Would you fly at the moment?

[Takemetothebeach91]

For things like holidays or visiting family abroad etc, do you think it’s safe? Are you happy with flying or are you avoiding it?

It WILL be around for years if we travel round the world unnecessarily.

It won’t if we act responsibly right now.

We haven’t spent enough time. The pandemic is accelerating round the world. Just because there’s political and economic pressure to have summer holidays does not change the reality of the problem.

@2155User

1. Effective eradication within borders a la New Zealand
2. International co-operation that allows travel only between countries with equivalent levels of pseudo-eradication
3. Proven ability to contain imported cases when they occur
4. Willingness to re-escalate lockdown if these occur

All possible.

Businesses are getting their employees back to work and schools are returning next term. Shops, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers are reopening so we are going to be in close contact with each other again.

@PaddyF0dder

That sounds lovely, and I don't disagree with you for one second that points like that would lead to the 'ideal'

But that isn't going to happen. You will never get enough people to not fly, to not travel, or to just conform in general.

So surely there is a middle ground?

@2155User

There isn’t. We’re fooling ourselves with the current policy, and completely negating what we all went through with lockdown. This “whack a mole” policy will cause far more damage through long term instability.

People moaning about how horrific lockdown was (it really was pretty horrific) and yet not grasping what it would feel like if lockdown is rendered a complete waste of time.

@PaddyF0dder

I've no doubt there will be a second wave of some sort because we should not really do anything until the virus is under control through multiple different measures, but at what point do you start to prioritise things such as the economy, mental health etc.

Surely there has to come a point where you rather bluntly say "yes people are dying, but we cannot live like this forever"

My mil flew to see us for a few days last week (Ireland to Scotland) and said apart from the mask it was much like normal, though quieter. Flights were on time and other passengers as rude as ever!

@2155User

But “living like this forever” is a falsehood.

Pseudo-eradication can lead to actual eradication, and far quicker than the current policy. It just requires greater short term sacrifice.

Yep flying mid Aug, don't mind wearing the mask

@PaddyF0dder

Yes, it obviously won't be forever, but at some point the death/illness/hospital admission etc rate coming from mental illness or the knock on effect on the economy will surely be far greater if we stay in lockdown

Yes of course. Maybe not long haul as wearing the mask would be a bit much but for an hour or two definitely. No concerns whatsoever

No - because I don't want to wear a mask

Yes, flying tomorrow to see immediate family. Haven't seen them for months, don't know when we'll be able to see them otherwise. They haven't even met my baby and it has been so hard.
Will wear a mask and self isolate but will be with family so it won't be a problem as it would in a hotel.

No. I don't fly much anyway though and am happy with UK holidays (have flown abroad twice in the past decade).

I wouldn’t book a holiday at the moment though as I don’t see the point in paying for a holiday when I’ll have to wear a mask and could be quarantined with contact tracing

This. And the fact that you can't get insurance, so if you find that you can't go you aren't covered.

Lots of people bought annual travel insurance before Covid so covered to travel unless FCO advises against.

@PaddyF0dder - are you basing your risk assessment solely on your medical assessment of the effects of covid 19, or factoring in economic and other risks?

Not many are doing by the looks of the flight prices. I paid £300 plus per person last year for Spain and I have just looked and can get flights to Spain (return) for £35 in August with great flight times. When i went further there were 120 seats available to reserve.

@Walkaround

Doing my best to consider all.

My view is that a quick, hard solution is preferable to dragged out uncertainty.

I wouldn't. Am happy to wear a mask for the duration but not ready to risk it. Wouldn't judge anyone who chose to though.

@PaddyF0dder - I’d agree with you if only the whole world were capable of acting in a co-ordinated fashion, but it seems to me we’re stuck with every country reacting differently to such an extent that your desired effect of stopping the virus in its tracks would only work in individual countries, and only if those countries completely isolated themselves politically, economically and physically from the rest of the world for the next two years or so, which is obviously impossible. So even if people don’t go on unnecessary holidays this summer, we are still stuck with it painfully dragging out, huge uncertainty, and businesses going bust left, right and centre.

Hell to the no😳

I am a nurse.

I would not get on a plane now if you paid me to go on holiday.

Not a chance

A commercial aeroplane has got to be one of the most dangerous places to be during this pandemic😳 the only thing that would make it worse is would be if everyone was singing at the top of their voices🎶

I flew and just got back 10 days ago (Covid free btw). Airports are less busy, much cleaner and wearing a mask isn't uncomfortable at all. I'm going away again in 2 weeks yayyyy