What is it like to travel now during the Covid-19 pandemic?

We understand it can be difficult to stay on top of any changes needed for your travel in 2020 – requirements for travel seem to be changing daily! Here are some answers to the questions you may have now about traveling.

What is it like to fly during Covid-19?
Each airline has their own set of rules, and therefore, we recommend contacting your individual airline for their current travel protocols and requirements. Below are three experiences shared with us on recent flights with Alaska Air, United Airlines, and American Airlines:

• Our valued client and friend, Barbara, recently flew from Seattle to Chicago with Alaska Air, and stated:  “On our Alaska Air flight no middle seats were sold (through Sept 30 according to the airline) and if you like an exit row for normal travel, you’ll love it for travel now — especially a window seat. The flight was boarded rear to front to minimize interaction and it may have been the cleanest plane we’ve ever been on. Which didn’t stop me from taking antibacterial wipes to everything like I was Naomi Campbell or something. In a world where nothing feels normal and everything is bathed in uncertainty, I was not uncomfortable taking this flight to see our families.”
• Our very own travel designer, Laura, also flew domestically in June and July with United Airlines. If you would like to see what a United experience looks like post Covid-19, check out Laura’s Blog post.
• Our mate, Derek from American Airlines, recently flew to Antigua and if you would like to know what an AA flight looks like, check out this video.

What cancellation penalties apply to my booking during Covid-19?
We use a variety of operators to design each trip uniquely to your desires. And therefore, cancellation policies are unique to your trip with no blanket cancellation policy for any one itinerary. As your travel consultant, we will organize the cancellation terms for you during the planning process, an added value. We will also work with you to amend trips should international travel restrictions not allow you to travel as planned. Please contact your Travel Consultant for specific questions regarding your trip plans.

Do I need travel insurance?
We do recommend travel insurance. Moving forward, it will be compulsory to provide proof of travel insurance for some destinations. To ensure coverage during the current pandemic, we strongly recommend purchasing an additional coverage, Cancel for Any Reason, which must be purchased within 21 days of your initial deposit. Please contact your Travel Consultant for a quote.

What if my work won’t allow me to travel?
Your deposit can be utilized for future travel plans for any of the destinations in which we specialize.

Will I need a Covid-19 test to travel?
Travel requirements vary per country and most countries are requiring proof of a negative Covid-19 test to travel, and/or require a test upon arrival.   Please contact your Luxury Travel Consultant for further information.

Where can I get a Covid-19 test before I depart?
We recommend a quick call to your doctor’s office as your first resource. As a secondary alternative, we recommend contacting The Covid Consultants. They can provide at-home Covid-19 PCR tests with an average 48-hour turnaround.

Will I need to quarantine for 14 days when I return home?
These requirements are changing almost daily, so we recommend that you review your state’s specific requirements.

I am still a bit unsure about traveling, how will a travel company help me?
We understand it is hard to navigate through all the changing travel policies. Travel companies are here to help you understand how our industry is adjusting to a post-pandemic world.  Our consultants are part of a small team, who are constantly staying on top of current regulations and restrictions for your trip by sharing knowledge, updates and advice from our travel partners overseas and here domestically. We will help you navigate situations that could come up unexpectedly around your trip: manage border restrictions due to Covid-19, constantly changing airline policies, and staying on top of each hotel and tour’s safety and sanitization protocols.

As we work with you, it is also very important that you continue to review all travel documents, requirements, and action items for your trip throughout the planning and booking process to ensure everything is in order for a seamless experience. Finally, before you depart, we will schedule a phone call to run through your itinerary and answer any outstanding questions.

We understand travel in the current environment can feel very overwhelming, but as travel experts, we are here to help ensure that you can still have a great trip during an unexpected time like this.  Check out our blog on the benefits of a travel consultant.