‘I feel safer than going to the grocery store:’ What it’s like to fly during COVID-19

Flying on a plane isn’t very high on most people’s to-do lists right now.

But for many people who have to travel for work, it’s a necessity.

Airlines are taking extra steps to ensure passengers feel comfortable, and travellers are taking notice.

We went to the Saskatoon airport to  speak with people about their recent flying experiences.

“I have been flying back and forth from Vancouver to Saskatoon throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have always felt completely safe. I probably feel safer than going to the grocery store,” said one woman waiting outside the airport with her luggage.

“There is so much cleaning going on, I can’t tell if it’s more safe here, or at some family event,” said another traveller.

There are stricter cleaning practices, physical distancing in-between seats, mandatory masks, and no in-flight service.

For some frequent flyers, they feel safe, but they say the experience isn’t enjoyable at all.

“They hand you your little bag of water and sanitizer wipes, no visiting or anything, it’s taken the fun out of travel,” said one man who says he has flown a few times since March.

Despite the on-going pandemic, everyone we talked with felt very comfortable about flying.