Anyone still flying or flown lately?

[DawnM]

I got word last night that I need to fly TODAY for an urgent relative situation.  

I saw on the news that shops in the airports and restaurants are closed.  Are they ALL closed?  Will there be nowhere to get food or drinks?  I am taking snacks and empty water bottles to fill in the terminal, but wondering if I can get an actual meal?  On the way I can take a sandwich, but on the way back, I won't be able to.  I can do heavy snacks I guess, but just curious.

Thank you!

[Guest]

Haven’t, but my understanding is there are so few flights in or out, even at massive Intl. airports, even just getting on a flight that actually goes where you need to go seems not very promising. I would go on the assumption that, other than maybe a vending machine, there will not be food. 

My daughter’s friend, who didn’t come home from France when dd did, is now virtually stuck there because all the carriers are suspending intl flights. There is something like one flight from France to the US per day, and you can only arrive in NY or LAX. 

[DawnM]

Oh, vending machines, didn't think of that.  I think most take credit cards now, but I will carry some cash just to be on the safe side.  Thanks.

It looked online like the flight had 30-40 or so people on it.  Hopefully it won't get cancelled.

Edited April 18, 2020 by DawnM

[Chris in VA]

I flew internationally 3 weeks ago. There were a couple shops open doing pick up food. No restaurants.  It was eerie. I was the only one in the security line. 

[Guest]

8 minutes ago, DawnM said:

Oh, vending machines, didn't think of that.  I think most take credit cards now, but I will carry some cash just to be on the safe side.  Thanks.

It looked online like the flight had 30-40 or so people on it.  Hopefully it won't get cancelled.

It’s possible the vending machines aren’t being services atm, though. Idk if the people who maintain vending stock have been allowed in. 

[Bootsie]

Also be aware that airlines have significantly reduced their food and beverage services.  So, getting a soda and bag of pretzel in flight, or paying for a snack on the flight might not be possible.  I would be sure to pack extra snacks for the flight and for any disruptions that I might encounter during my travels.  

[DawnM]

8 minutes ago, Bootsie said:

Also be aware that airlines have significantly reduced their food and beverage services.  So, getting a soda and bag of pretzel in flight, or paying for a snack on the flight might not be possible.  I would be sure to pack extra snacks for the flight and for any disruptions that I might encounter during my travels.  

 

Yeah, I asked that question and the person on the ticketing agency phone call said there were no meals for purchase.  She didn't mention food service, but good to know.  I will be bringing some empty water bottles to fill in the terminal.  And heavy snacks.  I have some of those foil tuna packages too that I just realized I had for work but I am not going IN to work right now.  And some power bars.  I will take them all.  Thanks.

[Guest]

I also want to say, Dawn, I hope everything works out with whatever the reason is you have to go. That must be a very dire problem if it requires you to go and I’m sorry. 

[Amira]

I haven’t flown, but I’ve had a lot of friends fly internationally and domestically recently.  Some airports have more things open than others. Atlanta and Dallas are better than Dulles, for example.  Don’t expect any food at all on the flights.  Definitely bring food for the entire trip, and plan for delays.  Almost all of my friends have dealt with cancelled domestic flights and having to overnight at their layover city.  There are hotels open next to airports, and takeout/delivery available near the airports in all the places I’ve heard of.  You won’t starve if you don’t bring plenty of food, but you’ll need something.  Nearly all of my friends have wished for more food as they’re flying with kids.  

[Lanny]

DawnM After you go through Security, hopefully, there will be a place open where you can buy Food and Beverages and fill your water bottle(s).  NEVER drink anything on a Civil Turbojet made with water, unless it comes out of a can or a bottle. 

Hoping DD will be able to come here from the USA,  early in May, but the Colombian government has extended the ban on International flights, until they can get the measures in place that will make us safer, and  we have no idea what day they will begin to permit International flights here. . One thing I think they will demand is that the Middle Seats in the Coach cabins are empty, to provide some distance between passengers.

 1 or 2 days ago, I received an email from the CEO of SPIRIT about what they are doing to protect passengers and crew. I believe one of the things is that they are not putting people into the Middle Seats. Hopefully the other major U.S. airlines are also doing that.

If you are booking a flight on American Airlines, you can see on their web site, before booking, the seats that have been reserved.

Have a safe trip!

Edited April 18, 2020 by Lanny
typo

[DawnM]

44 minutes ago, Quill said:

I also want to say, Dawn, I hope everything works out with whatever the reason is you have to go. That must be a very dire problem if it requires you to go and I’m sorry. 

 

I messaged you.  I am happy to share, just not on a public board with a thread I have started.

[Guest]

May you be blessed in all your endeavors. I’m so sorry ideal is not possible. 

[prairiewindmomma]

Blessings on your journey, Dawn!

[katilac]

I would plan on bringing 100% of my food, and at least twice as much as I think I need (in case of delays). 

Protein bars, nuts, chocolate, hard candies and gum for thirst and sore throat, single serve flavor packets (some with caffeine), lunchables or the lunchables-style packets meant for adults that have better food, lol 

I hope all goes well. 

[Familia]

May all go well with your travels!

[school17777]

Have you reached your destination yet?  If so, how was the flight?

[Terabith]

I have been hoping for an update, too.

[DawnM]

So sorry, what a whirlwind weekend.  Didn't get an update.

I flew out Saturday.  Flights were about 30-50 people on each flight.  Very few vendors open in the terminals.  I didn't buy anything on the way out, but did get an iced coffee in a bottle at one of the gift shops on the way back since the coffee shop was closed.

Getting through security was a breeze, I got right up there.

I found a mask and bought one,  but really couldn't wear it.  I couldn't breathe well and I was sweating already.  I didn't wear it most of the time.  

They weren't serving anything on the plane unless you asked, and no snacks or food, only drinks.  

I took heavy snacks and a PBJ sandwich and that was helpful.  It wasn't nutritious or filling but at least I had something.

Edited April 20, 2020 by DawnM

[DawnM]

I guess I can post more now that it is a done deal.  

I have taken custody of a relative's 2 year old.  I flew across the country to pick him up.   The courts are seeking guardianship while we finish up our fingerprinting and clearance.

It is amazing to have a toddler in the house again!

 

[catz]

9 minutes ago, DawnM said:

I guess I can post more now that it is a done deal.  

I have taken custody of a relative's 2 year old.  I flew across the country to pick him up.   The courts are seeking guardianship while we finish up our fingerprinting and clearance.

It is amazing to have a toddler in the house again!

 

Oh my goodness, thank you for being here for this baby.  I'm glad it went smoothly.  ❤️  

[Lanny]

DawnM God bless you and your family for taking this boy into your home and into your hearts.

[Ottakee]

Wow.   As a former foster mom I get this.  Give yourself, your kids, this precious little one....basically everyone a lot of extra grace.  What a time to add in a little one.  

Check online for local foster/adopt/kinship care ( this is what you are) support groups.   Often they have wonderful clothing closets, diapers, wipes, toys, even car seats, beds, etc.   It might be harder now to access but I know our local one is open on an emergency appointment/no contact basis.   You say what you need, they package it up, you do a curbside pick up.

[Scarlett]

Oh Dawn how exciting!  I was afraid something had happened to your dad and I could not remember if he had got moved yet.  
 

Toddlers are a joy!  

[DawnM]

9 minutes ago, Scarlett said:

Oh Dawn how exciting!  I was afraid something had happened to your dad and I could not remember if he had got moved yet.  
 

Toddlers are a joy!  

 

Dad is fine.  It killed me to fly into Phoenix and not be able to see him (I had a layover) but I didn't think it was a good idea to go visit my 85 year old father who has had cancer, right after getting off a plane.

 

[DawnM]

2 hours ago, Ottakee said:

Wow.   As a former foster mom I get this.  Give yourself, your kids, this precious little one....basically everyone a lot of extra grace.  What a time to add in a little one.  

Check online for local foster/adopt/kinship care ( this is what you are) support groups.   Often they have wonderful clothing closets, diapers, wipes, toys, even car seats, beds, etc.   It might be harder now to access but I know our local one is open on an emergency appointment/no contact basis.   You say what you need, they package it up, you do a curbside pick up.

 

I have posted on Next Door and my neighborhood site and BAM!  I am almost completely set!  Lots of books, toys, crib, bedding, sippy cups, plates, clothing, baby gates, booster seat.......people are so happy to give.  And it is prob a great time as people are purging!

And I haven't even been home 24 hours.  

People can be amazing.

[stephanier.1765]

1 minute ago, DawnM said:

 

I have posted on Next Door and my neighborhood site and BAM!  I am almost completely set!  Lots of books, toys, crib, bedding, sippy cups, plates, clothing, baby gates, booster seat.......people are so happy to give.  And it is prob a great time as people are purging!

And I haven't even been home 24 hours.  

People can be amazing.

That really is amazing! Humanity is a funny thing. Horrid and disappointing one day and gloriously wonderful and giving the next. Kiss the baby for us!

[ScoutTN]

4 hours ago, DawnM said:

I guess I can post more now that it is a done deal.  

I have taken custody of a relative's 2 year old.  I flew across the country to pick him up.   The courts are seeking guardianship while we finish up our fingerprinting and clearance.

It is amazing to have a toddler in the house again!

 

Wow! Starting over with a toddler is huge! 
I will pray for the LORD's blessings on you all as you jump onto this roller coaster! 

[Anne]

Oh my goodness, Dawn - what a huge undertaking - I'm adding you to my prayer list! 

 

Anne

[Melissa in Australia]

Congratulations on your new family member 

[Ottakee]

5 hours ago, DawnM said:

 

I have posted on Next Door and my neighborhood site and BAM!  I am almost completely set!  Lots of books, toys, crib, bedding, sippy cups, plates, clothing, baby gates, booster seat.......people are so happy to give.  And it is prob a great time as people are purging!

And I haven't even been home 24 hours.  

People can be amazing.

That is wonderful.

[Kareni]

Wishing you well with this new addition to your family.

Regards,

Kareni