Air Travel Safety

You’ve planned your next trip and you’re excited to finally scratch that travel itch, but you’re unsure what the “new normal” at the airport will be. Not to worry! We have gathered some of the most helpful tips that will prove beneficial to any traveler and don’t forget to read our post about pre-travel preparation packing list. Each airport is doing different things to ensure the safety of their passengers, but these universal recommendations will make your flight more relaxing and enjoyable.

Touchless Check-in

Let's start at the beginning: check-in. Most airports and air transportation companies will have touchless options, which can not only reduce your exposure to surface germs, but can make on-boarding even faster than usual. This includes getting an online boarding pass, prepaying baggage fees, and printing your own luggage tags.

Screening Process (American TSA)

Yes, screening is still required, but there are a few changes to be aware of. Every passenger is now permitted to have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in a carry-on bag. Another notable change is that personal belongings like keys, phones, and wallets should be placed in your carry-on bag instead of the bin to avoid cross-contamination. TSA agents are also being required to wear face masks and shields, as well as change their gloves after every pat down.

Air Circulation

By now you’ve made it into the plane and you’re ready for the flight, but you may still be concerned about the air quality in the cabin. Nearly all airplanes have filters that take 99.9% of contaminated particles from the air, while bringing in fresh outside air. Take note: it is a myth that airplanes recycle 100% of the air. In fact, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency found that the air in the cabin of the plane is similar or better to the air quality in normal indoor environments.

Limited Cabin Capacity

Airlines are also taking precautions by limiting the capacity of each flight. Most major airlines are operating at 50-60% capacity as compared to other years. To ensure proper social distancing, some airlines are blocking people from sitting in middle seats. This also means that there are less tickets available, so it would be beneficial to buy tickets from our Travel Portal in advance to make sure you snag a seat.

Personal Health Questions

Be prepared to answer some questions about your personal health, before and after your flight. Depending on where you are, where you are going, and what your airline of choice is, you may have to provide some information or temperature screening. Do your research (or stay up to date with this blog) to see the requirements of your destination. Save yourself any surprises by making sure that you have a normal body temperature, and never fly when you are sick.