted to make sure it was safe enough first.
Our Destinations:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
- Death Valley National Park, California
- Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Las Vegas 
Grand Canyon 
Badwater Basin at Death Valley 
Valley of Fire State Park
So, how was our first Airport and Plane ride experience since the pandemic?
- Airport security: We have TSA pre-check, but due to the social distancing requirements to get to the TSA agent and then security scanners, the lines were moving slower than usual. Give yourself extra time to check-in.
- Boarding and Deplaning Process: They are now boarding the plane by row numbers (end of plane to front) to avoid having people crowd together. In addition to the usual priority boarding of First class passengers, military, and families with children, they added first responders with valid I.D. to the list. They deplane from the front of the plane to the back.
Airport Shuttles: If you need to take an airport shuttle from/to your car/rental, you’ll need some extra time for this too. There is a 10 person maximum load per shuttle.
What are my Plane ride Must-haves?
Better safe than sorry was my motto for this trip.
- Hand Sanitizers
- Disinfectant Wipes: We wiped down our seats, window, tray tables, seat belts, and anything that we could potentially touch while onboard. The airline videos now include info on their cleaning process.
- Double mask: I strongly encourage double masking while onboard the plane. I had a KN95 mask and a cloth mask over it.
- 3D Face Mask Bracket: I also wore this under my double masks for comfortable breathing.