As our travel stories continue to show us, the post-pandemic travel experience is constantly changing. This week we’re taking a look at a domestic travel story in Brazil from App in the Air user and software engineer, Fabricio Darosci Jr, who shared with us what his experience was like flying from São Paulo to Florianópolis.
Can you tell us about your overall departure experience?
I was flying out of the Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo en route to Florianópolis. Security was a breeze and got through it in about five minutes. There were social distancing markers everywhere and the airport was even running several announcements about it as well. I even picked up some food at the Starbucks and all the employees were wearing masks, hand sanitizers were easily available and dining spaces were being operated with reduced capacity. Overall, in Brazil masks are mandatory in public places and that includes airports and airplanes so it was great to see people following these rules. There are actually fines for not wearing a mask!
How was the inflight experience?
I flew with Gol Linhas Aéreas in the Economy Extra cabin class. Flight attendants were making sure everyone was wearing their masks and of course were wearing them as well. Food was not served on board and water was served in individual sealed cups by request only.
What was your experience in Florianópolis like?
I landed at the Florianópolis International Airport (FLN). The airport was crowded, but not packed like it usually is. Almost half of the restaurants seemed to be open. In terms of a COVID-19 test I didn’t need to take one or a temperature test, but I do know that all international travelers are required to carry health insurance before entering Brazil.
I stayed at the Blue Tree Premium in Florianópolis. The hotel was definitely taking extra measures to make us feel more comfortable. The check-in process was a breeze! Everything was handled in the app and all you need to do is pick up your keycard. Breakfast was offered but by a schedule only or room service. Social distancing measures were in place throughout the common areas, hand sanitizers were easily available and after checkout all rooms go into a 48 hours of quarantine so can’t be rebooked immediately. Of course the hotel was not at capacity, it was limited to 50%.
I also checked out several restaurants and businesses while I was there and everywhere had occupancy limits, social distancing was required and temperature checks were required to enter many places.
Finally, would you recommend people to travel at this time?
Yes — I think if you take all the safety measures like wearing masks, social distancing and keeping hand sanitising wipes on hand, there’s no reason to be worried while traveling within Brazil right now. One of the reasons I wanted to share this story is because I think Brazil is trying and doing the best they can to bring confidence to travelers. Businesses are not required to check temperatures, but they are enforcing it as much as they can.