When Mark wrote a trip report about traveling during COVID-19 back in March showing empty airports and planes, I figured things would be much busier nearly four months later. But my journey to Chicago this week was surreal in how eerily quiet California’s two largest airports remain.
My July 2020 Trip To Chicago On United Airlines
My trip was to Chicago and I could have just flown nonstop from Los Angeles. But I chose to travel via San Francisco for one primary reason. To maximize my day and time with family, I chose to take a redeye flight. The choice was a 737-800 nonstop or a 777-300ER via San Francisco. Both flights would have been upgraded. I don’t know about you, but a lie-flat bed on a redeye flight is worth an extra connection.
I arrived in Los Angeles about 45 minutes before my flight to San Francisco. The United Club remains opens, but every shop and restaurant was closed except for the newsstand. I figured I’d at least be able to get coffee or a sandwich (I had not eaten dinner), but there was nothing.
Boarding is now from back to front, though Global Services, 1K, military, and families with young children are still invited to board first, regardless of seat assignment. I was on a telephone call and ended up being one of the last to board.
My fight was uneventful and very empty. Flight attendants handed out sanitizing wipes while boarding and a small snack (bottle of water, stroopwaffel, pretzels) after takeoff. Additional beverages were available upon request.
I like sitting on the starboard side when flying up to SFO because of the airport views upon takeoff and because I love flying over the iconic Apple headquarters in Cupertino.
San Francisco International Airport was really quiet. I had a four hour layover (which was fine because it gave me time to work quietly) and I used part of that layover to take an extended walk through the United terminal and international terminal.
At SFO, virtually everything was closed. One coffee shop was open in the food court, but everything else was shuttered.
The usually-bustling international terminal was empty, save for one United flights (to New Delhi). One noodle bar was open, but the only people eating were employees on break.
I walked all the way down to the end of the terminal and stepped out onto the observation deck. The air was so fresh and cool…I miss San Francisco so much. I just stood there, alone, for several minutes enjoying the ambiance and fresh air (I’ll admit, I lowered my mask here).
Back inside, I proceeded to my gate and continued to work until it was time for boarding at about 11:00PM.
The flight to Chicago was very empty. Business class was about 1/4 full and economy class departed with over 200 open seats. With actual flight time under four hours, the plan was to eat a quick snack and then take a nice nap.
After takeoff, flight attendants offered a snack box. This time, I chose the kid’s snack box, which hit the spot with beef jerky, crackers, apple sauce, cookies, and fruit snacks.
Then I slept…very well. I woke up very cold as the cabin was being prepared for landing and instantly regretted not bringing my own blanket.
The lavatories still feature full amenities and were clean.
I shared about my experience in Chicago here.
CONCLUSION
Even though I traveled during off-peak hours, the airports were a lot emptier than I imagined they would be. For all the talk about United not blocking middle seats, that was not an issue for anyone on this journey, with flights loads 25% at best.
Everyone wore masks, everyone kept their space during boarding and deplaning, the aircraft were clean, and I felt very safe onboard.
Tomorrow: my trip home.
All I need is for Tortas Frontera to reopen at O’Hare. Then the flying world (to me) will be right again
Willem, I couldn’t agree more. I miss their tortas.
Your life and existence must be very sad, lonely and depressing, that you need to get on a plane when the world is in a serious pandemic. You are literally putting other people’s lives at risk. Its just irresponsible. No one needs another plain vanilla United report. Spend time with family, doing things at home, and find peace within.
Jeff (John, troll…your IP address gives you away every time), I didn’t go for a joyride. I had to go to Chicago. Thanks for your continued clicks. Your comments always make me smile and I appreciate them.
you took this route just to get a flat bed, lets be real, and to go to multiple airports, there are redeyes from LA to ORD. Get real. Phony.
Hey sweetheart, I said I took this route to get a flat bed. What are you bloviating about?
Bloviating is an excellent word.
“In pooled analysis, we found no significant reduction in influenza transmission with the use of face masks”
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article
https://funkyimg.com/i/36ssg.jpeg
[Redacted] off troll
Matthew – be more like Twitter, less like Facebook
I am sorry that the truth hurts. You’re the one trolling.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Here is a more recent report from them stating that face coverings do in fact help prevent the spread of Covid-19. No go away, troll.
When science is flipped flopped to fit a narrative, it proves nothing, except that you are a sheep.
No, fool, science and scientific discoveries change over time. Stop cherry picking outdated science simply because it supports your opinions. Hell if were up to people like you we’d all probably keep thinking the earth was flat…
Out dated science from a few months ago.. GOT IT bruh.
But wait, the science you try to troll, er, try to push is even more out dated lol You really have no idea how science works, bruh.
The noodle place in SFO (TOMOKAZU) is actually very very good … if I’m not mistaken it was one of the top airport restaurants in the U.S.
I love the people here attacking Matthew for doing some essential travel to Chicago — I hope you’re not spending a second in a church or synagogue or spending a second in an indoor restaurant. Absent attending mass gatherings or small and crowded bars, most activities are perfectly safe these days if engaged in responsibly.
He needs to get somewhere for some reason. Not for fun. He’s by himself not bringing his family. It’s not like OMAAT vacationing in Turkey. People why being so judgmental? These flights exist because there are still people who have needs to get from point A to B.
Well, so much for my efforts to dissuade all the whiny Karen types from traveling on airplanes. Please keep the panic going, people surely are going to die if they fly!
Flying has been such a joy for the past 4 months that I, for one, am happy for all the panic. Stay home, in your hovel. I’m on flight #16 since March and loving all of it, most recently to LGA. Empty airports, flights, etc. Friendly crew, gate agents, passengers. Respectfulness everywhere.
I’m only sad that you haven’t exiled yourself like Whiner in Chief, Ben. Those poor people in Turkey are stuck with the mask sheriff now. If only the bulk of the whiny types would self exile.
I’ve never been called a Karen before, but I suppose there is a first time for everything!
You’re not a Karen. Conservatives are trying to shift the definition of the word away from it’s intended meaning – a type of racist white woman – to now being people who advocate less travel, wearing masks, etc. So far, it isn’t working.
Isnt there a 1-day quarantine for Illinois/Chicago for people coming from California and other “hot spots”? How’d you justify to yourself that you were exempt?
Sorry- this should say a 14 day quarantine, and the order doesn’t say anything about exemptions. How did you justify this trip?
Someone asked me this yesterday and in all honesty, I was not aware of the quarantine nor was it communicated or enforced. I took care of my appointment and went right back to the airport.
Good choice on the 777, Matthew. I did not know that UA had switched boarding order. Also, I didn’t know about that observation deck at SFO – I will definitely have to check it out next time.
It’s really lovely. I loved the fresh air (not even a trace of jet fuel), which we don’t normally get in Los Angeles.
Me neither! very cool. But it looks like quite a hike.
It’s a hike indeed, but was worthwhile.
UA’s action is inhumane and horrible! By keeping the planes more in the air, not only are they burning more cash operating less than optimal loads, they are putting many lives at risk. There’s no overnight disinfecting of the planes, the crews are not sleeping in their own homes and they continue to another destination instead of their home base. The most tenured crew can sit home with guaranteed paid flight hours, while the junior ones will have to work the planes while avoiding infection.
By contrast, DL only limited their schedules to fly during daytime (no red-eyes). In doing so, the crews turn back to their home bases by the end of the night, flight hours are spread out more evenly among crew at the base and aircraft can be thoroughly disinfected before the next morning’s flight.
What are you talking about? Delta has multiple red eye flights scheduled from LAX to JFK, ATL, etc. you know nothing about the crew scheduling either. The crew could leave Chicago at 7pm, turn, then fly back to Chicago. Delta is doing red eyes too. Not sure where you are getting your info.
Also- I have lots of friends who are delta flight attendants. The spend multiple nights on the road and don’t just go back to their bases every day. Not sure where you are getting your bad information.
What is up with all the armchair naysayers! Matthew’s report clearly said how clean, safe, and how everyone followed procedures. But some how flocking to tourist destinations, and going to bars or the grocery store – with your mask around your chin touching all the produce, is some how better than flying?
And how is UA’s actions horrible? If you noticed from the pictures, all US airlines are still flying, in fact United has cut the most capacity. And Delta does have flight crews that layover in cities. They are flying to 35 international destinations in July (plus cargo flights). https://www.delta.com/us/en/plan-your-next-trip/where-we-fly
At one time, those most tenured crew members were the junior ones. Any junior attendants have a prob with that? Then quit! I’m sure there are tons of opportunities out there for whining snowflakes.
I’m sure the cargo area is quite full. I was on a United flight in early December 1999 ORD-SAN with only four people in coach (it was the Wednesday after Thanksgiving weekend when no one goes anywhere). I asked the flight attendant about this and she said, “We’re making a ton of money on the cargo underneath you, plus we need the equipment in San Diego for the return tomorrow morning.”
Thanks for the photo tour. I’ve had a few work trips in the last few months, but much less than usual. Just seeing your photos made me miss travel even more. I’m weird enough to actually miss airports (a little bit anyway). Stay safe.
Thanks Brad! I must admit, there was such a delight doing mundane things like the bouncy moving walkway at SFO or just seeing the checkered tire floor at ORD. Or even to be on United flight again for the first time in several months and scroll through the IFE.
I am a retired UAL Flt Att. and I really enjoyed all your pictures of SFO. , which was my home base. I also viewed your article of the 50 yr anniversary of my favorite plane as well. Loved the pictures!!
Since I started in 1973, I remember those days and plane well. Thanks so much for the trip down memory lane!!!!
Thanks for your comment Julie!
Thanks for the pics. It looks so eerie this empty, almost like in a zombies/apocalypse type of movie.
We”ll get back to the way it was at some point, but in the meantime, it feels scary.
(And you’re a stunner, even with a mask 😉
an FYI that Ladle & Leaf (SFO rotunda) was always open during daytime hours when I flew through there a few times late June
How is the coffee?
Not sure, just got a salad to go, non-coffee hours for me
I’m super curious what type of business deal requires a face-to-face meeting nowadays. But I realize that isn’t any of my business.
Similarly Kyle had some business travel to Florida recently. I wondered the same thing then.
Not suggesting anything by this post.
This wasn’t business. It was a personal trip.
Curious about the hand cream bottle in the washroom. I mean, I’m sure you washed your hands before touching the pump, but did everyone before you do so? All the care about cleaning and reducing touch points, and then this.
To be honest, I was surprised to see it too. But I love that misting face spray, which I still used…
You could, of course, use the misting face spray and then wash your hands. Hand cream is another matter because you wouldn’t want to wash your hands immediately after applying it.
Indeed, though I avoided the hand creme because I hate hand creme! 😉
I much prefer the Cowshed products over Sunday Riley. The fragrance of the new facial mist is awful and the hand cream is much too thick. Also, the name “Sunday Riley” is so horribly Millennial (though I believe the eponymous founder is Gen X).
100% agree!
Hey Matthew- thanks for your post. Similarly, have had to travel for a few reasons, and nice to see other airports are in a similar manner to my home of DTW. Anyways- pay the angry online weirdos no credit, its a sad existence for someone to live to make others miserable online. Hope all was ok in Chicago too.
I would like your opinion on something- how (into the future) can we reconcile a desire to support tourism and related industries, with the mob against any movement right now? Just curious your thoughts, since we see a lot of vacation destinations opening up and with that many people visiting.
It’s a tricky issue and it really comes down to this, for me: I’m not going to judge you as long as you are taking sensible precautions to protect those around you. I resisted masks for so long, and I was wrong…not because I think they save us, but because they are a non-invasive extra layer of protection. What I cannot understand about the anti-maskers is why they view masks as akin to the mark of the beast. So what if the science is mixed? So what if wearing a mask may not actually help that much? Just wear it in case it does help…I had no trouble keeping my mask on this trip at all points except while eating. You get used to it very quickly.
And when we practice good hygiene and show concern for others, we can travel…I say take your vacation. I don’t fault Ben at all for his decision to go to Turkey.
Hey Matthew-
I could not agree more with you on all fronts. At first I found masks to be silly, and then have quickly found myself corrupted as an easy means to show respect to others and provide a layer of protection. It is interesting how shaming travel has become a popular pastime online currently. There are truly millions of people who rely on the travel industries scope to make a living- everything from a bartender at a courtyard in Nebraska, to a butler in Las Vegas, to a helicopter pilot in Australia, and a Ranger in the Serengeti all of these people depend on our natural interest to explore our world. And it goes beyond that- factory workers at Boeing, pilots at Air France, a family company in Seattle that sells the wiring to Boeing, a fishing charter in the Maldives or Bahamas. To me it seems many people do not contend with the global economic scope of this tragedy and crisis and the ramifications if the globe remains shattered. What must happen is we do so with precautions, not stop it.
On the Ben front- agree as well. I was disappointed by the shame on the comments section, since in reality traveling with high levels of precautions affords no more risk than running to the store or anything people do around town currently.
Appreciate the back and forth as well!
Selfie game on point.
I think the motives for travel make a difference. You had a personal appointment and were back quickly.
Lucky is travelling to turkey because he’s stir crazy after sitting at home.
True, but personal appointment can cover a wide variety of reasons, not all of them essential.
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim,
Allah does not like people who risk their lives and fly unnecessarily. Allah is going to throw you in the hellfire you sinner. You need to go to the Mosque and pray five times a day. Don’t walla fly one inch. If you listen to loosers, then you will become a looser like them.
Thanks “Mohammed”
Loosers? Hot English.
Hi Matthew! Helpful post here, thank you! I’m flying United next month and as they are allowing passengers to book middle seats, I’m bit hesitant. Pre-flight, did you notice if (because of how empty the planes were) passengers who booked economy seats were getting upgraded to economy plus (economy plus to first, etc.)? I am wondering if it is worth the price to purchase a more expensive ticket in hopes to increase distancing. Thank you!
I flew ORD-EWR the following day in economy class and EconomyPlus was actually more crowded than regular economy. I chose to take my own row in regular economy versus an aisle with an open middle in the EconomyPlus exit row. I would wait and see, upgrading to EconomyPlus at the gate or on your day of travel if it appears that will secure you more space. Keep in mind employee standbys are often cleared into EconomyPlus at the last minute, so a flight that appears empty even an hour before departure in EconomyPlus may fill up.