For the past year and half we’ve been living a life altered by a global pandemic in which we’ve been encouraged to stay home, limit unnecessary travel and then some. As mask guidelines have changed – recommended, required, not needed, recommended and required again – so have travel restrictions.

We went from lock-down to limited/as needed to states being called out and placed on travel advisories, recommending no travel to or from specific states, or, if so, quarantining upon entry/reentry. Since the vaccines became available, travel seemed to become more common again with some changes, namely mask wearing.

The airlines, and passengers, have continued to make the news as it relates to COVID, with concerns over travel, along with new rules, and incidents on board.

But it hasn’t just been COVID making headlines recently when it comes to air travel. We recently acknowledged the 20 year anniversary of 9/11. In doing so people shared their personal accounts of lost loved ones, while others shared stories of survival. The footage was replayed and rehashed, remembered. It was everywhere online and on TV.

On a much less serious (and real) note – I recently watched all three seasons of Manifest*. Yes, this is a fictitious show, however it was still top of mind. If you have a vivid imagination, anxiety or are prone to ‘what if’ scenarios, the whole premise of the show might get in your head too.

So, needless to say that my first time flying in over two years, without my husband and kids, you bet I was nervous and anxious and afraid to fly. What if something happened to me? To the plane? What if something happened to my family while I was gone? To the house?

I would have these fears and anxieties under normal circumstances, building and hitting here and there the week before the flight, then again with takeoff and landing.

I was excited for my trip but with all the talk and coverage surrounding the 20th anniversary of 9/11, combined with news about rising COVID cases and breakthrough cases and reports of unruly airline passengers refusing to wear masks…sprinkled with some science fiction on top, my stress and anxiety levels were high!

I am vaccinated and I also have no problem wearing a mask, especially in close spaces with strangers. However, I wouldn’t want to be close to anyone that could possibly give me any kind of sickness, whether it be cold, flu or COVID.

I’m all about the keeping our germs to ourselves regardless of COVID.

And the idea that someone could be asymptomatic (of anything) and spread something unknowingly doesn’t really make you want to be in a small enclosed space with strangers.

With all of this in mind, I had an initial feeling of claustrophobia and nerves as I walked onto the plane and made my way down the narrow aisle, faced with so many unfamiliar faces, so close.

However, I’m happy to report that everyone on my flight was compliant with the rules, no one had a hacking cough and all were very respectful from what I encountered.

Once I took my window seat I relaxed. Having an empty seat beside me on both my flights made a huge difference – not having to be immediately next to a stranger. I was spoiled with the extra space, armrest, and views!

Once we were safely up, or safely down, I was good! I took my mask down to sip an indulgent Bloody Mary and eat a snack, dutifully returning it to its place when done.

Overall I have to say I had a great flying experience. I appreciate and respect that there are still tough decisions being made and when it comes down to it I’m typically an ‘error on the side of caution’ type of girl.

As far as COVID was concerned, I really did feel comfortable and fine; it was just a small part of my flying experience. It was kind of a surreal though to see a vending machine full of face masks in the airport; sign of the times!