JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Originally Published the Week of Nov. 22, 2021 in Western Outdoor Publications
No one likes surprises when they travel. Travel can be pretty stressful as it is. Even moreso, travel during the holidays is also high anxiety time.
As luck would have it, I got to fly back to Texas from our home in La Paz to spend Thanksgiving with my wife and family. After not having a day off pretty much since last April, I couldn’t wait to jump on a plane.
As usual, I went to obtain my covid test within 72 hours of my flight.
In case you missed it or haven’t traveled internationally, since January, anyone entering the U.S. on an international flight MUST show a negative Covid test result within 72 hours of the flight.
No biggie.
Quick swab of my schnoz takes a few minutes and results pop up on your cellphone within the hour.
We’ve had hundreds of fishing clients for our Tailhunter Fleet in La Paz over the past season. It’s a little inconvenient, but just part of travelling these days along with so many other protocols we live with.
Everyone gets one then goes happily on their way back to the U.S.
So, I was all set. I had my passport, ticket, and my covid results for travel the next day.
I went to check in online and get my boarding pass and get a notice that curled my toes!
The CDC has implemented NEW RULES as of Nov. 8 for international travelers entering the U.S.
Basically, if you have been vaccinated, you still need to show a negative covid test result within 72 hour of your flight home. The problem is if you have NOT been vaccinated.
I have not been vaccinated. In fact, I’m getting it THIS week in Texas. There was no rush.
I had Covid bad last year. I’ve tested positive for the anti-bodies. I didn’t want to get vaccinated in Mexico. I’ve been there solid for 8 months.
Understandably, I’d much rather get any shots or vaccinations in the U.S. with my own doctors.
Well, the new rule requires that ALL UN-VACCINATED persons MUST show a negative covid test within 24 HOURS of the flight. Further, I had to attest that upon arrival, I would self-quarantine for a few days. Plus, I had to promise that I would get the vaccination within 60 days of arrival.
Yikes!
So, I had to run back to the testing lab in La Paz and get a 2nd negative covid test. I know the staff there and they were surprised that I returned for the 2nd time in 2 days.
They were surprised at the explanation and had no knowledge of the new rules. However, they graciously expedited my results.
The other bump in the road is that the online check-in does not work if you have not been vaccinated. Therefore, instead of TWO hours checking in before your international flight, it requires you check in FOUR hours before your flight to show your paperwork.
My flight was at 11:00 a.m. from Cabo.
Normally, I would arrive about 9 a.m. for a flight like that. Since it’s 3 hours drive from La Paz, that means leaving about 6 a.m. to head to the airport.
With the new regulations, I had to leave at 4 a.m. to get to the airport by 7 a.m.
Grrrrrr….talk about adding stress to a travel day.
Once I was there, it was easy. The folks at the airport were more than helpful and since the early days of the pandemic have tried to alleviate all the confusion and stress.
There are assistants everywhere directing travelers to the correct places or helping with forms and documents. Everyone I’ve ever run into speak English.
I’m glad I got there early, even if it was a pain. I’m glad I knew about the new rules BEFORE I got to the airport or there was a good chance I would have been denied travel.
So, bottom line is this:
If you have not been vaccinated, you must obtain a negative covid test with 24-hours of your flight for an INTERNATIONAL flight.
You must check in at least 4 hours ahead of your flight.
Plan ahead and hopefully, you’ll have a smoother easier travel day.
By the way, after more than a year-and-a-half, the border is now open as long as you can show proof of vaccination.
That’s my story!
Jonathan
That's My Story 
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