Air travel during the pandemic: What should you know and how safe is it?

Staying at home is safe, but some travel commitments cannot be changed, even during these unprecedented times. Travelling during COVID-19 pandemic does seem rather risky. However, as long as you travel safe, you wouldn’t have to worry much about contracting the virus. There are a series of things that you should know about what is the safest mode of transport. While private vehicles, trains and even air travel during COVID-19 have been started by the government, which of these modes would be ideal for you? In fact, which of these would be safe for you?

Further, how can you affirm your safety while travelling during COVID-19? These questions might keep you worried. To ensure that you feel rest assured, we have brought forth all the necessary details on what it is like to travel safely during COVID times and how you can make it happen without stress.

The safest mode of transport

With respect to safety and other such important concerns, air travel during COVID 19 is the best option that you have. With proper self-check-in procedures at the airport and all necessary protocols followed by the airlines crew, the airport and the passengers, you can feel at ease when travelling by flights

Install Aarogya Setu app

The government has made it mandatory for passengers to download and use the Aarogya Setu app. The purpose of the app is to determine whether you are coming from a containment zone or if you are from a comparatively safe zone. Only passengers who are not from containment zones will be allowed to travel. In fact, the government has further mandated passengers to sign an undertaking where it is stated that they do not come from a highly infected or containment zone. Further, the undertaking also states that they do not have any symptoms of the virus. Following checking off these necessary points, you will be allowed to travel across states.

PPE kits to be worn by the crew and passengers

Apart from regular sanitization of the aircraft and the airport, to follow necessary precautions, the airline's crew, as well as the passengers, are all required to wear PPE kits during the journey. This includes the face mask, face shield, a disposable suit and more.

Wherever you go, whichever country you travel to during COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary for you to stay informed about the State guidelines as well as Central Government’s protocols. This is with regards to quarantine rules and other aspects so that you are prepared before-hand, giving you more confidence. For your ready-reference we at InterMiles have put this together on here on our COVID-19 Travel Advisory updates.

And if you are looking for hotel stays at the place of your choice, visit our hotels platform

What should you know ahead of the flight?

Baggage and check-in information

Due to the current situation, all the airlines are only allowing one cabin baggage and one check-in baggage that you can carry with you. Additionally, the airlines have also allowed one laptop bag or a handbag that the passengers can take with them. As for check-in, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a set of guidelines where they have stated that only web check-ins are allowed. To keep the system of a first-person contact, passengers are asked to take printouts of the tags at the airport. In case the printer facility doesn't work, you must write down your ticket details such as name and PNR on a piece of paper and stick it to the baggage. For your ready-reference we at InterMiles have put this together here on our COVID-19 Travel Advisory updates link

Food and lodging in-flight and at airports

The airlines have made a conscious decision not to serve meals inflight. Passengers are allowed to carry dry food items along with them. However, it is recommended against eating inflight, unless absolutely necessary. The hotels and lodging areas at the airport are currently shut along with several stores. Hence, passengers will have to wait in the transit area. In case you need to take a connecting flight, you will have to wait at the same place where you will be provided with necessary refreshments.

Safety tips -

-It is advised that you carry a sanitizer with 60 per cent or above alcohol content, with you at all times.

- If you are wearing gloves, make sure not to remove it. In case you do have to remove the gloves, do not forget to sanitize your hands at an interval of 15 to 20 minutes minimum.

- When you are travelling to the airport, do not touch any surface en route and at the airport. It has been strictly advised not to touch anything in public spaces even if you are wearing your safety gear.

- During your transit, do not touch your face, nose and mouth to be specific. Carry wet wipes with you and use it to clean off the sweat or anything on your face. Do not throw it carelessly though. Instead, store it in a Ziploc pouch after use and safely dispose off along with your PPE suit.

- Carry tissues along with you and do not sneeze or cough on other people or without covering your mouth. Use a Ziploc pouch and store the tissues to be disposed of mindfully.

- The government and the airlines have also shared their own safety and guidelines that should be followed by you. During these times, it is essential to remain calm and co-operate with the airport staff and the airline's crew as well.

We have listed out guidelines and protocols followed by major airlines to make sure that you are not confused by the procedures. You can use your travel to further enhance your miles count!

For Flights, Hotel Booking, Shopping, and other lifestyle needs, download the InterMiles App on Google PlayStore and iTunes

If not an InterMiles member, Sign Up