It’s been crazy lately. We are experiencing an unprecedented time in human history.
Over the past few weeks, I have received many questions, wishes and comments from readers and followers; asking me how the coronavirus has impacted my own travel life and whether it will have an impact on my blog & vlog.
No doubt I have been impacted by the crisis; but it is insignificant compared to those who are currently ill or in bad health, who are on unpaid leave or have lost their job.
After all, travel and flying is a passion for me, but obviously not a necessity.
How The Coronavirus has Affected My Own Travel Plans?
In March, several conventions and exhibitions, such as the Aircraft Interior Expo at Hamburg, Germany and Airline Route Asia 2020 at Chiang Mai, Thailand, were cancelled. I was planning to attend these conventions and report back on the latest travel products and trends.
I was planning to visit Vietnam for the first time in my life; to try out Bamboo Airways B787 from Hanoi to Prague, which would be Bamboo Airways‘ first long haul flight to Europe. The launch is currently postponed.
I had made plans to fly from LAX to Fiji on Fiji Airways new A350, but as the situation has taken a nose dive in the US recently my plan has been cancelled. Fiji just had their first case of COVID-19 and is suspending all international flights.
Once normalcy returns, or some semblance of it, I am hoping to try out some new airlines such as SAS, Fiji Airways and Bamboo Airways. I am also hoping for a trip to Kenya, to fly on some of the last remaining B727, DC-9 and Fokker 27!
My Advice On Getting Through The Coronavirus Pandemic
First, I strongly advise against any non-essential travel. With the demand haven fallen nearly 100%, airfares have became very low and attractive. There are also many more tempting award seats that have opened up. However, as the situation remains fluid, the risk of getting stuck is high and a lot of unexpected factors may be currently in play.
For example I was hoping to get back to the UAE next week, where I reside, but the UAE government suddenly announced that they are closing the country for 14 days, even barring residents from returning. Emirati citizens are allowed to return, but they are banned from going overseas.
During any hard time, I often get through it by turning to my hobby and passion; which is aviation
With flying no longer a viable option, I am keeping myself busy with many things; such as sorting the die-cast aircraft models I collect, working on my upcoming Air747 book and getting in touch more with my family and friends. Most importantly, spending quality time with my parents here in the US (and yes, this includes many trips to Costco or the grocery store to buy food and supplies).
How is The Coronavirus Affecting My Blog and Vlog?
This blog has been doing extremely well, in part due to the coverage of COVID-19 news. My team of editors are continuously on the look out to report any developing news. You can receive updates by subscribing to my newsletter here.
Given my current stand against non-essential travel, the Youtube Content will switch to more news and hobby related items; including a live session early next week (and perhaps more every week). I have filmed a few interesting vlogs, such as a behind the scenes look at the Airbus factory, inside the Rolls Royce engine factory and Airplane Super Collector etc; so there will be enough content for the next 2 months.
I remain optimistic and believe there will be an end soon, as humans are resilient and resourceful.
Once again, I would like to thank you for all your support. Stay safe and we will get through this crisis together.
Travel Advisories
- US: Department of State
- EU: EU Member States
- UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Canada: Government of Canada
- Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Singapore: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- World Health Organization – Travel Advice
KLM B747 Model Giveaways
As we have heard KLM will retire their B747 earlier than planned, I am giving away 3 KLM B747 models by GeminiJets, click here to enter the giveaway.
Giving away 3 KLM B747-400 Models
Hi Sam;,
Who won the giveaway?
Thanks, Byung
Winners have been announced and will be contacted.
https://gleam.io/P0PJG/geminijets-die-cast-airplane-models-giveaway
Hi Sam,
Hope you are well and keeping safe. Hopefully, this Coronavirus will disappear soon!
Can you fly with Aer Lingus on their new A321neo between London Heathrow and Dublin? I am a regular flyer of this flight (EI155) and fly it a couple of times a year. It would be great and an honour to fly on the same flight with you.
I have recently started up my trip report channel called JBTripReports and after this coronavirus, I will start to work more on it. If you wish to view my channel this is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTt1qhVRjWNmqrjG5VRzrXg?view_as=subscriber
Looking forward to your reply,
Jason Bennett
JBTripReports
I liked your high spirits during this tough situation around the globe, your comments regarding your time management during handling coronavirus are useful, keep it Sam and wish you all the best.
Wishing you well Sam 🙂🙂
Hi Sam 🙂
Thank you for keeping us always updated and informed!
Cheers
Hi Sam
Your collection of models looks impressive. Tell us more. How many do you have and how many airlines are represented? Where do you keep them? Are there any you are looking for?
Are you planning any aviation tours once we get past this virus outbreak? I would be really interested in the Be-200, AN-22 and IL-14 if you could ever find a way to make that happen.
Terry
Hi Terry, hope you’re well and staying safe. I am making a video of my models so you will see them visually this Saturday!
Bonjour
J’aimerais que vous parliez du plus long vol commercial de tous les temps effectué par air Tahiti nui
Papeete Paris cdg
Merci
Try flying Aircalin Airways new A330neo back to LAX ?
Hello Sam!
Thank you for the update. Its good to hear from you when times in aviation is as though as they are now… Can’t wait to see more of the vlogs and whatever non-flying aviation content! 😃
Sam, will I be able to see a recording of the 25th March LIVE You TUBE event? You see in Japan here this event starts at 1am 26th March and as I have a job to go to, I need to sleep.😀
I wish you all the best with your aviation activities and your life in general during these troubling times. I hope we can all come out safely on the other side soon.
Yes the live event should be saved on Youtube like a video
I am working with my colleagues on a case to hold china responsible for gross negligence and involuntary mandatory manslaughter for their role in spreading this virus.
Once we have something substantial we will add everyone who had been affected.
Hi Sam
As a fellow blogger (we met at the BA A350 events) it was interesting to read your comments about the situation. It’s a terrible situation and it’s hard for all those who love travel as our salvation in hard times would be to go on a trip or look forward to one. I am having a similar situation with views on my blog but once everything has ground to a halt it will be a different situation I think. It will be hard to keep going for the next few months finding fresh content but I look forward to seeing the videos you mention. I’m very sad Farnborough has been cancelled so far ahead but with so much uncertainty loss limitation has become the name of the game.
Hope you manage to get home when it’s safe.
Hi Sam, thanks to be my friend as well and I so happy to read always from your block, love travel as well, in the family, true my late Son was a Pilot himself, miss him and of curce flyingwith him..RIP my dearest Son Matthias..
And to you Sam good night till next time I hear from you
Best regards from one off your friends
Rosemarie 👍🌹🐬🌹💗✈🛩😀🤗🤗🤗