How to Handle Disruptions to Your Travel Plans Due to Omicron

Just a few weeks ago, I returned from my ninth international journey since the COVID-19 pandemic began, feeling hopeful that international travel might be returning to some semblance of normalcy. During my visit to Ecuador, I quickly filled out a questionnaire, presented my vaccination card alongside my passport, and was all set. Getting home was a breeze, taking under 20 minutes at the airport for the antigen test required for entry into the United States.

Then the Omicron variant emerged, bringing with it a flurry of rapidly changing and confusing travel regulations. As I geared up for a long-awaited trip to London and France, it felt as though 2020 had returned. With the United Kingdom and France implementing strict new testing mandates almost overnight, my experience became a new level of travel frustration—expensive, bewilderingly confusing, and somewhat daunting, even for the most experienced travelers.

Nevertheless, with careful planning and thorough research, you can shield yourself from unexpected surprises and alleviate some of the stress and anxiety involved.

My adventure began two days after Thanksgiving, just a week before I was scheduled to attend the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference in Cannes, France, with 4,000 representatives from the world’s leading luxury travel companies.

I had planned overnight stays in London to ease the long journey to and from Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, since I intended to leave the airport in London, I had to adhere to the U.K.’s new entry regulations, which mandated that I book and pay for a COVID test to be taken within two days of arrival—even though my stay would be brief.

After two hours of scouring the internet, I couldn’t find an available test slot during my 30-hour layover that would guarantee results in time to meet the country’s isolation guidelines (the U.K. requires international arrivals to self-isolate until post-arrival test results are available). Consequently, I opted for the cheapest option a few hours after landing for just under $100 and changed my booking from a downtown hotel to an airport Hilton for self-isolation.

As I wrapped up those arrangements, France announced that all vaccinated foreign travelers must now present proof of a negative test taken within 48 hours of arrival. So, it was back to the internet to secure an antigen test at Heathrow (for an additional $50) that would ensure timely results.

Ultimately, no one from British Airways or the French authorities requested to see the test I booked at Heathrow for entry into France. Others weren’t so fortunate. A friend I had planned to dine with in Cannes was denied boarding from Istanbul because her antigen test did not meet the requirements. (There was significant confusion over whether the test for France needed to be from within 24 or 48 hours of travel—the answer varies depending on which country you are arriving from.) A fellow writer from London mentioned his flight from Heathrow was called back to the gate after takeoff, with several passengers removed due to non-compliant tests.

While I was in London (or rather during my extended layover at my airport hotel), the U.K. tightened its rules further, announcing that all international visitors would also need pre-arrival COVID tests within 48 hours. This meant I would now require three tests to return home (totaling around $200). I ultimately gave in and called Delta Air Lines to adjust my itinerary from Nice to Albuquerque with two layovers in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.

Things in France were (thankfully) a bit more straightforward. Upon arriving in Cannes, I visited a local pharmacy to convert my CDC-issued U.S. vaccine card into a European digital health pass, which is necessary for entering restaurants, bars, ILTM events, and most public venues aside from shops. This process took less than 20 minutes but came with an additional cost of $40.

Logistically, this trip turned out to be the most challenging since the pandemic began—largely because I overlooked one of my own key COVID-era travel rules: stick to itineraries within a single country to avoid navigating multiple border regulations.

All these logistical hurdles were compounded by my own worries about health and safety, as fragmented information about the Omicron variant began to emerge just as I was preparing to travel. Although I had received a booster shot, which made me feel reasonably protected, embarking on an international trip while scientists raced to assess the seriousness of the latest coronavirus developments didn’t exactly boost my confidence.

Guidelines for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic

Here are some additional important insights and general travel tips for navigating travel during the pandemic, particularly as new variants arise:

Work with a reliable travel advisor and/or book directly

I utilize various search engines to discover the best flight and hotel options, but I always book directly with the airlines and hotels. When you purchase through an online travel agency like Expedia, any changes must be made through that agency, complicating customer service interactions. Additionally, some online travel agencies still impose change fees. If you want someone to advocate for you during your travels, a knowledgeable travel advisor well-versed in pandemic travel can be invaluable.

Avoid basic economy fares

A silver lining of the pandemic has been the elimination of those frustrating change fees, which typically cost around $200 to modify your plane tickets. However, this waiver does not apply to basic fares, which are usually non-changeable and nonrefundable.

Steer clear of the lowest, non-refundable hotel rates

For just an extra $10 or $20 per night, you can secure a flexible cancellation hotel rate, which often allows you to change or cancel your booking up to 24 hours before check-in. And remember, always book directly with the hotel—you won’t regret it.

Do your homework, do your homework, do your homework

If you haven’t booked through a fantastic travel advisor who handles the details for you, be ready to engage in a lot of research. Continuously check for the latest travel rules and requirements right up until your departure. Don’t depend on news reports, which can be vague or inaccurate regarding international travel restrictions. Verify information with the airlines and the government websites of the countries you will be visiting. Another useful resource is the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which provides an up-to-date interactive COVID-19 travel map linking to all country regulations.

Think about travel insurance

I’m not a big fan of travel insurance. There are often numerous loopholes, and I travel frequently enough that I can use credits from canceled trips for future journeys. If you choose to purchase coverage, ensure you read the fine print regarding what is covered and what isn’t. Voluntary cancellations due to fear of COVID are generally not covered unless you select the more expensive Cancel for Any Reason option.

Some countries require you to have insurance that covers quarantine accommodations and medical expenses in case you fall ill while there. A great resource for comparing travel insurance options and gathering more information is Squaremouth.com. A knowledgeable travel advisor can assist you with this as well.

For cruises and tours, purchase your plane ticket through the cruise line or tour operator

When booking a cruise or group tour, it's best to buy your airfare through the cruise line or tour operator managing the trip. If they need to cancel, they often handle all changes and any additional fees related to new flights.

Review airport and local regulations regarding public health measures.

Some places mandate surgical or N95 masks (cloth masks may not be sufficient). Others enforce curfews (meaning no late-night outings). Additionally, some require proof of vaccination to access public venues.

Ensure all your documents match the name on your passport

The only thing in my life that carries my husband’s last name is my health insurance. After taking a pre-departure test at my local CVS, I realized the results were listed under that name instead of my passport's, leading to a last-minute panic.

Take pictures of your documents

Keep photos of your passport, vaccination card, and other essential travel documents saved on your phone.

Bring your own COVID tests

There are certain at-home COVID tests that are approved for international travel. However, you'll need a reliable internet connection so a proctor can verify that you are indeed the person taking the test, and this connection must remain stable for the 15 minutes it takes to receive your results.

Prepare for the possibility of a positive test result

Naturally, the greatest uncertainty on any international trip is whether you’ll test negative for COVID-19 to enter the countries you’re visiting or to return to the United States. Travelers should think about the safeguards they have in place, including the cancellation policies for all aspects of their trip, and what they will do if they or anyone in their travel group tests positive and they find themselves stuck abroad for a few extra weeks.

Fortunately, I passed all my tests and made it home safely. However, I think I’ll stay put for a while until we learn more about the Omicron variant and the effectiveness of my vaccine and booster against it.