Nothing is cleaner than airlines, hotels and car rentals. These companies employ trackable and reliable procedures to clean between uses through known services and the best procedures in the business. Can the same be said for Uber, Lyft and Airbnb? I think not.

There is a broken chain of discipline between these sharing companies and their end product used by consumers. Even though all Uber drivers are supposed to wear masks, they do not. Even though windows are to be kept open, they are not. I stayed in an Airbnb in Gilbert, Arizona, in early March where the owner’s food was in the refrigerator, his clothing hung in every closet and even his toiletries were in the bathroom. There is no way you can be assured these services are clean.

But airlines, hotels and car rental companies always adhered to a regimen of cleaning, and even though it was far from perfect prior to the pandemic, they had procedures in place … and it is easier to improve upon procedures versus creating them from scratch. I had no problem flying last month, and I had no concerns going through airports and picking up my rental car. Chicago O’Hare really embraced this open cleanliness concept with Airport Ambassadors gently reminding guests of the protocols and cleaners visibly wiping down surfaces. O’Hare and Midway embrace the slogan “Reconnecting to the World,” and after months of not having traveling, that is exactly what we are doing.

I know a number of you are not ready to travel, and that is your right. But for those of you on the fence, take the plunge and #ComeBackToTravel, as we have been pushing on our social media. I was pleased to see American Airlines and United Airlines are taking Global Traveler back in their lounges, and Delta Air Lines will follow. I agree with selling all the available seats; it is unrealistic to expect the travel industry to hold back any further after great losses.

So get back in the saddle and enjoy your travels. You can remove your mask when sipping your favorite cocktail!