Although Many Restrictions are still in place, Air travel is slowly starting up again. But how can you travel safely in a world of potentially deadly encounters with friendly people who might infect you (or who you might expose to the virus)?.
In this guide, we will offer you advice to help keep you safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Guidelines To Safe Air Travel
You can help control coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel safely by:
- avoiding the busiest times and routes
- washing or sanitizing your hands frequently
- keeping your distance when your travel (2 meters apart where possible)
You should not travel if you:
- Experiencing any coronavirus symptoms or have in the last seven days
- Have been told to self-isolate as a result of having been in close contact with somebody who has been confirmed to have coronavirus in the last fourteen days
- Are self-isolating as a result of coronavirus symptoms
- Are sharing a household with someone who has experienced coronavirus symptoms in the last fourteen days
If you have any symptoms of coronavirus you must self-isolate at home and arrange to have a test to check if you have COVID-19.
If anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus you should self-isolate.
Social distancing
The risk of transmission will increase the closer you’re to another person with coronavirus and the longer you spend in close contact. wherever possible and practical, you should:
- Keep two meters away from individuals outside your household
- Minimize the time you spend near other people
Hand washing
Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. You should:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of twenty seconds, particularly after touching surfaces. For instance, luggage trolley handles, self-service check-in, and security trays
- use hand sanitizer if hand washing facilities aren’t available
- be aware of the surfaces you touch
- be careful not to touch your face, mouth, or eyes
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing
Face coverings (Masks / Face Shield)
If you can, you must wear face coverings (Masks / Face Shield) in airports and onboard aircraft.
Some people may not be able to wear a face covering. For example, children under the age of three, people with breathing difficulties, and people whose disabilities make it difficult for them to wear a face covering.
You should bring your own face covering to be used throughout your journey. Bring spare face coverings for extended journeys and plastic bags to store used face coverings.
You should remove your face covering if asked to do so by police, border control, or airport security for the purposes of identification.
It is vital using face masks properly. Wash your hands before putting them on and after taking them off. Store face coverings hygienically when not in use.
Check your airline’s requirements before you travel. If you don’t have face-covering some airlines might stop you from boarding, if wearing a face covering is part of their conditions of carriage.
Some international destinations could require different face coverings or masks. Also, there are some countries that have their own face-covering guidance.
Before you think about Air Travel
Before booking a flight, you must understand the public health requirements of your destination country, and restrictions on re-entering your country.
Sometimes your airline will inform you of measures to minimize the transmission of coronavirus.
In line with other medical conditions, airlines have the right to refuse travel to anyone they believe isn’t fit to fly.
Online check-in
Where possible check-in online to avoid face-to-face contact at the airport.
You are strongly encouraged to check in baggage to the aircraft hold and minimize any hand baggage. this will speed up boarding and disembarking and minimize the chance of transmission.
Follow the safety travel guidance throughout your journey to the airport.
Arriving at the airport
Enter the airport on your own, unless you’re flying with members of your household. Non-passengers should only enter the airport where needed. for instance, accompanying or picking up a passenger requiring assistance, like a disabled person or an unaccompanied child.
Treat employees and other passengers with respect.
Follow instructions from airport and airline staff, which may include:
- Where to sit down
- How to queue at check-in, security, or when boarding the aircraft
- Instructions on screens, barriers, or floor markings
- Requests to move to less busy areas
At check-in
Where possible, avoid touching surfaces within the airport. Wash your hands for a minimum of twenty seconds after using self-service check-in, luggage trollies, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Depending on the airport you fly from and where you’re flying to, you may need to have your temperature checked before flying.
At the security checkpoint
Follow recommendations in the airport to prepare for security checks.
At the departure lounge/ terminal airside area/ arrival areas
Avoid walking around the airport and mingling with people that you do not normally meet.
In shops at the airport, follow social distancing measures and, wherever possible, pay by contactless card.
Onboard the aircraft
Measures to control coronavirus transmission will rely on:
- The technical features of the aircraft
- Any specific requirements of your destination
- The individual risk controls identified by your airline
- Your airline will advise you on measures in place for your flight.
During the flight, you should:
- Remain seated as much as possible
- Follow instructions and guidance from the crew
- Use contactless payment wherever possible
- Be aware there’s likely to be a reduced food and drink service
- Make the cabin crew aware if you become ill
These measures apply to anyone, regardless of nationality or length of the trip. And you should leave the airport as quickly as possible. Access to the terminal is limited to passengers, crew members, and employees.
Non-passengers should only enter the airport where needed. for instance, accompanying or picking up a passenger requiring help, such as a disabled person or an unaccompanied child.