johnny jet

Things continue to loosen up travel wise. A million people will be traveling in US airports this week for the first time since March 16th. And the latest research indicates that air quality in planes is cleaner than the air in your home. The study, conducted by the Department of Defense, may be flawed because it was limited to one passenger and doesn't take into account people not wearing masks or moving around the cabin. But another study by the IATA, only 44 cases worldwide have been infected while traveling, out of over a billion travelers worldwide.

Johnny Jet says that in the last two weeks, nearly a million travelers have gone through TSA, the first time since March. It's on track to break the 1 million mark on Sunday. Travel is bouncing back now since airlines and airports are now instigating their own testing. It's not cheap at between $125-250, but some airports like Oakland, are offering free testing. One test is a 15-minute test and then there's a three-day test. Going to Hawaii requires the three days (72-hour test). The test eliminates the two-week quarantine.

Johnny Jet joins Leo to talk about how Hawaii is opening up this week to allow travel. The big news is 72 advance testing requirement before boarding, which could become the new normal. But even passing a test won't prevent you from catching Covid19 before you travel. Which is why JJ still won't travel right now. He has stayed at a Marriot Hotel recently and has seen all the steps that the hotel is taking to protect hotel guests. A getaway is doable if you mask up and protect yourself.

The huge story in Travel news ... United Airlines is offering rapid testing at San Francisco Airport for $250 with results in 72 hours, or you can test ahead of time and drop off the package for $80. You'll still have to quarantine where you're going until the results are received, but why not? Hawaii Airlines is also offering rapid testing for $90 and it will take 72 hours. Lufthansa is offering rapid testing for only $12 in Europe. Johnny says that until COVID goes away, this is the new normal if you want to travel. 

Johnny Jet is heading back to Hawaii after the state set a reopening date of October 15th. So far, it's only Oahu and you need to be tested within 72 hours of travel, and it's only through CVS or Kaiser Permanente. If you don't have a test, you will have to either turn around and go home or quarantine for five days. New York has also reopened to six states, including California.

American has transcontinental deals from California to New York for as low as 12,000 miles per seat. 

Johnny Jet suggests checking air quality before your travel. With all the wildfires happening in the Southwest, there are a lot of destinations that have really terrible air right now. The US Gov has AirNow.gov. Leo recommends Purple Air because it has local sensors. 

Johnny Jet joins Leo to talk about the huge bomb that United has dropped, permanently eliminating fees for changing a flight, saving travelers hundreds. Southwest did it years ago, but the legacy careers would charge at least $200. But after United dropped theirs, Delta, American, Alaska, and Hawaii did the same. American also added international destinations like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Johnny Jet is joining Leo to talk about using this pandemic time to visit local areas of interest like the zoo or museum. You'll need to wear a mask and practice social distancing, plus most are requiring reservations to cap attendance, but it's a good idea to fill your staycation agenda.

In other news - Cruiselines and Airlines are working on new rapid testing to keep those infected with CoVid from boarding. 

Johnny Jet put a flight reservation on hold this week to Florida after seeing the weather and the news a hurricane was coming. That's why he advises to always check with the Weather report in the area you're traveling to before booking.

In other travel news, Google Maps now gives up to the minute updates of the wildfires and will warn you with information on how to evacuate. 

Johnny Jet has a list of the best airlines to fly on if you have to fly during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Delta is number one, Southwest is number 2, then Jet Blue and Alaska Airlines. All because they block the center seat and board from the back of the plane. United gets an honorable mention because they use HEPA filters during boarding.