Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the travel industry has been hit harder than most. During the initial stay-at-home orders, airlines lost out on billions of dollars in revenue due to cancelled trips. According to studies, the slump in travel cost the travel industry an estimated $910 billion, leaving 4.6 million of travel-related jobs at risk.
For many, the overwhelm of the pandemic has left people wondering if they are able to travel without any major complications or risks. In addition to the stress of rescheduling travel plans, people are also weighed down by the potential health risks of contracting COVID-19. Learn more about the top 5 common travel questions people have below.
- Can flying increase my likelihood of getting COVID-19? Ultimately, you are taking a chance contracting COVID-19 any time you leave the house. While the time spent in terminals and coming in close contact with others can increase the chances of contracting the virus, flying on an actual airplane doesn’t exponentially increase the risk. The way that air is circulated and filtered on an airplane actually does not allow germs to spread as easily as some may think.
- Is there anywhere I can’t travel to during the pandemic? In an effort to stop the spread, international travel has been limited between certain countries. As the situation changes, so do the restrictions and openings. It’s important to check current travel advisories before making arrangements to avoid getting stuck in a destination far away from home.
- What travel activities are considered to be high-risk? There are some activities that will put you at risk more than others when it comes to traveling. This includes traveling to an area that is experiencing high-levels of COVID-19 infections, going to large gatherings including weddings, concerts, sporting events, and traveling on a cruise ship or a river boat.
- Do I have to quarantine? There are several states, including New York, that require people visiting to quarantine for 14 days or be tested within 3 days of arrival. This is being done in an attempt to limit or stop the spread of COVID-19 in areas where there’s a low infection rate. This is also something to research before traveling to another state to avoid being detained or having to pay a stiff fine.
- How has travel insurance changed? When traveling to a different country, travel insurance is always a wise investment. Accidents and serious illnesses can happen anywhere, whether you’re on vacation or not. According to a personal injury lawyer in Santa Ana, injuries can be “…caused by another person, business or governmental entity’s negligence.” Regardless of how it happens, it’s important to be prepared for and covered if you’re injured.
It’s a strange time for humans in general. Our day-to-day has completely changed and it’s unsure if we’ll ever get back to what we considered normal before. While it may take some time to get back to where planning and taking vacations are stress-free, staying up-to-date with the changes will eventually help us get there.