How I Roll: TPG Senior Aviation Business Reporter Edward Russell
Welcome to a special COVID edition of How I Roll, an airport routine series with a focus on health and safety while traveling. Today, we're asking TPG Senior Aviation Business Reporter Edward Russell a shortlist of questions about how he travels during the pandemic, covering everything from how he preps for a trip to what he wears on the plane. Here's what he had to say. Safe travels!
The itinerary:
TPG: What is the last flight you caught?
NR: I flew to Chicago and back for a piece on United Airlines at the end of October.
TPG: Was the trip for business or pleasure?
NR: Business.
TPG: With whom were you traveling? If you had a travel companion, what conversions did you have to align on safety precautions? Did you need to reassure them?
NR: I traveled alone.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more travel tips!
TPG: Did you plan this trip pre-pandemic, or were these new travel plans?
NR: New travel plans.
TPG: What's a trip you're hoping to take in the future, that's been put on hold?
NR: Visiting family in Colorado.
Pre-departure prep:
TPG: What does your pre-travel to-do list entail?
NR: I try to pack my bag the night before even for a short trip like this one so that I can get up and roll early in the morning.
TPG: Are you purchasing any additional supplies, masks or protective gear for the trip?
NR: I didn't purchase any additional supplies but did bring several masks for the trip.
Related: Face shields and sanitizer: 5 things we're packing for flights during the pandemic
TPG: Are you getting a COVID test? If so, what kind?
NR: I did get a COVID test before I flew, I believe it was the standard PCR nasal test.
Packing strategy:
TPG: What items are you packing to protect yourself from coronavirus?
NR: Masks, lots of masks.
TPG: Is there anything you are leaving at home that you would normally take?
NR: No.
TPG: What are your carry-on essentials?
NR: My laptop, iPhone, headphones for music, and either my kindle or a book.
TPG: What's your go-to travel outfit, and has it changed at all during the pandemic?
NR: A button-down and jeans, and it hasn't changed during the pandemic.
Before boarding:
TPG: Are you getting to the airport early or with just enough time to spare?
NR: A little bit earlier than I normally would to allow for any extra time at security. Though when I flew I noticed it really wasn't needed as queues were short and the United Club at Washington National was closed.
TPG: How do you normally prefer to kill any extra time at the airport?
NR: Either go to the lounge or walk around.
TPG: Has that changed at all?
NR: Yes, if the lounge is closed I just wait at the gate.
TPG: What is your airport food strategy?
NR: I like to buy food from local restaurants if I can. Unfortunately, my favorite local Chicago place -- Frontera -- is temporarily closed in Concourse B at O'Hare. I also pack snacks for the flight and always bring a water bottle.
Related: 10 airport restaurants so good you won't want to leave the terminal
TPG: What differences have you noticed at the airport since the pandemic began?
NR: A lot of restaurants are closed, especially the local ones I like to visit when I travel. Things are quieter with fewer travelers.
Inflight routine:
TPG: What is your strategy for choosing your seat on the plane?
NR: I like window seats for short flights, typically under two hours, and aisles for longer flights.
Related: 7 tips for picking the perfect airplane seat every time
TPG: Were you able to work or relax during the flight?
NR: Work most of the time. Though on the return we had a weather delay and I read a bit while we waited.
TPG: Do you eat or drink on the plane? Has that changed in any way?
NR: I do. It's changed in the sense that I don't savor it -- more like quickly pull down the mask, take a bite or sip, and then replace my mask.
TPG: Have you noticed any changes in in-flight service?
NR: Yes, less service and coffee only on select flights. That said, United gives each traveler a disinfectant wipe when they board. I thought that was a nice touch.
Everything else:
TPG: Overall, did you still enjoy traveling during the pandemic?
NR: Yes, I do enjoy the journey. Though I have concerns about destinations.
TPG: How much traveling have you done since the pandemic began?
NR: Three flights, including the day-trip to and from Chicago.
TPG: Any travel pearls of wisdom or hacks for flying right now?
NR: Just be sure to wear a mask and be mindful of others. It's easy to forget how far six feet is as well as begin to crowd fellow travelers in the jetway and waiting to deplane.
Also, leave your expectations of service at home before you go. Airline employees are working the front lines and doing their best to keep everyone safe. And that means service -- like food and beverage onboard the plane -- isn't everything we're used to from before COVID.
Rapid-fire questions:
Are you Team Ask or Not Ask when it comes to fellow travelers who aren't wearing a mask? Ask if it's an entire mask, not ask if it's just below the nose (but move away if I can).
Latex gloves — yay or nay? Nay.
Favorite hand sanitizer brand? Compass Coffee made here in D.C.!
Favorite pandemic travel gear innovation? Not sure yet, I think there are many pandemic travel gear innovations to come.
All images by Edward Russell/TPG.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees