THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY’S COVID COMEBACK

The COVID-19 global pandemic has forever changed how we all conduct our everyday life. The travel industry in particular has been severely impacted as airports and airline personnel have implemented new policies and procedures. However,since COVID-19 was detected, both domestic and international travel has begun to pick up again tremendously. To help combat the pandemic the industry introduced several updates to processes and sanitization efforts.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, airlines have completely updated their HVAC systems to stop circulating possibly infected air throughout the cabin. This greatly reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission while flying. Prior to booking your flight however, you should still do your research on the destination to verify the number of COVID-19 cases, as well as the current rules and regulations that are in place. A quarantine period of at least 14 days should take place after both domestic and international travel.

The aviation industry is working hard to reach a million travelers again by the end of 2020 (end of year travels at the end of 2019 totaled at 2.7 million). While it has been a slow climb back up, the industry has stayed relentless in improving the safety of travel during COVID-19. To encourage people to continue traveling they are also offering no-change fees if you need to reschedule your flight.

Just as with any other public establishment, you should wear your mask at all times while you are in the airport and on the plane. The mask should completely cover the nose and mouth. It is also important to make sure that the mask securely fits around the face; loosely fitting masks open opportunities for germs. With regards to the airplane itself, medical professionals have identified three main factors to determine risk: proximity to the source of exposure, the level or intensity of infection the source of exposure carries, and the duration of the exposure.

The airplane lavatory door, magazine pockets, tray tables, and bathroom faucet are regularly sanitized to ensure the spread is stopped. If you have to touch any of these however, it is in good measure to sanitize after. Immediately after touching the area, either wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or apply and rub hand sanitizer on your hands. Make sure the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. As a general rule of thumb, you should restrict contact to high traffic surfaces as much as possible.

In conclusion, the travel industry is back and booming with extra safety precautions in place. While aircraft companies were always committed to providing safe and excellent customer service, they really have taken it a step further during COVID-19.