Should You Fly Right Now? A Look at Air Travel During the Delta Variant

It has been an interesting year and a half for air travel, to say the least. As the oldest airline dispatcher school in the country, we are constantly monitoring changes in the airline industry. Just as COVID restrictions had begun to lift and air travel began to once again increase, the Delta variant has begun spreading. If you have the need or desire to travel currently, we want to answer some questions you may have about air travel with the increased spread of the Delta variant.

Can You Fly Right Now?

Air travel, at the time of writing, is currently still allowed in all 50 states. 

Is It Safe to Fly?

Safety, like most things during the pandemic, is not fully known. That being said, airlines have increased safety measures to decrease the chances of transmission during flights. It is strongly recommended to get vaccinated if you are traveling soon; however, vaccinations are not mandatory. Additionally, while vaccinations can help fight the disease, vaccines do not prevent transmission.

 

Masks are federally mandated on all flights. Further, despite being in a confined room with others, air circulation is quite good in aircraft. While airplanes do, of course, have a risk of transmission, airports are where most transmissions are believed to occur. The CDC currently advises that road trips with family members are the safest form of travel; however, the CDC has not worked with the federal government to limit air travel.  

Safety Tips for Your Trip

Flying With Children

Flying with children can be a bit risky at the moment. Children under the age of twelve are still too young to be vaccinated, and therefore will not have the increased chance of beating the disease. Children have, however, been shown to beat infections fairly easily while experiencing fewer symptoms, or none at all. If you are traveling with children, make sure to keep them masked at all times. 

Pick Your Seats

If you are flying in a group, most airlines allow you to select seating for your flight. Try to sit together in the same row to avoid sitting side by side with strangers. 

Research the Area You Are Traveling To

Finding out infection and vaccination rates of the area you are traveling to is highly recommended. Some countries and states have higher infection rates and lower vaccination rates, which equate to a higher risk area. It is important to know that the pandemic is global, and every state and country carries a risk of transmission. 

 

Additionally, certain countries have restrictions on Americans entering their country. Research these restrictions to ensure you will be able to enter. 

Take Into Account the Age and Health of Yourself and Those You are Traveling With

There is still much about the coronavirus that we don’t know. What we do know, however, is that older individuals and those with preexisting conditions are more at risk for complications if infected. As a result, it is strongly recommended that seniors and individuals with preexisting conditions do not travel. 

Interested in Aviation?

At Sheffield School of Aeronautics, we provide individuals with a fast-track course to employment with major airlines. Our aircraft dispatcher courses provide you with the tools to get your aircraft dispatcher certification and begin an exciting new career. Contact us today to get started as an aircraft dispatcher

 

Related Readings:

COVID-19 Vaccine Travel Restrictions: Countries Currently Allowing COVID-19 Vaccinated Americans

Is There an Airplane Pilot Shortage?

This entry was posted in News & Regulations. Bookmark the permalink.
  • Contact Us

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Testimonials

    “This school came highly recommended by multiple past students and EVEN OTHERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS. Reputation is fantastic from multiple companies that I have worked for.” A. – September 2020
    “now that I’ve been in an indoctrination class with students from other schools, I know I made the right choice with Sheffield.”   Kindest regards,  A.R.  All schools are created equal?! yeah…sure ;)
    “As a graduate of Sheffield School of Aeronautics I am a firm believer that I received the most thorough and well thought out aircraft dispatcher training available. I owe my position in the industry to Sheffield School of Aeronautics.” BF Sidebar BF
    “Sheffield School of Aeronautics is a highly recognized and respected organization throughout the airline industry. They only produce the highest quality of graduate…” P.W. Sidebar PW
    “I am so glad they are like this because it made me a better dispatcher and I really appreciate their high standards. I would highly recommend Sheffield to anyone who is willing to study hard and is serious about obtaining a Dispatcher Certificate.” MC MC
    “Being that half my new hire class dropped out over the course of training, I can confidently say that Sheffield helped to prepare me for the real world.” GT – abridged testimonial – school selection matters
    “These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WG sidebar wg
    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O. Sidebar K.O.
    “I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT PT
    “Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
    ” I have received 4 (job) offers…many of the interviews I have gotten have been because of my “pedigree”…going to Sheffield. I am amazed at the respect your school has….I am honored to be a graduate. Thank you for all the work you ..!”  Testimonial – J. Ganci
    “Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z. Sidebar TZ
  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • Connect