Best practices while flying during Covid-19
The year 2020 has been a living nightmare for the entire world, as most countries are striving to deal with corona pandemic. For some reason or the other, people are compelled to travel even during the pandemic. It may be due to work or family obligations that require people to travel. As we can’t avoid such situations, we need to plan out our trips safely.
Here are a few facts about the travel options and how to protect ourselves during this corona crisis.
Be safe while traveling
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocates few steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:
- Maintain at least a distance of 6 feet between you and others.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Put on a face mask at all times.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth while traveling.
- Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks.
- Always cover your face while coughing and sneezing.
- Clean your hands frequently. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol, in case you don’t have soap and water to wash your hands.
State-wise regulations and restrictions
Most states and territorial governments will have certain regulations, such as requiring people to wear masks and requiring those who recently traveled has to undergo a 14-day isolation. In order to save yourself from such unpleasant surprises you may check with the ‘State and Local health department websites’ which is the best resource to keep you updated. Keep in mind that these restrictions can change rapidly depending on local conditions. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.
While you’re traveling, look up for visitor information and hours for businesses, restaurants, hotels and other places you may want to visit during your stay.
Traveling by Air
Generally, viruses don’t spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, crowded flights make social distancing difficult. In addition to that, air travel involves spending a lot of time in security lines and airport terminals, which brings you in close contact with lots of people.
The CDC and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have issued specific guidelines to help airlines prevent the spread of the coronavirus. As a result, most of the airlines in India require that crews and passengers wear face masks. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces at all checkpoints. You’ll notice certain changes, if you haven’t flown since the pandemic started:
- TSA officers put on masks and gloves, and practice social distancing.
- TSA officers change gloves after each pat-down.
- Plastic shields are being used at document checking podium, bag search and drop off locations.
- Fewer travelers, resulting in fewer open screening lanes.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.
Car travel
People might prefer driving over flying, which might make them feel safer and in control. Still, they need to be smart about any stops they make, which requires a little bit of planning.
Things to keep in mind, before you hit the road:
- Plan to make as few stops as possible.
- Make sure you pack face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in an easily accessible spot so that you can use them during your trip.
- Prepare food and water to take on the trip. Consider including nonperishable items to tide you over in case access to restaurants and grocery stores is limited.
- When you need to get fuel for your vehicle, use disinfectant wipes on handles or buttons before you touch them.
- If you choose to pick up a meal on the road, opt for restaurants that offer drive-thru or takeaway service.
Other modes of transportation
If you are traveling by bus or train, make sure you’re sitting or standing within 6 feet away from others or you may be at high risk of getting or spreading the coronavirus. Follow the precautions outlined above for protecting yourself during travel.
Even if you fly, you will need transportation once you arrive at your destination. So, it’s safe to investigate car rental options and their disinfection policies. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.
If you’ll be using public transportation, maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after reaching your destination. If you plan to use a ride-hailing service, don’t sit in the front seat near the driver. Consider handling your own bags during pickup and drop-off.
