Part 2: Private Jets - Stuck in Honduras for COVID-19
Before reading this post, you should considering joining me in donating to the Roatan Marine Park. Their conservation efforts are crucial to the ecosystem’s stability, and a large portion of their income will be destroyed as a result of tourism downturn in 2020.
March 19th, 2020
Delta is impossible to get a hold of. I’ve tried calling twice now, both times ending in a disconnected call. It’s unclear to me if this is because I’m on a remote island in the Caribbean or if their systems are overloaded. The group has calmed down considerably since the first uncertain day in Roatan. There is still a small, constant, hum of fear amongst the group, but at least it’s never with everyone all at once.
I received an email that my Delta flight was canceled, but the flight is still bookable in their online portal. When I log into Delta’s website, the flight is showing as active. I also received a wonderful email asking if I was “excited about my upcoming trip from Atlanta to Boston.” Dear Delta, If you get me to Atlanta, I’ll definitely be excited about that trip.
As a result, I’ve done my best to plan backups. I have a flight with United Airlines for a week after my normal flight. Kim, our wonderful trip coordinator from East Coast Divers, has negotiated rates for us to continue living on the island if it comes to that. There are also murmurings of private flights, but as far as we can tell the airlines are not willing to send down empty planes to pick us up.
The March 19th update from the State Department stating US citizens should return home.
On March 19th, 2020, the US State Department released a Global Health Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel. The post on the State Department’s website strongly advises all Americans abroad to return to the US, or risk “forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.” The post also goes on to say that we should “Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available … Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.” The insistence we come home without any direction as to how is unsettling for everyone here.
The “how” and “when” of getting off the island are top of mind for everyone and frankly unanswerable. All attempts to reach the US State Department, Embassy, or even our Senators have returned either silence or canned responses to “work with the airlines.” I could stay in Roatan for another week, but what about two? three? more? We have been consistently met with silence in our appetite for information, so I’ve just focused on any distractions I can find.
It’s worth mentioning that the diving in Roatan is very good. We have been spending a few hours a day doing what we came here to do - dive. It doesn’t increase COVID-19 risk for anyone involved, and the cash flow into Honduras is greatly appreciated. We never truly feel on vacation, but focusing on breathing, buoyancy, and air consumption is an effective distraction.
I’m now breaking down my scuba gear, the boat slowly pulling up to the dive shop docks after today’s second dive. The spectrum between panic and vacation continues to stretch, and all of us are bouncing wildly along that line. No one knows how they’re supposed to feel.
As we pull up to the dock, Kim is waiting for us. Kim Murray at East Coast Divers has been busting ass night and day to make sure we’re taken care of on this trip. If there’s anything we’re able to try, she’s tried it. She is even in contact with the Governor of the Bay Islands - Dino Silvestri - making sure he knows we are here and ready to leave.
Governor Dino Silvestri gives an update on Facebook Live to the citizens and visitors on the Bay Islands.
A small note about Dino. The Governor has been immensely communicative throughout this whole ordeal. He created a whatsapp group for foreigners on the island so we can coordinate evacuation efforts and stay informed about the latest on the situation. He has also encouraged everyone to sign up for the STEP program, through the US State Department, so concerted efforts in the future provide full coverage. He gives daily updates on Facebook Live, where foreigners and citizens alike can ask questions. Even without providing any direct alleviation to the pressures on the island, he is a transparent source of truth from the Honduran government. Everyone appreciates the clear and consistent thread that he has provided throughout this ordeal.
“Alright everyone, I’ve got you all here. Once you take all of your gear off the boat, meet us by the shop. We’re going to have a little… family meeting.” Kim is herding the scuba diving cats off the boat and into one area. We wait anxiously for all of the others to make their way up so everyone can hear the news first hand.
“There is a privately chartered flight off the island for later this week. Given all the uncertainty around flights and the travel advisory upgrade today, I booked everyone for the charter. It could be tomorrow, it could be later in the week. We’re not absolutely sure what day but we should have more solid news by the end of the day. The flight is 1000 dollars to get us to Miami but the shop already put the money up. We’ll just figure it out later.”
I haven’t seen the group so relieved since we got here. There are a few logistical questions about “how” and “when,” but especially “how certain.” The group organizing the private flight is very optimistic. The flight is through Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, based in the US, who has done emergency evacuation flights in the past. Because the borders are closed everywhere, this company will need permission to land on the island. It looks like a 99% sure thing; all the rumors we’ve heard are that the government is making exceptions to get people off the islands.
Later that night, I receive some more good news. I reached out to Delta over twitter a few days ago, and they’re finally getting back to me. “Lana” at Delta is very apologetic and as helpful as she can be. She doesn’t have a ton of information, but reschedules my flight for the first available option - Saturday the 28th.
Things are finally looking up! I have a privately chartered flight plus two backups, and all the airlines are waiving their change or cancellation fees. At this point, I’m pretty confident that one of these planes will get me out.
This post was edited on March 22nd to reflect the correct information about Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. They are based in Florida, not Honduras.