How to Survive a 12-Hour Flight During Covid-19

Are you planning on flying soon? If you haven’t flown in a while, you may be wondering how things work these days. This is especially true when you are on a long flight. Let’s say you are trying to take a 12-hour flight and wondering what on earth to expect during your travels. Learning how to survive a 12-hour flight during Covid-19 isn’t as bad as you may be expecting, but there are still some new things to know.

Before the pandemic, air travel was quite predictable. That’s no longer the case. You need to be on your toes in case of changes in your flight or any new restrictions/rules have been added. In case you were wondering, all of these things have been happening over the last year when it comes to travel, so you never know.

Here are some of the best tips you can follow regarding planning a trip where you will be flying for 12 hours or longer. These tips can help relieve your traveling anxiety and allow you to relax a little more before a long trip.

Take Your Vitamins

Before and after your flight, be sure to continue taking your vitamins to give your immune system the boost it needs during the cold/flu/Covid-19 season.

Check for Flight Updates

This is true for any flight you take, but before you head to the airport, make sure your flight will be on time. Using your smartphone or computer you can easily track delta flight plans and more.

Look Into Border Regulations

Twelve hours is a long flight. This may mean that you are traveling internationally. If this is the case, be sure to check into any updated rules or regulations for your arrival destination.

Border restrictions, testing and quarantine rules, and other regulatory changes often happen, and you don’t want to be left behind! Be sure to keep yourself educated and up to date to prevent any snags in your travel.

You may be required to get a Covid-19 test before your trip and if that is the case, be sure to find out the timeframe (many places require test results within three days of your flight departure). Additionally, many destinations require that select companies do the tests, so be sure and pay close attention.

Bring Required Face Coverings

Just about every airline requires all passengers to wear masks throughout the entire flight, so before heading to the airport, be sure to have a mask with you.

Prepare to wear it throughout your flight. It is also worth making sure that the airline you are flying is requiring N95 face masks, cloth masks, or face shields.

Don’t Count on an Empty Plane

Yes, there are fewer travelers these days, but that does not mean that your plane will be empty. Some airlines are requiring an open middle seat, but many others are not.

Pack Some Good Snacks

Most airlines have significantly reduced their food and drink offerings during the pandemic. On a 12-hour flight, you will still likely receive a meal, but meals on planes these days are just not the same as they were.

We highly recommend that you bring along some good snacks or meals for you to enjoy during your flight.

Download Some Good Reading Material

Be sure to download some entertaining reading material onto your phone or a tablet. This is a travel tip that I recommend whenever you are taking a 12-hour flight anywhere, whether in a pandemic or not.

Expect Limited Services

Many of the services and amenities we are used to having access to while traveling are either closed down or operating at a limited capacity. These limitations could extend to lounges and restaurants, shops and services, and even the bathrooms and shower facilities.

Have All Travel Documents with You or Downloaded onto Your Phone

Traveling in the days of COVID-19 requires more than just a passport and boarding pass. These days you need to have an official negative COVID-19 test, and some destinations require questionnaires or other forms to be filled out in advance.

Have a Plan B Ready

Another thing to prepare for when traveling in the days of COVID-19 is the likelihood of last-minute changes. They can (and have for many, many people) happen, and you need to be prepared in case they do. It is vital to have a plan B in this situation.

Your plan B can mean that you invest in trip insurance or have a secondary location planned (if your trip is canceled with enough time, that is).

Additionally, be sure to book your trip (airfare, hotels, car rental, etc.) with companies that have flexible policies in case of last-minute changes.

Have Patience

Patience is key, my friends. Whether you are doing a fairly short Delhi to Goa flight or a super long one, travel is much more difficult now. Things are taking longer, new requirements are continuing to be added, and none of this is the fault of airline employees.

Please be patient with them and with other travelers. Patience is key for surviving a 12-hour flight during Covid-19. Safe travels!

Have you flown during the pandemic? Share your experience with us!