FAQs: Traveling to Alaska During COVID-19
Hi Friends,
For those of you concerned about traveling during this time, we understand and value your decision. For those interested in traveling to Alaska during this time or knowing what it is like, we just recently traveled out of state and wanted to share with you that experience.
FLYING:
* You'll wear a mask the entire flight except when drinking or eating on the airplane and in the airport. You can expect fellow travelers will be doing the same thing and you can also expect that some will not be covering their noses and some will let their masks slip down....especially the kids. It's not worth getting upset about, just keep your mask on yourself.
* Masks take a little while to get used to when wearing for long durations, but once you have it on, it's not that bad. Also they tend to make you feel a little warmer so be prepared to take off layers in the airport.
* Some people bring hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes and wipe down the seat handles, drop down table, etc. This would be a smart preventative thing to do yourself although the airplane crew is cleaning before you board.
* The airplanes have air filters and people don't seem to be coughing and sneezing as much as flights I have taken in the past.
TESTING BEFORE ARRIVING IN ALASKA:
1. Most cities and some small towns have rapid COVID-19 testing where they swab your nose. It definitely doesn't feel great, but it is quick and easy. They usually have the results back in 24 hours, some even faster.
2. You can call the COVID CONSULTANTS (720) 340-2584 and you can order the testing kit over the phone a week or two before your trip and they will mail you a test to your home. You spit in a cup 3 days before your trip, mail it back in a FedEx pre-labeled box at a FedEx Drop Box (only) by 10:30 am the next day and you will have your results within 24 hours.
3. Your doctor may have access to a blood test where you can get your blood tested to see if you have COVID and the antibodies as well.
UPON ARRIVAL IN ALASKA:
When you arrive off your flight in Alaska, you will be ushered into an area where you will either scan a QR code with your phone or go online to fill out a form stating where you came from, where you are going, and when you had your test. Link [HERE.](https://covid19.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/06112020-Mandate-10-Travel-declaration-form-Ver-2.0-6-10-f.pdf) You will then walk to the front of the line, (ask first) and be ushered to people at tables that will take your information and give you instructions from there. Most of the people waiting in line are still filling their forms out so jump ahead and get to the tables!
If you want, you can test at the airport. This may cause delays so we don't recommend this option. As of August 15, the Governor’s office has closed testing to travelers at the airport.
If you are worried you might have been exposed while traveling, King Salmon has a rapid testing center and the results are returned at 4 pm the following day. We have areas you can quarantine until you get the results if you are concerned.
UPON YOUR RETURN HOME:
We suggest you plan to test for COVID by either going to your local testing center or ordering a saliva test from the COVID consultants (before you depart) and take the test once you are back home.
GOT ANY MORE QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO COMMENT HERE AND WE WILL ANSWER THEM!