Since the onset of the pandemic, I’ve flown four first-class flights to and from Los Cabos, Mexico, once in August 2020 and again in April 2021. San Francisco International is my home airport. This recounts my experiences flying during covid.
In August, SFO wasn’t a ghost town but was not very busy either. One would think this would render the checkin process easier but, no, that was not the case. Most checkin processes were under-staffed, especially TSA, so lines were modestly long. Most shops were closed. Getting a cup of coffee was a prolonged challenge.
Covid restrictions were evident everywhere at SFO. Almost everyone, staff and flyers alike, wore masks. Checkin and TSA lines were extended by big round decals on the floor in six-foot distancing. These largely were observed but some flyers closed the gap nonetheless. TSA was the usual aggravating experience: much barking and haranguing, shoes off, belts off, laptops and tablets out, take off hats and jackets. Stand here, go there, put your arms up, stand on the yellow footprints, etc.
On the plane, everyone was masked, no exceptions. One passenger did not have his nose covered and was told to pull up his mask. Boarding was from back to front, two rows at a time so there was no backup on the jetway nor on the aisle within. Each passenger was handed a sani-wipe at boarding. Boxed “snacks” were served in first class, available for purchase in economy. Drinks service was akin to pre pandemic times but slower. This was on United although carriers have different in-flight pandemic services. The flight was only half full. I had an empty seat beside me. In economy middle seats were unoccupied except for people traveling together.
Deplaning in Cabo also was by two rows at a time. Long walk to immigration and a long line once there. Lines distanced at six feet intervals but observance was spotty with no enforcement. Not as many travelers as previously. Baggage claim and customs easy.
There was the usual scrum exiting the airport but, at least, the time-share and taxi hustlers were masked. My ride was waiting outside to drive me to the resort. Driver was masked and gloved. He handed me a card indicating the interior had been thoroughly sanitized and, indeed, I could smell that it had.
Flying home, Cabo airport was quiet, not many passengers. Checkin, security and boarding were a repeat of the experience in San Francisco with the same onboard “services.” Again, economy was only half full and middle seats were unoccupied.
Arrival at SFO entailed a lengthy walk to immigration control and a very long, slow line. Customs was the usual breeze and then I was out and headed home. I was quarantined for two weeks which I’d expected. Small price to pay for getting the hell out of Dodge.
Circumstances were quite different in April of this year. SFO was crazy crowded, with many families traveling, and much pandemonium. My flight to Cabo was packed with nary a single extra seat. I was aghast. Checkin and boarding much the same as my August experience but very much more crowded and super lengthy. lines. Arrival in Mexico the same as earlier but an enormous line at immigration, well over 500 travelers in line. After half-an-hour of standing, I spoke to an official to say I was about to fall over. She took pity on me and escorted me to the front of the line. I limped very convincingly.