Anyone got a crystal ball? COVID and flying to the US...
Jan 27, 2021, 2:28 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 230
This time last year I was heading back from Beijing from a project that was cancelled at short notice by the government for what we now know to be Covid reasons. Questions had first been raised during our December 19 visit but we returned in January all the same. I certainly could not have envisaged the past 12 months turning out as they have done in my wildest imagination. This year we have a long booked holiday to Florida at Easter that clearly won’t happen now and my business travel to the USA this autumn feels very uncertain at this stage. Having done such a bad job of predicting last year even with my advance warnings the crystal ball for this year is remaining locked securely away.
Jan 27, 2021, 2:35 am
#47
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,401
I share that sentiment but as a Brit in the US who is missing his family in the UK. It's almost a year since I saw my mum & dad, and as they don't have the internet there's been nothing other than phone calls between us.
For travel from the UK to the US under the VWP or similar I am not at all sure when that will be possible....
... Even if you can fly to the US there's such a plethora of local restrictions that knowing what's open etc. can be a challenge. Restrictions vary not just on a state by state basis but also within counties or cities.
...Even if you're able to travel and visit the USA you may find that the experience while here is somewhat underwhelming.
For travel from the UK to the US under the VWP or similar I am not at all sure when that will be possible....
... Even if you can fly to the US there's such a plethora of local restrictions that knowing what's open etc. can be a challenge. Restrictions vary not just on a state by state basis but also within counties or cities.
...Even if you're able to travel and visit the USA you may find that the experience while here is somewhat underwhelming.
We were fortunate enough to make trips happen at least once a year if not twice.As for visiting the US, I’d simply be (if required) quarantining at my families house, therefore no need for hotels etc. I’d certainly wouldn’t be interested in doing any of the pre-Covid normalities. My only wish is to spend a few days with them whatever is afforded. I’m fine with testing and quarantining. It is what it is.
As I’ve said and it maybe wishing thinking but let’s hope there’s change come Easter. Hopefully you get to your dads Birthday at least.
Jan 27, 2021, 2:36 am
#48
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: 59K
Posts: 2,301
There seems to be a general view that vaccination programs make no difference.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
Jan 27, 2021, 3:00 am
#49
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sussex by the Sea
Programs: BA Silver, for now at least...
Posts: 577
There seems to be a general view that vaccination programs make no difference.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
Jan 27, 2021, 3:02 am
#50
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sussex by the Sea
Programs: BA Silver, for now at least...
Posts: 577
The irony of this being, of course, that said press negativity you are critical of has actually proved to be much more accurate so far than all the Pollyannas on FT sharing their opinion that for economic/moral/whatever other reason this won't last beyond summer. Or September. Maybe November. No, no, it will definitely be over by Christmas...
Jan 27, 2021, 3:17 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,228
I wasn't really expecting my post to be interpreted as a 'direct insult' so I apologise if that's the case, but I would suggest that criticism would have landed better had you not felt the need to direct one back at me. Again, there is some irony here in calling me a Trumpist given I'm not the one saying COVID-19 will be over soon and we should all go ahead and make travel plans for 2021 now...
Jan 27, 2021, 3:36 am
#52
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sussex by the Sea
Programs: BA Silver, for now at least...
Posts: 577
I wasn't really expecting my post to be interpreted as a 'direct insult' so I apologise if that's the case, but I would suggest that criticism would have landed better had you not felt the need to direct one back at me. Again, there is some irony here in calling me a Trumpist given I'm not the one saying COVID-19 will be over soon and we should all go ahead and make travel plans for 2021 now...
(adjective)
Belittling and often insulting term for being absurdly optimistic
Sorry, had to look this up as it is far too public school a phrase for me to ever use, but it sounds like an insult to me.
Jan 27, 2021, 3:45 am
#53
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: City of Kingston Upon Hull
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 4,940
There seems to be a general view that vaccination programs make no difference.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
I understand the scepticism through to the summer, but, countries that have vaccinated their vulnerable not allowing vaccinated people from other countries in throughout 2021 seems to be incredibly pessimistic.
If the argument for not opening up is vaccine escape, and, given that that risk cant be eliminated, then, logically you can never lift the restrictions. So no travel ever again. I think that is unlikely.
