A Personal Journey of International Travel during the Pandemic

At LAX in December 2020. All photos/Timothy Jones.

By Timothy Jones

January 26, 2021, I landed in LA on a long haul flight from Sydney, Australia. A year ago this would have been no big deal, a normal flight with nothing out of the ordinary to report. Australia is my country of origin, and where most of my family live. I, however, have lived in Las Vegas since August 1997. My wife and children are here, and I work and perform here so this is where I am most at home. Getting off the plane in LA and walking through deserted hallways, a mostly empty passport control area, waiting for luggage at a single active baggage carousel, and, seeing no customs officials was an eerie reminder of both the impact and emotional heaviness that COVID-19 has brought to our lives here in the United States. Sure, other countries have been hit hard, but this reality was suddenly stark as I had just spent a month in a country that has essentially shuttered itself off from the worldwide COVID-19 invasion. What led to this unique travel experience was a six month journey of emotion, unique obstacles, reinforcement of faith, and a greater appreciation for the freedoms we once had (and will have again!). Of course, there was also curious intrigue from others about what it was like to travel internationally during a global pandemic.

By the end of March 2020, most of the United States was in some sort of a lock down or stay at home order to flatten the curve and, most likely, gain an understanding of this virus that was attacking the world faster than we could learn about it. Like most, I figured this would last a few months before we got it under control and that would be that! As the weeks went on, the reality that this was much more long term began to sink in. All of a sudden the world became much larger. Harder to move around. Harder to do many of the things we had previously taken for granted. April came and went. Then a couple of weeks into May my mother’s health began to deteriorate quite rapidly. My Mum had battled cancer and several other illnesses for many years and had overcome struggles that should have taken her life much sooner. Her years of resilience and survival had been driven by an appreciation for each day she was given, and her strong will to always “see the next thing through.” This gave her short term goals one after another that she was determined to see. No event was too big or small. Each one was a target to reach. On the night of May 25, Mum entered hospice care, and we were informed it was a matter of days before she would pass. I was prepared for this day, or so I thought, as I had always kept funds set aside in case of emergency to get on a flight back to Australia immediately. I knew I could be there within 24-48 hours. Well… the best laid plans! Who could have anticipated a global pandemic. This began a series of decisions that would require me to choose how I would respond in this situation in a new world of evolving limitations. Being despondent and taking self-pity for my ruined plans at such a critical time would have been easy. But, the alternative was being present, supportive, and in the moment. The nurses looking after Mum were wonderfully caring and at the same time empathetic and accommodating to me. My sister was also able to be there at the bedside while a nurse made sure I was brought in via iPad and FaceTime during critical times of the coming days and nights. The closing moments of that chapter were special, deeply emotional, and did bring a sense of relief that years of pain had come to a close. The timing of Mum’s passing was such that, even under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have quite made it there in time. Thank God for technology and the ability to remain connected and present in a meaningful way. Technology facilitated more peace of mind than sitting in airports and on planes, wondering if I’d make it in time.

The next few days would have been overwhelming to navigate if it had not been for my siblings and care staff to help. With this particular care facility, everyone seemed to know what to do and went about their business gently and efficiently. We were always consulted and informed so that the first 24 hours seemed to just happen. As the necessary details were accomplished two big questions remained on the table. When can we hold a funeral? And, at some point the will must be probated and administered. Both of these had the obstacle of international travel. Out of love and respect for my mother, me being there in person for a celebration of her life was a non-negotiable. The will and legal side of things, however, was less of a personal decision. In South Australia, as executor, I was required to sign documents in person. No electronic signatures, no alternate option due to COVID-19, and mailing original documents was not advised due to a rise in lost and damaged mail, which made postage too risky as an option. Therefore, travel was the only choice as the probate had to clear within 12 months. Missing the 12 month deadline would see the government step in to “help” for a healthy percentage of the estate. Confirming travel plans became a priority to somehow get from Las Vegas to Adelaide, South Australia.

In February, 2020 I had purchased flights to Australia to travel in July to visit Mum. So, my first instinct was to simply leave these flights in place and see what happened. Of course, in early June they were canceled by the airline. Australia was in its own lockdown with all international flights on hold with the exception of weekly repatriation flights for Australian citizens and residents. No options were available for a couple of months. Then, I found a possible path with flights from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and then on to Adelaide. A fairly expensive set of flights, a 46-hour journey, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a specially assigned hotel for returning travelers in Adelaide, looked to be the best bet. Seating was extremely limited as Australia had capped arriving flights at 60 passengers (that would later be cut down to 30) in an effort to control possible COVID-19 infections coming into the country. A few quick calls and conversations with my wife and sisters, and I decided to go ahead and book. Done! Travel plans confirmed for late December 2020. A couple of weeks later, those flights were canceled. I re-booked with different dates. Cancelled! Re-booked. Itinerary changed; one flight canceled; a new flight confirmed; another change, and so the pattern went on. The final set of flights were confirmed in December through American Airlines with a more direct route to Australia…LAS-PHX-LA-SYD. Great!

I was slightly anxious arriving at McCarran International Airport on December 29 as I was apprehensive about the safety of flying in regards to health, and I wasn’t entirely convinced this was really happening. Until each flight was up in the air, I was anticipating some sort of cancelation, or delay. Donning my own comfort level of PPE gear, I boarded, flew, and disembarked each flight, arriving in Sydney at 7:30 am on December 31. It was a little strange being on an international flight with only 40 people including crew. We sat at the gate for quite some time as various protocols were run, health questions asked, and information disseminated about what processes we would follow as we left the plane. The Australian army greeted us and ushered each person to a waiting area where we stood single file in two meter increments until called forward to meet with a doctor for temperature and health checks, and more detailed questions. Once cleared, we were moved along to passport control, baggage claim, and customs. This was all handled very precisely and smoothly. Lined up single file again we were directed onto Greyhound busses, 12 per bus, and driven under police escort to our quarantine hotel. At the hotel a police officer boarded the bus to go over the process of checking in, and what the next 14-15 days would entail. Arrival day is day zero to ensure a full 14 days of quarantine is completed. One at a time we were brought inside, asked another series of health questions, checked in, and then escorted to our rooms by two Australian army officers. Instructions were reinforced that under no circumstance was I to leave my room. Even in a perceived emergency I was to stay in my room until given directions. Needless to say, I was not given a room key! One of the officers opened the door revealing a room that was significantly smaller than I was expecting. There was no balcony, and there was no window that could be opened for fresh air. The officer asked if I’d be ok, and I responded that “after a nice walk around Sydney Harbour I’d be fine.” He wasn’t amused!

Arrival day was spent unpacking and organizing the room to create a work space, reading corner, and eating area. I had created a daily routine with attainable goals that involved a series of readings, light exercise, contact with family and friends, and preparation for achieving the things I had traveled to Australia to do once out of quarantine. I made a gratitude list each day for the things that I accomplished, rather than checking off a to-do list. This way I always felt as if my day was productive, even if a few items didn’t make the list. This was important because the mental well-being of each person in quarantine was checked over the phone every day. Couped up in a single room could easily spiral downwards, so, for me, staying inspired, upbeat and in control was a priority. Meals were delivered consistently on time three times a day and regulated grocery shopping could be delivered to reception. Room service allowed for barista coffees, snacks, and alcohol (beer and wine with daily limits) for an additional expense. My days moved by without any ordeal. My required COVID-19 tests all came back negative and things were effectively going to plan. Several days before being released from quarantine I booked flights to my final destination, South Australia, and completed the mandatory cross border permit application. This is where things got a little bumpy.

My cross border permit application was denied! What now? I had to get to South Australia for Mum’s service and to complete the legalities with her will. This was the whole point of the trip. Surely I’m not going to get turned back when I’m so close? I lodged an appeal and received the usual auto-response that my appeal would be reviewed in due course…sometime in the next 7-14 days. Mum’s service was in 4 days! I spent the rest of the day combing through online forms and documents related to how and who was eligible to cross the border with the current COVID-19 restrictions in place. I found one clause in South Australia (SA) Health’s most recent policy update that addressed people arriving into Sydney going directly into quarantine and then directly back to the airport for onward travel that might allow me to get on my flight. Getting off the plane and into South Australia would be another thing.

The next morning I received a phone call from an unknown number that turned out to be the South Australian police on behalf of SA Health. The officer informed me that she was aware of my situation, that my permit had been denied, and that she was calling to help. For whatever reason, this officer had opened my file and read my appeal. This shouldn’t have happened for several days. By my account, this was divine intervention! This officer asked me a series of questions then guided me through everything that would take place on my day of travel. I would have two hours from being released from quarantine to get to the airport and board my flight. I would need to wear a mask, sit in the back seat of a vehicle with only the driver (also masked), and show timestamps as proof of meeting the two hour limit. The airline was going to be informed that I had permission to board my flight on a denied permit. She informed me, upon arrival at my destination in Adelaide, South Australia, I would give the arrival officers specific details in order to go to the questioning area and not be sent to another hotel quarantine, or worse, back on the plane to return to Sydney. I noted every detail and took down her badge number and contact in case it was needed at any point. The officer’s final advice to me was to be patient and not worry...“You are going to get through, and I’m here to help!”

Well…trust, faith, and good police work prevailed as everything the officer told me took place like clockwork. I arrived safely in Adelaide on January 14 and was free to do everything I needed. Mum’s celebration of life service was beautiful. And, I was both relieved and thankful that everything had worked out. For healing, honoring Mum, family unity, and many other reasons this was a much needed moment. Legal matters were completed without issue. All necessary paperwork was signed, and many other little things dotted and crossed as a result of this trip. It did take a couple of days to get used to not wearing a mask and being around groups of people, but normal life felt pretty good! South Australia had enjoyed zero community transmission of COVID-19 from May 7 to November 14 when a small cluster of cases developed from a quarantine hotel worker coming into contact with the virus. The state went into a full lockdown for three days while contact tracing all those possibly infected. With the lockdown lifted it took 39 days to clear the quarantined 33 infected people and get back normal. South Australia has remained COVID-free since December 22. I enjoyed my time in my Aussie home seeing friends and family, visiting some of my favorite places, savoring great coffee and wine, and walking on the beach before embarking on the long journey back to the United States. My stopover in Sydney on the return trip also provided me the opportunity to take that walk around the harbour!

The flights from Sydney to LA and back to Las Vegas carried the emotional tension of lamenting the end of my time in Australia, unsure of the next time I would be able to return, and, the anticipation of coming home to my wife and three boys who had so graciously endured my absence for the past 28 days. I definitely grew emotionally during this trip, and my story here only scratches the surface of my overall experience. I am glad to be home in Las Vegas, although I long for that freedom I experienced in South Australia to return for all of us here.

Dr. Timothy Jones is the Coordinator of the Division of Percussion Studies and History of Rock in the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also serves as the Interim Director of Worship Arts at Faith Community Lutheran Church.

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Kathleen KuoApril 12, 2021GComment