Despite a travel advisory, people are still packing their bags and flying out of San Diego International Airport.
“I am flying home to Denver for the holidays just to be with my family for Thanksgiving,” said Kayte Livran, an SDSU student.
For her, booking a plane ticket also meant booking a COVID-19 test. Two, in fact.
Livran has an appointment for a rapid COVID-19 test when she lands in Denver before seeing her family. She has another testing appointment upon her return to San Diego, before going back to work.
“Yes, both ways. When I get to Denver I'll have to take one so I can be with my family and when I get back to (San Diego) State I’ll get tested again to be able to get back to work,” she said.
The demand for the COVID-19 test has created long lines at testing centers.
On Monday, a maze of people lined up at the Former USD Electronics Recycling Center, one of the 13th free testing sites in San Diego County.
Kyle Rudman waited in line to be tested for an upcoming trip.
“I'm flying to NYC so I have to get tested and I have to make sure I'm really safe about everything because it's a real serious thing,” he said.
While it is recommended that people stay home this holiday season to avoid the spread of COVID-19, San Diego Airport officials released some travel tips.
All travelers are required to wear face-covering while on airport property. Travelers should practice safety measures such as washing hands often, avoid touching their faces, keeping 6 feet of social distancing and conducting a temperature check before arriving at the airport.
