FLYING DURING COVID-19

Hello AvGeeks! Today is a very exciting day for two reasons. The first reason is it's my first time I have flown in FOUR months. The second reason is, I am flying in first class on Air Canada’s brand new A220 which has only been in service since January. This flight was taking place during COVID-19 so a lot has changed as you can imagine. 

For those of you that have read my other trip reports, you know I like to check in online which is exactly what I did. As soon as I walked through the terminal doors I was asked to sanitize my hands before I made my way to security. Every single person in the airport had a mask on which was something I’ve never seen before. Once I got to security there was a TSA agent there waiting to take my temperature. After having my temperature taken I then went through without any problems. I could not believe how many things were closed. The few shops that were open had a very limited selection you could buy from. Even the Air Canada lounge was closed! 

Since COVID-19 started the majority of the airlines stopped serving meals and drinks on board which means that you now have to buy anything you want before your flight. Luckily I found a Tim Hortons that was open so bought some lunch there. Boarding had begun and as I boarded the plane I asked the flight attendants if I could see the flight deck. They said of course and I must say the cockpit of the new A220 was very different from the other ones I have seen in person. Shortly after that it was time to taxi to 24R for takeoff. Once airborne I started to explore all the different features on the new TVs. I must say Air Canada has stepped up their game. I then decided to watch an old favourite move of mine - The Original Mighty Ducks. 

I opened my window shade and could start to see the Calgary mountains which meant the flight was coming to an end. Overall I thought this was a spectacular flight for several reasons and that the crew made everybody feel very safe by wearing gloves, facemarks and limiting contact with passengers. I couldn’t believe they let me check out the flight deck but was so glad they did. Our Aircraft was one of the most comfortable planes I have ever flown on and I loved seeing that Air Canada is starting to upgrade there entertainment systems. I would have to give this flight a 10/10.