© Shutterstock
Culture & Living
Taking a flight during the COVID-19 pandemic? These are all the steps to keep in mind
From reaching the airport to in-flight precautions, here's everything you should keep in mind while travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic
India is witnessing a daily rise in new coronavirus cases, but essential travel is slowly starting to develop in terms of domestic travel as the nationwide lockdown is being gradually eased. The lockdown in India went into effect on March 24, 2020, and has been one of the strictest in the world. While the government has allowed certain domestic routes to start, international travel still remains suspended, with only limited repatriation flights for Indians stranded elsewhere. However, if you find yourself travelling in the upcoming months, here are precautions to take while doing so.
Before you reach the airport
1
Your journey starts the minute you step outside your home, which is why you need to be cautious much before you get to the airport. Ensure your mask is well-fitting and that you have your gloves on. In your carry on luggage, bring multiple sets of gloves and masks as you may be asked to change them before you board and deplane. Your carry-on luggage should also have a bottle of sanitiser, sanitising wipes and paper soap so you can wash your hands wherever possible and sanitise at regular intervals. Another valuable addition to your carry on will be a toilet seat sanitiser in spray form.
2
When it comes to travelling to the airport, it is advisable to use your personal vehicle or ask a friend to drive you instead of a cab—you can't be sure that the passengers before you have been maintaining strict personal hygiene levels and if they've been vigilant enough to wipe the handles and seat after getting off. That being said, if you absolutely must rely on an Uber, ensure you wipe down the handles and the seat before you get in and after you get off; your responsibility doesn't end with keeping yourself safe, extend it to the driver and the next passengers.
3
Another point to keep in mind is that you've already used the web check-in feature and are carrying a printed or an e-boarding pass. This will minimise touch-points and human contact at the terminal and keep your experience relatively hassle-free.
4
You may want to cover your check-in luggage in plastic casing. Various travellers have reported the airport staff using liquid sanitiser on luggage to disinfect them, which could leave the contents of your bags to get soaked.
At the airport
1
Once you've checked in and gone through security, find yourself a bathroom and thoroughly wash your hands and sanitise them. This would be an appropriate time to use the facilities so you won't need to use the ones onboard. A perfect opportunity to change your mask and gloves, take this time to swipe your carry on luggage with a sanitising wipe.
2
Try your best to minimise consuming any food and drinks while you wait to board your flight. Shoppers, you may want to stay away from duty-free in the interest of your health. If you absolutely must shop or grab a bite, use a cashless method to pay, like a no-touch card or make online/contactless payments through your phone.
In-flight
1
Even as most airlines have upped their cleaning game, one must err on the side of caution. You need not perform a full Naomi Campbell, but a quick swipe of the sanitising wipe on the seat, the armrest, the overhead buttons and the TV controls should give you peace of mind.
2
Your gloves and masks should remain on for the entire duration of the flight. Some airlines are now providing face shields before boarding—make use of it and keep it on until you deplane.
3
If snacks and meals are being served on board, skip those unless absolutely necessary (as you've got to take off your mask for it). Stick to bottled water and regulate the intake of liquids so you don't have to rely on in-flight facilities.
Deplaning
1
Keep those masks and gloves on after deplaning. As soon as you're off the plane, you may want to head to a bathroom for another quick handwash and sanitising session.
2
Once you get your luggage off the conveyor belt, it is paramount you disinfect it with your sanitising wipes and then sanitise your hands as well. There are many people who handle luggage and your bags are stored with others.
Arriving at your destination
1
At this point, you should arrange for a cab if you haven't arranged for transport to take you forward.
2
Ensure your mask and gloves (and face shield, if you have one) are still intact. These are not to come off until you've reached where you're going to be self-isolating for the next 14 days.
Also read:
Can I travel internationally this summer? These are the countries beginning to reopen for tourists
After the coronavirus crisis, will culture ever be the same again?
