Els Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 After all the crazy problems and complications with my bf's visit in the middle of the year, he's concluded that he will most likely be able to visit for 2 weeks or so in a few weeks' time. YAY! But. With all the swine flu going around, what are the chances of it affecting our trip? While I'm not so afraid of the flu itself (mortality is very low and cure rate very high with antivirals, a plane crash would be more dangerous...), I'm terrified of the quarantine. I'm terrified of the idea that someone in the plane would be detected with flu-like symptoms and they'd quarantine everyone in it for days (it's happened before here). Or that HE gets flu (normal flu) and cannot fly til it's subsided. At the very least, I'm considering discussing with him the need to buy a more expensive ticket that can be cancelled/postponed with a nearly full refund. I'm wondering how necessary that would be. We're both broke enough (both students) that the ticket alone will be a considerable strain on finances (he won't stand for the idea of me paying half). So it might be unnecessary expenditure. But at least if he DOES catch the common cold, he might be able to postpone the flight for a few days til his symptoms subside, so he won't be caught and quarantined. They quarantine most of them for 6 days!!! That's like half our visit duration...
sunflower89 Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Where is he coming from? You seem to be over worrying, I think but of course, it is better to be safe than sorry in some cases. To be honest, if money is such an issue I would "take the risk" and just carry on as normal and not get the more expensive flight. I can understand the fear of something ruining his visit, but just be calm and rational and think it over. Talk to him about your concerns and maybe he can help put your mind at rest.
Author Els Posted May 28, 2009 Author Posted May 28, 2009 LOL, no, actually. It's just that it's been 5 months since I've last seen him, and if we miss this opportunity the next chance will be December. If I could see him whenever I wanted every month or so I certainly wouldn't be so worked up over making sure that NOTHING that I have control over, can go wrong. He sees things the same way, but generally leaves this one to me because he's much busier now and I've the time to think about it. Do you guys think I really am over-worrying? That's good to know, I guess. Thanks, sunflower, I do intend to do so. I was hoping to get some opinions from seasoned travellers or from people who plan to travel during this time regarding the swine flu issue though. Neither of our countries have many cases but my country has horribly inefficient hospitals and quarantines people for way too long because the lab results take too long. Is any one of you planning to fly around during this season?
sunflower89 Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 I'm not planning on flying anywhere until Dec and my man doesnt fly until Sept but even if I was to fly tomorrow, I would barely give it a second thought. If your countries don't have many cases then I really wouldn't worry about it. The chances of him being held in quarantine or anything is very slim. Of course, your peace of mind is important, so if it is really going to keep you up at night, then go ahead and ask him to get the more expensive ticket. You can't put a price on peace of mind! (but yes, I really do think you are over worrying! ) Flower x
Lucky_One Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 I fly domestically about 2-3 times a month, and internationally about once a month. The only time I have ever had travel issues was after 9-11, when security was frantic and you could stand in line for 3 hours to go through. Weather is a different story, and I will book a longer layover on a flight just to avoid flying through O'Hare. I would say it is FAR more likely that he has flight delays based on bad weather somewhere in the world rather than from swine flu. Relax and start planning the visit!
LoveLace Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 I wouldn't worry about the swine flu...supposedly anyone caught with respiratory or flu-like symptoms BEFORE boarding, is not allowed to fly...I know it's impossible to screen each and every person, but still they are taking precaution...if it was an epidemic killer flu, which they say it's not, the travel situation would probably be much different and maybe even shut down by now. WHO claims the situation is pretty well under control for the most part. The quarantining may have happened before we were sure of what kind of strain we are dealing with here...wouldn't worry about it...
Author Els Posted May 28, 2009 Author Posted May 28, 2009 Thanks, guys. The quarantining is still happening in my country, though. I would go off on an irate rant about our government trying to put up a show with our 'strict procedures' even though all government hospitals are literally crap (and that's why they need to quarantine for so long), but I think I'll restrain myself so as not to go offtopic. LoveLace, if they prevent you from boarding will they allow you to defer to another time, then? I was afraid that it'd be forfeit and we'd need to buy another ticket.
SophieA Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Els- I'm so happy for you guys that you're getting to see each other! I wouldn't worry so much about the swine flu/catching the flu thing. There's really not much you can do about it. You'll just have to cross that bridge when you get there. That being said, I don't think there's any harm getting that cancellation insurance or whatever. I almost always do. Some other type of emergency could always come up.
LoveLace Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 LoveLace, if they prevent you from boarding will they allow you to defer to another time, then? I was afraid that it'd be forfeit and we'd need to buy another ticket. That I don't know...sorry
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