We Fly Together

Post-coronavirus Travel Restrictions 2020

Now that travel has resumed after a long break, there are many concerns about safety and protection from the deadly coronavirus. To help tackle the issue, restrictions have been placed on travel, which help ensure that virus transmission is controlled. Restrictions may vary among flights, countries, regions, and different groups of people. 

 

  • Air travel

Most airlines have resumed flights although those in higher risk locations are still suspended unless necessary (legal residents with authorization and special request . e.g. medical personnel. Many countries have suspended their visa on arrival facilities at airports. 

 

  • Quarantine

Most locations require travellers to quarantine or self-isolate for upto 14 days after their arrival, in order to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

 

  • Airports
    • The queue at immigration can be expected to be longer than usual as checking is more careful, thus slower.
    • Many airports will require not just the passport, but a health certificate as well. Some even require passengers to get tested and provide reports that indicate their good health.
    • To avoid having agents touching their items, passengers should pack items such as food separately in a plastic bag.
    • Many airports allow passengers to use an electronic boarding pass, or a paper boarding pass that can be scanned by a reader.
    • Agents wear new gloves after they touch a person, and whenever they need to pat someone down during check-in.

 

  • Testing

Some locations require travellers to get tested, and allow only those who can produce negative test results, in order to ensure the safety of the locals.

 

  • Middle Seat

In their attempt to reduce transmission and maintain a distance, many flights try to block out the middle seat. However, in case the demand increases e.g. if they have to accommodate passengers from another flight, these seats may be used. Window seats are encouraged, and are generally considered safer: they have the least amount of contact between people.

 

  • Restricted Travellers

Most countries have restrictions based on the area someone comes from. People from high-risk locations may be restricted from travelling. People who are displaying symptoms, or are immuno-compromised should not be travelling. The UK has divided regions into tiers, based on their level of COVID cases, and lower-risk tiers (1 and 2) are allowed to travel.

 

  • Precautions

There are some precautions that passengers are required to take for most flights. They must always wear a mask, and sanitize frequently. Gloves are also encouraged, and passengers should avoid touching surfaces. Airports may specify where people can sit or stand, to maintain a safe distance of 6ft.

 

  • Flight Hygiene
    • ICF surveyed aviation executives and found that 92% of the respondents wanted to see enhanced aircraft hygiene requirements after the lockdown. 
    • Many top rated airlines use extensive sanitizing procedures. They regularly disinfect their cabins, with protocols and processes recommended by organizations such as WHO. 
    • Filtration systems remove most bacterias or viruses in the air. 
    • Most airlines offer clean and sealed blankets, serve hot food with disinfected utensils, and provide only sealed bottled water.

 

  • Public transport

If travellers use a taxi or car service such as Uber, they are expected to wear masks, and should wipe down the seat and handles before entering and when leaving. Passengers should avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily. Services such as Uber have temporarily suspended ride sharing facilities.