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The new Long-Haul flying: Transatlantic during COVID

My parents often joke that I get on planes like most people hop on buses. While it’s not unusual for me to log over 100,000 flight miles a year, a distinct lack of flying is yet another way in which 2020 is different.

Current travel regulations restrict most Americans from traveling to Europe.  But as a permanent resident of the US with a European passport, I fall in one of the exception categories.  That allowed me to fly across the Atlantic twice during this odd Coronavirus-time, to check in on my family in the Netherlands.

So how is international long-haul flying different right now?

In the Air: British Airways

While domestic flights are getting busier and busier, the aforementioned travel restrictions mean that most intercontinental flights are still very quiet.  A flight attendant told us that our recent British Airways flight between London and Miami only had 37 passengers – on an aircraft that normally seats over 210.  We were the only two in the large business class section of our 787. Lots of room, and of course very quiet.  No lines to use the toilets. And space galore for our carry-on luggage.

We received a warm welcome aboard (I think – it’s hard to see smiles when everyone wears a mask!) and a plastic baggie with a sachet of hand sanitizer and a disinfecting wipe.

Normally, few passengers would mean plenty of personal attention from the flight attendants.  But most airlines simplified their service routines to limit contact between passengers and crew.  So, while friendly, the stewards and stewardesses weren’t in the cabin nearly as much as they normally are.

British Airways simplified business class meal

On our 8-hour BA flight, no hot meals were provided.  Where previously business class meals were served in multiple courses, this time we were given a box with a prepackaged salad, a wrap, water, some cubed cheese, crackers and a sticky toffee pudding, all with plastic cutlery.  Champagne and wine were presented in single serve bottles with a plastic cup.  At least there were plenty of refills, and bottles of water galore, to stay hydrated!

All in all, the meal was tasty enough.  But if you’re expecting a Michelin-star meal, you’ll be disappointed!

And while simplified service may be a surprise in business class, of course, in economy your meal service is also more limited than usual.  Hopefully, the extra space to stretch out on an empty seat – or row – offsets some of the inconvenience.

Naturally, every airline has its own approach to flying during COVID-19.  So while some don’t offer hot meals, others manage to heat up a dish before serving it.

Also, no special meals (vegetarian, low sodium, etc.) were available – so if you normally request one, you might want to bring your own culinary delights on your next flight.

While you’re at it, bring sufficient face masks: you’ll be asked to wear one for the entire flight – except while eating or drinking.  (If you’re likely to forget to slip off your mask before taking a sip of wine, bring more masks.  And maybe a change of clothes…)

Finally: entertainment: we enjoyed the good size screen, the many movies (although it seemed they hadn’t been changed recently) and the noise-reducing headsets.  But you should know that there are no inflight magazines or newspapers onboard.  BA offers the option of downloading your reading material on PressReader instead.

On the ground

Don’t expect that your favorite pre-departure lounge is opened: many are closed completely.  As traffic is picking up again, airlines are slowly opening lounges, especially at gateway airports.  Walk in and you’ll find fewer seats, separated by Perspex screens, to allow for physical distancing.  Showers and spa services are closed.

At London Heathrow’s British Airways First Class lounge, self-service buffets and coffee stations are closed too. Instead, every table or group of seats has a QR-sticker. Scan the code on your own phone or tablet, pull up a menu and order online.  Within minutes, a lounge attendant will come right to your table with that full English breakfast or glass of Champagne you missed on your flight!

And when you get up to walk to your flight, don’t take it personally if a trusty employee sprays and disinfects your seat, ready for the next guest.

It was a very nice surprise to see how well BA managed operating its prime lounge at this time.

On the way home: KLM Royal Dutch Airways

KLM Crown Lounge Amsterdam Airport

We flew KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Amsterdam back to Chicago. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport was much quieter than usual, but there was still excellent duty free shopping, a quick visit to the Rijksmuseum location at the airport, and of course KLM’s Crown Lounge in the non-Schengen portion of the airport – almost empty.

While KLM provided an adjusted service too, it was more extensive than British Airways’ – hot meals, regular sized Champagne bottles. We enjoyed a variety of snacks en route, more contact with the cabin attendants.  And we are pleased to see that KLM still hands out those very collectible Delft Blue houses at the end of a business class flight! Very enjoyable, overall.

Summarizing

It was great to be back in the air!  We felt safe throughout the experience.  Yes, the flying experience is different and requires some adjustments.  But the silver lining includes fewer lines, more space, and of course, we were happy to be back in Europe once more.