Coronavirus Travel: What to Expect The Next Time You Fly

Here's what you should expect as you ready yourself for your upcoming air travel.

You've been under lockdown or partial lockdown for months now, some countries and cities are gradually easing their restrictions and your feet are itching for the feeling of sand between your toes, water caressing your body, or the sound of familiar friends and family members' voices as you greet them in person after months apart. 

But, before being able to get to any of these destinations you'll most likely have to jump on a flight, breaking all social distancing rules you've been (hopefully) stringently following until now.

Airlines are starting to inform us when they'll be resuming regular flights, and carrier EasyJet has even shared a demonstration video of what to expect if you choose to fly with them this Summer. 

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Your wellbeing as you fly

EasyJet has informed the world that some of their flights will resume as of June 15, with all passengers and cabin crew required to wear face masks for the duration of the flight. 

In EasyJet's instance, they will start operating predominantly domestic flights, along with a few continental European options for the time being. As time goes on, the airline will add more routes where there is demand. 

The company, which grounded its flights in March, told the BBC they would be operating 189 flights per week as of mid-June. 

So what can passengers expect on EasyJet's flights? 

No food or drinks will be served, instead, passengers will have hand sanitizer and disinfectant provided. The company's Chief Executive Johan Lundgren stated that "These measures will remain in place for as long as is needed to ensure customers and crew are able to fly safely as the world continues to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic."

In its short and snappy demonstration video, EasyJet points out that all passengers must be wearing masks before entering the airport, and throughout their journey. They should sanitize their hands regularly, their temperature will be taken prior to flying and if it looks to be too high they won't be allowed on board. 

Furthermore, check-in has to be done online ahead of time and when dropping off luggage, all passengers should remain 1.5 meters away from others. 

The airline will disinfect and treat all seats, trays, carpets, overhead bins, bathrooms, etc on the planes between each flight, and a deep clean will happen daily. EasyJet also pointed out that they use HEPA air filters, which filter out 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria, so the air is as clean as possible in the cabin. 

It doesn't look like the airline will be minimizing passengers on flights, so social distancing won't be possible there, hence these extra precautions. 

Some companies are coming up with novel methods for safer flying, such as adding extra physical distancing seat concepts. Airlines aren't so keen on these ideas as this minimizes revenue given all middle seats are blocked off. So it's up to the person traveling to decide whether or not they're up for the challenge.

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