Q: Is it true that I can’t apply for a passport right now?
A: You may still apply for a passport. Because of COVID-19 the state department has limited passport operations. They have requested that if your reason for travel is not emergent you consider delaying applying for a new passport or a renewal of your passport.
From the State Department: "We are only able to offer in-person service at our agencies or centers for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours."
For routine passport renewal you can expect significant delay. Expedited passport renewal has been temporarily suspended. Always check the state department’s website for updated information. Information can and does change frequently. (The most recent update as of this writing was April 15th).
You can find their updates here:
You can find general passport information here:
Q: Will I have to wear a mask on the plane next spring?
A: Short answer: Possibly. Each airline is going to deal with this differently, and we don’t know how anything will look next spring. As of this writing JetBlue is the only airline to come out with an official statement. This is what they had to say this morning:
“*NEW* Face Coverings Required for Customers
Starting May 4, all customers are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth throughout their journey, including during check-in, boarding, while in flight and deplaning. JetBlue crewmembers have already been utilizing face coverings at work. CDC guidance defines a suitable face covering as an item of cloth that should fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric and allow for unrestricted breathing. The CDC recommends surgical masks and N-95 respirators be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. Small children who are not able to maintain a face covering are exempt from this requirement. To learn more about face coverings visit the CDC’s website."
Again - What is true today might not be true in April of 2021 - and each airline may handle things differently. Here is my advice: One - go to the source! If you are scheduled to travel check the airline’s official website two weeks before you are scheduled to travel. Check again one week before, and check again 48 hours before, and AGAIN 24 hours before you’re scheduled to travel. Please check your airline’s official website.
Two: If I have booked your travel please check in with me! I am happy to double check for you, discuss options with you, and be your sounding board. That’s part of my job, and I love helping my clients - especially through these difficult times.
Three: This situation is ever evolving. We don’t know what next week or even tomorrow will bring. Some of us are planners. We like to know what to expect so we can prepare. In this new normal we are currently unable to plan far in advance. The best thing to do is try our best to stay informed but be flexible. What we are told today may be changed tomorrow. Take a deep breath, drink some more coffee (or tea, or wine, or…you get my point).
Here are links to some of the airlines Corona Virus policy pages:
Q: I heard from my mother's sister's boyfriend's niece's dog groomer's favorite customer that Disney will be closed FOREVER! Should I cancel my trip now???
A: There are many rumors floating around. In the last two days I have heard that WDW will open at the end of May, but only for Passholders. I have heard the parks in Asia will open in June, but with massive changes and restrictions. I have heard they will not open until 2022. I have also heard that the next Disney park will be on Jupiter, and Bob Chapek himself will be there to greet us all as we arrive. Oh, and Michael Eisner is coming back!!
You get the point. Remember that game of telephone we all played in elementary school? I whispered to Amy that I was hoping to get a new puppy. Well, by the time it got around the room to Liz the story was that at the end of the day we were having a class party with Peanut Butter Cups, and that we were getting a new class guppy.
Here's the thing: We will know when the parks will be opened, and how that will look when Disney releases the information, and your friendly travel agent here will inform you as soon as I have factual information to share.
Until then:
No, you do not need to cancel your vacation today.
Yes, I will make sure you reschedule in plenty of time.
No, Disney is most likely not going to let you sleep in the Cinderella Suite for your trouble.
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