Happy Minot Monday! Thanks to BeLOCAL Minot for making Minot Monday possible. Today we’re talking about flying from North Dakota during the Coronavirus era. Travel from Minot can be tricky, even more so when navigating a world in pandemic. Luckily BeLOCAL Minot and I are committed to helping you thrive while living in Minot. Check out BeLOCAL for more tips and information on living like a local.
Locals and transplants alike understand how refreshing it is to get away from Minot for a bit. Whether that means a weekend in “the cities” (Minneapolis/St Paul), a trip to the lake, or spending all winter in Arizona–even Minot’s biggest cheerleaders like to leave city limits sometimes.
Last week our family traveled away from Minot to visit family. This was our first significant travel since the COVID-19 era began. (I did take a short road trip to Rapid City, but that was solo and in the safety of my own car.)
This time we flew, which was completely different. I thought I might be helpful to share our experience and tips that I have. (For more on traveling from Minot see this post.)
We Flew From Bismarck
Our flight left from Bismarck. So I can’t attest to how conditions are in Minot. However, the airports are very similar–so I think the experience in Minot will be very similar. (Flying out of Minot is so convenient because it’s so close to everything, but sometimes you can get a great deal if you fly from Bismarck instead.) More on traveling from Minot here.
Masks in the Airport
Masks were highly recommended, but no one was forcing passengers to wear them in the airport or at the gate. All employees had masks on. Because there were so few passengers there was lots of space to be far from others. So while in the gate area (past security) about half of waiting passengers took their masks off.
According to general mask etiquette, kids two years old and up are supposed to wear masks. We did our best to keep a mask on Gideon, but that was a losing battle. Everyone we encountered showed grace when it came to keeping a mask on a toddler.
Security Screening
The number of travelers was down significantly in Bismarck. While there usually isn’t much of a wait in the TSA screening line, the wait for this flight was nonexistent.
Here are things we observed going through security:
- Shoes still need to come off.
- Some things were still required to take out of carry on bags and place in bins (electronics, batteries, shoes, etc.)
- Bins were not cleaned between uses.
- Floor markers indicated where to stand to maintain distance between travelers/parties.
- The standard 3oz liquid rule is flexible for hand sanitizer.
Other Things About the Airport & Boarding
After going through security we found that there was plenty of space to spread out and be well distanced from other travelers.
In the Bismarck Airport, there are living room style TVs. The last time we flew from there (in December) the TVs were on and remotes were on tables, so passengers could change channels. Now the TVs are off and the remotes are no longer available.
There are plenty of hand sanitizer stations available.
Food and beverage services are limited on most flights. Passengers were reminded to buy a coffee before boarding, as none would be available on board.
Boarding takes place from the back of the plane to front. Anyone who needs assistance or extra time is welcome to board at any time.
Passengers are welcome to have their boarding pass on their phone to limit contact on paper boarding passes. If you choose to (or need to) have a paper pass you can scan it yourself (gate attendants will help if you need it.)
While waiting in line to board passengers are asked to maintain social distance and wear masks. All passengers are expected to wear masks while boarding and through the duration of the flight.
During the Flight
Here are things we observed or are nice to know about flights during the coronavirus pandemic. We flew with Delta. Check your flight provider for their details and procedures.
- One of our (three) flights was a bit delayed due to cleaning and sanitation. I’m not sure what all this entails, but it happens between each flight.
- Upon boarding every passenger is given an antibacterial wipe to wipe their space/tray/armrests/etc.
- Because flights have limited passenger capacity there is more room in overhead compartments. Things that we have needed to gate check in the past (like a roll-on carry on) were welcome. There was plenty of space.
- Seats were strategically left open to offer greater distance.
- Flight attendants handed out pre-made Ziploc bags with a single use hand sanitizer, a package of crackers, a package of cookies and a bottled water. No custom snack orders were taken.
- Passengers were expected to wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking. (Grace was given for children.)
Layovers
We had two layovers during our travel day. Both airports (Minneapolis and Detroit) had their own COVID procedures in place. This included:
- Hand sanitizer stations
- Chairs blocked off in waiting areas to encourage social distancing
- Kiosks are closed
- Play spaces are closed
- Select restaurants are closed
- Some tram services are closed
- Some lounges are closed
If you are looking for a specific restaurant I highly advise asking at an info desk to make sure it’s open. Volunteers have a list of which eateries are open each day.
It was easy to find a place with a lot of space during our longest layover. With fewer travelers and limited seating, airports are much less crowded than they used to be. If you have a long layover be sure to check mezzanine levels. These are often overlooked and very quiet.
Other Travel Tips
In some ways I over prepared. Here are a few more tips for traveling during the COVID pandemic.
- Pack hand sanitizer, but don’t go overboard. There are stations everywhere, and single use packets are available on flights.
- Even though flight attendants give out antibacterial wipes, I found it helpful to have some of my own. (Like these) This came in handy for wiping toys or doing better cleaning on board.
- Pack snacks if you’d like to avoid eating a meal in the airport. The snacks on board were more substantial in the past, but food in airports is limited.
- Bring a water bottle. Drinking fountains are closed, but bottle fillers are open.
- Bring your mask and wear it. Do your part to stay distanced from others, don’t travel if you’re sick.
Hopefully this helps if you are going to be traveling outside of our relatively safe bubble in Minot and North Dakota. If you are looking for more insight on life in Minot be sure to join our intentionally positive-thinking community on Instagram and Facebook. And remember to follow on Instagram and check in on my Stories every Monday evening to see a round up of events happening in Minot each week.
