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New normal of flying

During lockdown restrictions, airlines and airports reassessed their operational methods for the future.

Airports are showing signs of our ‘new normal’. We take a look at the measures put in place in accordance with post COVID-19 rules.

Masks and sanitizers

Social distance markers divide floor space in front of check-in desks, seats in departure lounges carry stickers warning people to sit apart and perspex protects staff as they assign seats.  Masks and sanitizers are strategically placed at every entrance.

Deep cabin cleaning

Worldwide, the airline industry wants to reassure passengers that air travel is safe and the air on board is ‘virus free’, like the quality of a hospital operating theatre.  Most carriers and airports insist on face masks for passengers and staff.  They also provide hand sanitizers on board and conduct deeper cabin cleaning.

Health certificate

Hong Kong has implemented COVID-19 tests for arrivals and immunity passports could be included as temporary biosecurity measures. They say a health certificate is going to be as important as your visa.

Temperature checks

Flights look different; some airlines do not offer food and magazines are removed. Passengers do not queue for the toilet and some carriers have introduced temperature checks before flights.

Blocked middle seats

Many carriers ensure social distancing is adhered to with blocked middle seats and the physical distancing of 1.5m is implemented in addition to strict hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

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The future of travel

Some countries have announced that they will move to lockdown level three status at the beginning of June 2020. Although we are still not allowed to travel, this is good news for us because it means we are all moving closer to fulfilling our travel dreams.

Adapt to the future

The future of travel is not as we know it; that’s also good news because we are eager and ready to adapt to the future.  Once airports and borders open and we are allowed to travel freely, we will be pleasantly surprised at the healthy air travel measures in place.

‘. . . new measures such as social distancing . . .’

The entire process of checking in for flights will include new measures such as social distancing, sanitation of passengers and luggage, wider spaces for various queues waiting to board.  There will be a thorough cleaning of cabins and the following of sanitary measures at airports.

Biometric check-in

We will see extensive all-biometric check-in systems and efficient ‘do it yourself’ disinfectant fogging tunnels for dropping off of bags.  We will notice the demarcation of spaces for social distancing in corridors and concourses, larger protective barriers at customer service counters, hand sanitation stations and thermal scanning to check crowds for fever-grade body temperatures.

Staff in protective gear and electrostatic spraying

In the seating processes of travel we will see blocked seats, electrostatic spraying, and staff in protective gear and, of course, masks. As for food, the idea in the future is to stop serving on short flights and consider ‘light refreshments’ for long.

Under level three lockdown, travel is likely to begin with internal ‘staycations,’ before expanding across regions, and then finally across continents to welcome the return of travel to international destinations.

Preparing to resume domestic flights.

In recent news South Africa announced they are preparing to resume some domestic flights under the country’s new level 3 lockdown.  Priority will be given to flights under the ‘golden triangle’ of OR Tambo International, Cape Town International and King Shaka International, with flights initially running between 06h00 to 09h00 and 15h00 to 18h00. South Africa is also preparing for inter-provincial road transport routes which are considered as feeders to the three main airports. Travel permits will only be issued to persons who can prove they must travel.

‘Let’s be optimistic . . . ’

Let’s be optimistic, lockdown level three brings our hopes to travel sooner than we thought!

 

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80 year old safety tips – Still applicable today!

While watching a video about World War II, a writer for Good Things Guy, Tyler Leigh Vivier was reminded of a tiny pocketbook that was created during the war to help everyday people access helpful information relating to treating injuries, living through air raids, helping the homeless, how to deal with a fire and treating shock.

The book lists six golden rules from World War II which are still incredibly relevant today, almost eighty years later!

Rule 1. Keep your head; obey any instructions that may be given by those in authority – calmly and immediately.

This rule in today’s times is fair and we should especially remember the ‘keep your head’ part.

Rule 2. Disperse. Don’t crowd together in the streets.

This rule is 100% relevant. We should maintain social distancing; if a place is too crowded, rather move off in a direction that is less busy. This is especially important to keep yourself, your family and those around you safe.

Rule 3. On the warning being given, seek cover unless your job demands otherwise.

This rule fits into the stay at home approach; if your job is essential we salute you! If you are able to stay home, please do so.

Rule 4. Learn the very simple and efficient measures for dealing with incendiary bombs and with incipient fires generally.

Ok, this one isn’t relevant but you could learn some other relevant skill.

Rule 5. Help one another. Set an example of calmness; take care of children, the aged, of the injured, especially if you are unfortunate enough to be caught in a crowd.

Well, this is simple, keep helping those in need. There are thousands of charities doing good for communities in need. Search online for these organisations and participate where you can.

Rule 6. Don’t stand around staring at the sky. Curiosity killed the cat.

Admire the beautiful view from a distance, keep moving, standing around leads to trouble!

Source / credit: https://www.goodthingsguy.com/opinion/war-time-emergency-guide-1940s/?fbclid=IwAR0eFCiX0NUNQfPyh0m8RZqeB5K62uHDrNOybxgA64IaWi8ccOImDNzQGn0



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