There’s no denying that being locked up in our homes – sometimes with extended family – with little to do has many of us itching for a vacation from all of this madness. It seems like everyday we’re hit with another dose of bad news or some other worrying detail about the 2020 election, Coronavirus, police brutality – of course we want to get away.

But right now is not the time to be heading to the airport for that flight to some distant (or even not so distant) destination.

Experts agree that flying and spending time in airports is one of the riskiest things you can do during the Coronavirus pandemic. Sure, many airlines and airports say they’re taking extraordinary measures to protect travelers but several news reports and viral videos have shown that isn’t always true.

Air travel is considered a high-risk activity when it comes to the Coronavirus pandemic – and here’s why.

Air travel means spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which puts you into close contact with other people. As travel slowly recovers, planes are becoming more crowded, which means you will likely sit close to other people, often for hours, which raises your risk.

But if you can’t wait until a vaccine arrives to travel by air, you should understand the risks and know that there are measures you can take to stay safe. Flying is risky for several reasons, but the main concern is being in close proximity to other people from all over the country or the world. 

One of the best ways to protect yourself (besides wearing a mask) is social distancing. And when it comes to flying, the reality is that it’s almost impossible to truly socially distance on a plane. Even if the flight you are on is not completely booked, the chances that you will encounter someone — either a fellow passenger or flight attendants — within six feet of you is very high. You will likely also encounter people within six feet while getting through airport security and boarding a plane.

Once on a plane, most viruses and other germs don’t spread easily because of the way air circulates, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Airlines also say they are focusing on sanitizing the hard surfaces that passengers commonly touch.

Airlines say they’re adjusting their policies to accommodate social distancing but that isn’t always the case.

Several major U.S airlines (including Alaska, Delta, and JetBlue) have said that they’re blocking middle seats or limiting capacity. Other airlines (such as American) were doing that but have since started booking flights to capacity to make up losses revenues. But even if every middle seat is empty you will likely be closer than the recommended distance of 6 feet to another passenger now that planes are getting fuller.

Once you’re onboard, many airlines have completely eliminated food and beverage service, since it can be a vector for spreading the virus.

And although all U.S. airlines now officially require ‘appropriate face coverings’ while onboard, not all are enforcing this rule equally. And what’s to keep an anti-masker from taking off their mask mid-flight? Is an airline really going to reroute an entire aircraft wit hundreds of passengers for an emergency landing to kick off a passenger who refuses to use a mask?

Enforcement on airlines is much different than their official policies.

Recent travel stories and viral videos have shown the stark difference between official airlines policies and actual flying conditions. For example, travelers have reported that flights on United are suppose to notify travelers if the flight will be full but they show up to the airport only to then discover that they’ll be elbow to elbow with fellow travelers. That’s not good to say the least.

Airlines have increased sanitation and cleaning protocols with deeper and more frequent cleanings. Major airlines affiliated with Airlines for America saidthey are meeting or exceeding CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitation. Many planes are utilizing High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to ensure the air flow is filtered and circulated as much as possible. Still, you should remain vigilant about hand hygiene on board, and bring your own disinfectant wipes so you can wipe down your seat and tray when you board. 

Most experts agree that plane travel – unless absolutely necessary – is a big no no right now.

In an interview with Buzzfeed News, Gerardo Chowell, an epidemiologist, said “No vacation this year at all. There’s no point, and being an expert and trying to advise the public, we are not taking any vacation. It’s a very simple summer for us this year. We’re grateful we have some green areas around our house here in Decatur, Georgia, and we go out for walks almost every day. But that’s it. We’re not going anywhere because the risk is very real, now more than ever.

Meanwhile, Susan Kline, a professor of medicine, told Buzzfeed News that she is “not very comfortable getting on a plane still. My biggest concern is once you’re on a plane with a large number people, usually it’s in tight quarters and you’re all sharing the air, so I do think that’s the highest-risk situation: indoor spaces with a relatively large number of people in a relatively small space, plus add in you’re often sitting very close to people and you can’t control who you sit next to and you have no idea if they have any symptoms.

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There is no denying that COVID-19 is definitely changing a lot of our summer plans. However, there are a lot of plans this summer that we can still enjoy to the fullest, no matter what is happening in the world. Here are some of the ways you are making summer fun at home.

Nothing like a visit from the paletero.

There is nothing more summer than the paletero, according to @kclovesgg. He is the first person many of us fell in love with because he represented pure joy and always made us happy. Hearing that little bell clanking in the distance is enough to still make our hearts race.

On the other end, mami’s unending caldo is a summer staple.

Our moms have this theory that it is beneficial for us to eat soup when it is hot outside. It isn’t to boot our immune systems or make us healthier. It is low key a way for them to save on the A/C. While Instagram users like @lulu_hern might remember it fondly, it is important to know that mom thought you would not feel as hot after eating such a hot meal. Therefore, she wouldn’t have to turn on the A/C.

There is something so important about the first carne asada of summer.

We all know that papi, tío, abuelo, and every Latino man loves to be the carne asada house every summer. Fortunately, this summer, because of *waves frantically* everything, he can be the carne asada house every day. You better buckle up, @carmabelle91. Get ready to eat your family’s cooking all summer.

Some of you think margaritas are a summer drink when they are really acceptable at any time of year.

Literally, there is never a wrong time of year for a refreshing margarita because: tequila. While the freshness of lime juice and the blended ice to make for an exceptionally refreshing beverage for summer, don’t limit yourself. Enjoy your margaritas all year and make a special mix for those hot summer months, @cagirl_72.

The ability to go outdoor got a mention from you all because it’s the little things some times.

Being able to walk around outside is just one of the many joys we can enjoy without spending money. Being able to walk around your neighborhood or through nature is vital right now. We have been isolated at home for months and we have had to roll back openings because of spiking cases. Don’t let yourself go stir crazy. Walk around and breathe. @reynadelamiche knows what’s up.

Who doesn’t love a little baseball right now?

The sporting world was one of the first to respond to COVID-19. All professional sports suspended their seasons when COVID-19 started to spread in the U.S. However, baseball is on its way back in the U.S. Despite the pandemic, the MLB will be restarting the season and taking actions to keep players safe, @riossr.alonso.

A big thing you want, according to IG comments, is justice for Breonna Taylor.

Several of you commented that you want to see justice for Breonna Taylor who was killed by police in Louisville, Kentucky. Her case has drawn a lot of attention because the police officers executed a no-knock warrant and entered the wrong address.

Taylor was shot and killed in her home and the police who killed the innocent woman have not been arrested. People have demonstrated across the country demanding justice for Breonna Taylor. Though the police have not been arrested, Breonna’s Law was passed by Louisville eliminating no-knock warrants.

READ: LGBTQ+ Swimwear To Rock This Summer If You’re Sick Of Being Constrained To One Look

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