Pandemic Travelling, Safer Than Walmart?
Hello everyone! So we have arrived in the not so sunny but very warm and beautiful Dominican Republic. This first blog is going to be all about the travel day here.
We left early Saturday morning and parked the car in the Marriott hotel underground parking. In the past the lot was full with cars parking illegally just to fit in. We paid for the parking in advance to get a discount and when we pulled in there were 3 cars.
The terminal was actually quite busy, more than we expected but less than usual. At the Sunwing booths they had students everywhere in orange t-shirts helping people check in and to explain the COVID-19 protocols – I was very impressed.
Everyone had masks on but some took it to a whole new level – which I couldn’t understand because it was sooooo hot in the airport already! She even had a fluffy sweatshirt underneath!
We continued to the security line which was quite long and we noticed there were lots of younger people and older people but not many our age. In addition to temperature screening as you enter the airport, a second scan is taken before you go to the security point.
Security was as expected – a bit slower as there are only 2 people allowed at the xray machine instead of the 4 it used to be. Also you have to scan your own ticket.
Once through security, I was happy to see how many flights were flying!
The plane was a large jet with lie flat seats in business class. The flight was quite full with only 4 seats empty in business class and a smattering of empty seats in economy. They are very strict with the masks and you are not supposed to eat while the the flight attendants are in the cabin. Once on board they give you a bag with water, mask, wipes and hand sanitizer.
I was lucky enough to be sitting in business class and we did get served a meal but as I said you were not allowed to eat it until the attendants went back up to the front.
Yes I had a mimosa 🙂
Arrival at the Punta Cana airport went smoothly. Everyone in the Dominican is wearing masks and people really try to respect the 2 meter rule.
For the Dominican we did NOT have to take a covid test before departure. They said they they would take a breath test upon arrival. We did not have to take any test upon arrival but there were 3 immigration cards to fill out stating where you are staying and answering the usual covid questions.
We had a driver pick us up and drive the 45 minutes to the hotel.
All in all…a very stress FREE day.
More to come on the hotel…..
