“I experienced a caller currently who insisted there was a COVID vaccine necessity to fly to Phoenix,” claimed Duane Bannock.

Bannock hosts a day-to-day call-in radio demonstrate on KSRM in Kenai. He and his spouse adore to travel, so we speak generally about deals and places.

“Smart travelers get vaccinated just before they fly,” I reported. “But there’s no vaccine or screening mandate for domestic flights.”

Both equally Bannock and I experienced traveled in the very last week, and we could ensure that no vaccines or test results were demanded to board our Alaska Airlines flights.

In fairness to the KSRM caller, laws are shifting all the time. This is particularly real for intercontinental travel. Correct now, however, the only COVID-19 mitigation necessity is that absolutely everyone at an airport or on a plane, bus or prepare ought to dress in a mask.

Before contacting me, Bannock checked the CDC web-site for domestic vacation steering. In simple fact, the internet site plainly states, “Delay journey until finally you are completely vaccinated.”

That is reliable information, primarily given that the omicron variant is spreading like wildfire. Omicron infections diminished airline crews, forcing them to terminate flights throughout the vacations. Undesirable climate was an unwelcome multiplier, producing numerous to delay or cancel their trips. Also, some vacationers experienced to prolong their journeys at their possess expense right until they could get seats rebooked immediately after countless numbers of flights were being canceled.

[28,000 canceled flights later, airlines still looking for upper hand against omicron, weather]

The bad weather has subsided, but omicron is in comprehensive bloom. Alaska Airways canceled 10% of its routine through January to compensate for crewmembers who simply call in sick. Also, on flights that do run, flight attendants are reducing again on meal and beverage assistance throughout flights to restrict possible COVID-19 exposure from passengers.

Extra variations are on the way, also. At the conclude of January, Alaska’s totally free on-web site tests services at airports will shut down. In Anchorage, no cost screening will soon be out there all-around the clock at the Alaska Park…