Near the end of 2020, we watched with bated breath as flights picked up again.
Journalists, influencers, and first-time Youtubers all set out to document what was a frightening thought—flying between cities amid the pandemic. However, as time went by and we better understood the virus, Indians optimistically renewed their interest in flights. Recreational travel rose side-by-side, as short weekend getaways grew wildly popular in the form of road trips and solo drives.
Unfortunately, in mid-2021, strict COVID restrictions have returned. And with them, travel has returned to a need-only basis. Booking a flight ticket remains the first—and for many, the only—option to cover long distances in an emergency. But there’s one elephant in the room that everybody wants answered… Do check 8 Countries with that have No Covid Cases
Is Flying Actually Safe Right Now?
It’s definitely the safest option compared to other modes of transport. Airline seats are strictly assigned, and most states have implemented rigid safety precautions—including carrying negative RT-PCR test reports–for passengers travelling on domestic flights. And do check these Practical Tips for Your Trip while Traveling Alone
When it comes to circulation on your plane, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that today’s flight cabins are fitted with HEPA filtration systems, which provide a constant, sterile, and particle-free air supply on board.
HEPA, or the High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, possesses between 85 to 95 per cent efficiency in capturing airborne bacteria and viruses. “This normally provides between 15 to 20 cubic feet of total air supply per minute per person in economy class,” confirms the IATA.
Combined with a rule on wearing face coverings on aircrafts, this considerably reduces the chances of an asymptomatic COVID patient transmitting viral particles to passengers seated nearby.
What Happens Before Boarding?
Before making any flight bookings, passengers are advised to check their destination’s COVID-19 travel guidelines. This helps determine what’s required for your journey, as mandatory documents can include negative test reports, custom e-passes, and even vaccination certificates.
For any other queries about transit from your origin state, it’s advisable to contact your destination’s COVID Control Room. Their helpline numbers can be found online.
Once you’ve confirmed that your trip can proceed as planned, go ahead and book your tickets. Now you can do Flight Ticket Bookings in India Now with Amazon
Post That, Stay Mindful Of the Following:
Airlines have put a cap on luggage—in most cases, you’re now allowed only one piece of check-in baggage and one carry-on. Before reaching the terminal (and this should be much earlier than usual!), conduct a web check-in using the PNR generated for your flight ticket, and select your seat.
Continuing the contactless measures, you also have to fill health declarations as applicable to your airline and destination, and download and register yourself on the Aarogya Setu app. It must mark your status as ‘safe’ (green) to be allowed entry into the airport.
Airlines are also requesting passengers to print their baggage tags during the web check-in, and to attach it at a prominent spot on their bags before placing it at the baggage drop.
During this entire time—from terminal to shuttle bus to aircraft—be cautious of avoiding close contact with other passengers while waiting in line.
Passengers are given PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits right before boarding. These comprise wraparound gowns (for those in the middle seats), a face shield, and a three-layered face mask. Once at the boarding gate, self-scan your e-boarding pass before moving ahead.
Thermal screenings will happen at multiple checkpoints. If you’re asymptomatic in one, but show a higher temperature later, you will not be allowed to board your plane.
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Anti-Viral Safety Precautions by Domestic Airlines
International flights to and from India have been suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation till May 31, 2021.
However, this does not include countries that have established air bubble arrangements with India, or other government-approved flights.
Until then, here’s what our major domestic carriers—IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir, Vistara, Air India, Air India Express, and AirAsia India—have rolled out to ensure a worry-free flight experience:
• Airport touchpoints like check-in counters, kiosks, gate areas and the baggage drop are being disinfected.
• Social distancing is being maintained for safety while waiting in line at the boarding gate and inside cabins.
• The ground staff at check-in counters and boarding gates wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which include masks, gloves, and shoe covers.
• The air inside Airbus cabins refreshes every 3 minutes, and flows only from the top to the bottom.
• High-touch aircraft surfaces like tray tables, seat belt buckles, overhead nozzles, galleys, arm rests and restrooms are cleansed and disinfected regularly.
• The cabin and cockpit is disinfected and fumigated thoroughly.
In-flight meals have also been suspended by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for every domestic flight with a travel time of less than two hours. Tea, coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served across all classes will only be provided in disposable cans or single-use disposable units.
Practicing Personal Responsibility Is Key
It would definitely dampen the mood if you find yourself as a source for community transmission.
For face coverings, double-masking—the use of a three-layered cloth mask over a surgical mask—has been recommended by experts as the best way to reduce the expelling or inhaling of airborne particles.
To keep those around you safe, you should also carry tissues and alcohol-based sanitizers in your hand baggage. After using either, avoid touching your face or fiddling with high-contact surfaces.
If you want to sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Discard it immediately after use, and wash your hands. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze into your flexed elbow, and sanitize afterwards.
If you feel unwell at the airport or inside the cabin, seek medical help. Common coronavirus symptoms to watch out for are fever, dry cough, a sore throat, tiredness, a sudden rash, muscle pain, and problems in breathing.
We all need a bit of entertainment on a long flight. But right now, it’s best to avoid unnecessary interaction with other passengers, or touching any in-flight magazines and menus. Most airlines will have removed these items anyway, so carry everything you need to keep yourself occupied.
Try a good book, plug into a podcast, or catch up on your favorite TV series.
Make sure it’s not a nail-biter, just this once!
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