Airports have reopened, and people have started travelling once again. Local and international flights have begun once again, and countries have started receiving international visitors. While some people are still cautious about the safety of travelling, it might interest you to know that flights are actually safer than most forms of transport.
As you are thinking of travelling by air, be sure to have your negative covid-19 test result with you. If you don’t have one yet, you can search for health centres that provide private covid test near me and get tested or contact us at private blood tests London for PCR test here in London. On that note, below are tips you should bear in mind while flying during covid-19.
Tips to bear in mind while flying during covid-19
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Be cautious with your destination
We are already aware that some countries have opened up their airports for international visitors; however, some countries are still taking their time. In the countries that are open to arriving visitors, there are certain restrictions and rules in place to control and prevent exposure to the virus and possible infection. Before you pick a destination, find out if they have opened their airports for international visitors or not, and if yes, what are their rules and regulations concerning covid-19. Do they place incoming visitors on quarantine or not? Find out these and more before you book your flight.
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Find out about the airline before you book
Each airline has its own rules and regulations regarding the covid-19. These regulations are meant to keep you safe from the virus. They include leaving the middle seat vacant during flights, implementing rapid covid-19 tests en-route, etc. Find out about the airline you wish to book, compare with others and find out if it is suitable for you before you go ahead to book a flight. For extra assurance, you can take a PCR test near me.
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Make provision for extra time and other factors
From airport security to queueing for checks, it would be better if you make provision for extra time so you won’t feel like your time is being wasted. Besides extra time, also consider other factors before boarding. While you wait, avoid contact with others and avoid touching surfaces with your hands. Also, make provision for transport after your flight. Would you prefer public transportation or airport taxi?
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Opt for a carry on instead of a checked bag
Instead of exposing yourself to potential danger through checked bags, go for a carry-on. Carry on will limit the number of hands that your luggage will pass through. Although carry on will still be checked, it will not be as much as when a luggage goes through extensive search before boarding. Going for a carry-on will reduce the number of hands the bag will pass through, ultimately reducing the number of people you are exposed to.
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Consider travelling through travel programs
Travelling through programs like clear and some other travel programs will make you spend less time at security points. Also, you will likely be placed in a shorter line, and you will get to keep your belts and shoes on, plus your liquids will remain in your carry-on bags. Applying through travel programs gets you through security points faster and reduces the time you will spend before taking off.
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Trust the filtered air
The air on a plane passes through a HEPA filter, and this filters out more than 99% of airborne particles. On the bad side, the air can dry out your skin and lead to dermatological problems; however, they protect you from the spread of several viruses and germs. Based on reports from WHO, the air in a plane cabin is changed a total of 20 – 30 times in just one hour due to the ventilation system on modern aircraft. This means there is less chance of you getting infected or being exposed to the covid-19 virus while you are flying.
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Book your flights early
The last thing you would want is to rush through anything that has to do with your flight during this period. Make your research and book your flights early enough before there is any chance of problems arising. It will also give you enough time to make changes or cancellations if the need arises.
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Follow the rules
Even with each airline having their set of rules and regulations, there are still rules in airports that should be followed. The common rules include social distancing, avoiding physical touch and contact with people, surfaces and objects and the use of masks and protective gloves. These rules are meant to keep you safe, so even if you are travelling with children above the age of 2, make them understand how important it is that these rules are followed.
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Print your boarding pass at home and check-in online
The key element is to limit physical contact as much as possible with people, objects and surfaces. Printing your boarding pass at home or checking in online will limit interaction with staffs and the touching of surfaces or people. Even with all these, remember to pack disposable wipes so you can wipe down surfaces and even your phones.
Make your flights easier
In these times, the important thing is to stay safe and limit interaction and exposure to the virus. Use the following tips to make your flights easier and time-saving.
- Avoid accessories and layers you would have to remove at airport security
- Carry small-sized liquids or none at all except for hand sanitiser, to reduce screening time
- Keep your boarding pass, id cards and electronics nearby and within easy reach
- Wear slip-on shoes
Do the right thing once you are back
Without being told, you should know what to do once you are back from your trip. Start with self-isolation and quarantine for 14 days. You can go further by getting another covid-19 test. This will ease your mind and give you the assurance that you are doing the right thing.
Do you need to get tested for covid-19 and don’t know how? Search for PCR covid test near me for locations of centres near you where you can get tested, or contact us at private blood tests London for help.
