Making plans seems to be an impossible feat these days, especially when it comes to travel. While we don’t know what the future holds, we are optimistic about leisure travel in 2021. Big industry changes related to change fees, sanitation, and seating have made flying much safer and easier for you. We have mapped out everything you need to know about flying in 2021 so that you can be confident when booking your next adventure.

Sanitation

During a pandemic, safety needs to be a top priority. Airlines understand the facts and have gone to extreme measures to ensure a safe flight experience for you. Each airline has updated sanitation measures on its website. Delta, American, United, and Southwest are just a few of the many airlines that now use hospital quality air filtration to boost clean air through the aircraft every few minutes.

Along with the air filtration, hospital-grade disinfectant is used to frequently clean the common touch areas on the aircraft and throughout the airports. Some airlines are cleaning before every flight, while all airlines are deep cleaning every night. Passengers are encouraged to do their part by simply washing their hands, wearing a face covering, and hand sanitizing. Even after these precautions, some airlines are going even further to practice social distancing by not selling middle seats. Delta and Alaska airlines are not selling middle seats until at least January 6, 2021. Southwest and other airlines may extend this practice into the new year as well. 

Change Fees

To help with the uncertainty of the current situation, some airlines have removed all change fees to help flying become even more convenient. Southwest airlines eliminated change fees years ago, paving the way for American, Delta, and United to follow. International fees still apply in most cases; however, domestic change fees are gone for 2021 and most likely forever. This lets you plan a trip without all of the concrete details, giving you an option to easily change your flights if necessary. No change fees is true but if the flight you change to is more expensive, then plan on paying the difference. If the new flight option is less expensive, then you can plan on receiving flight credit for the difference. 

Food & Beverage

To create less contact, other modified elements of the flying experience are the food and beverage options. Earlier in 2020, airlines cut some services to apply social distancing measures. As more services are coming back, expect prepackaged foods and drinks. As airports suffered a very slow period and closed down dozens of restaurants, plan on those opening back up as travel normalizes into 2021. Check with the airport and airline beforehand to see what to expect for in-flight services. 

Travel Requirements

Be sure to check on the requirements necessary to enter your vacation destination. While many locations around the globe are opening to visitors, often times a negative COVID test is being required to enter. As circumstances are changing rapidly, make certain you know the rules and regulations before booking. While obtaining a negative COVID test may seem daunting, don’t overthink it. Tests are becoming more widespread and the process more simple. Walgreens and CVS are some simple and quick test locations.

Book Your Vacation

We know there is a lot to consider as you return to travel, but our advice is to book your vacation! The world is not shut down and there are plenty of ways to travel safely. Flight deals can be found for very cheap as airlines are trying to get you back on board. Take advantage of these deals as many tests, including one from Harvard Public Health, prove that flying is a rather low-risk activity. 2021 is just around the corner, so let’s keep checking off that bucket list.

*As conditions and circumstances are constantly changing around the globe, we encourage you to stay updated with the airline websites along with up-to-date pages on The Points Guy 

Acanela Expeditions wants to show you the best that this world has to offer. Experience local culture, beauty, cuisine, and more in one of our tours. With hundreds of domestic and international options to choose from, explore the countless possibilities to make your 2021 sensational.

Post written by Collin Peterson