An emergency launched my need to take a domestic flight within the United States from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. What it is like flying out of JFK in July 2020 is a matter I never anticipated having to contemplate, but that’s pretty much how much of this year has flowed, where I’ve had to think about all sorts of things I never really had stewed over before. Here’s the good and bad of my experience flying of out JFK in the summer of 2020:
Planning on flying out of JFK July 2020? Research the rules at your destination
What is being reported in various news outlets about requirements applicable to travelers is not necessarily what is currently applicable to them.
Flying out of JFK July 2020: Travelers might be surprised about how much digging they have to do to determine the specific requirements that may apply to them in the destination to which they are headed.
State websites are not necessarily up-to-date. I couldn’t get through to the governor’s office in my destination state. I did contact tourism bureaus in the city and state to which I was headed, and I also called the airline I ended up flying on. The information provided to me by each source was slightly different.
Those finding travel by plane to be necessary right now may want to be a bit flexible about their arrangements given the constantly shifting nature of restrictions on travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flying out of JFK during the pandemic? Consider booking directly with an airline
As one who typically scrounges all corners of the internet in search of the best possible airfare, I don’t often book directly with airlines because I usually find better deals elsewhere. This time around, my primary concern was the ability to change my booking without penalty if I needed to and also to receive a refund promptly should I need to cancel my trip entirely rather than postpone it. In an effort to minimize any bureaucratic hassle I might possibly encounter, I choose to book directly with an airline.
Refunds for reservations are more easily granted than they once were.
As it turns out, my plans did change, and, fortunately enough, I was able to cancel my original booking without any back-and-forth at all. I just called the airline and handled it over the phone. I received the credit back to my card about a week later, which I had been informed would be about the time the refund would take.
Fly first class if you can
Travelers may find flight prices to be relatively reasonable right now, even the cost of first-class airfare. A little more space between travelers, such as that found in the first-class seating area, might be particularly welcome right now. I’ve heard varied statements about whether airlines are allowing passengers to sit in middle seats during flights and whether airlines are letting travelers relocate to socially distance.
If you are planning on flying out of JFK July 2020, you might save yourself a bit of hassle by just making arrangements to sit in a first-class seat if you can swing it.
Long-term parking at JFK during the pandemic
I had an early morning flight departing from JFK, so I arrived at long-term parking at Lefferts Boulevard before sunrise. I’ve never seen the lot so empty. Few people were waiting for a ride on the AirTrain, and my car during part of my journey to my terminal was empty.
Those who become anxious in situations such as this might want to take an alternative means of transportation to the airport or, possibly, park in a short-term parking lot, which might be more full (and, thus, more populated).
In the terminal during the COVID-19 pandemic
Arriving in the departures area of the terminal was a bit surreal because it seemed almost completely empty. I’d checked in online, but I still had to check my bag, which required the use (and touching of) an airline computer screen. Going through security, I had to lower my mask briefly to prove that I am the person pictured in my photo identification. Spots were marked in the line to enable social distancing, but people still tended to crowd together as they were putting all of their gear in bins. Everyone wore face masks.
Pickup on the other side of the conveyor also tended to be crowded as travelers sought to retrieve their shoes, wallets, and laptops.
Once through security, I found most gates to be pretty deserted, too, and most shops were closed. A coffee could be had, but I opted not to take a risk by purchasing one.
The restroom was clean and empty.
Near my flight time, the gate from which my plane would be departing did become a bit crowded. Typically, groups of people traveling together would leave a seat or two between the next group in the waiting area. I opted to stand while socially distancing.
Boarding a plane at JFK airport during the coronavirus outbreak
During boarding, people were pretty good about maintaining social distancing. As we approached the plane, though, distances between people became shorter.
Boarding the plane, travelers were provided with bottles of water and a snack by flight attendants.
No one in the airport took my temperature or asked me any questions about the coronavirus or my destination.
—Lori Tripoli
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