Recently, the number of people traveling locally and internationally has taken a little surge, with airlines worldwide recording more flight bookings than in the preceding months. But does it mean that the threat of COVID-19 is no longer out there?
If the increase in the number of new cases of coronavirus infection is anything to go by, then we understand that the world is still not safe from the virus. We have, like always, learned to adapt and moved on with our lives. But that does not in any way include throwing caution to the wind. Social distancing and general personal hygiene still stand, especially for travelers who fly to foreign countries.
Although the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have provided guidelines and safety tips for people traveling by air, individual airlines are also implementing measures to check and control the spread of the virus, beginning from airport lobbies to in-flight checks, and destination airport terminals. Because of air circulation in airplanes, it’s a bit hard for the virus to spread during a flight, as this study from the World Health Organization shows.
However, it is hard to fly at all and arrive at your destination without getting in close contact with someone you never knew before. Therefore, in addition to observing social distancing and personal hygiene, the following safety tips are highly recommended for using the airports during COVID-19.
1. Do not touch anything unless you must
Today, many things can be done digitally, even when checking in and going through screenings at the airport. People frequently use surfaces like turnstiles, fingerprint machines, railings, bathrooms sinks, door handles, kiosks, elevator buttons, etc.
Experts advise that travelers limit or avoid contact with such surfaces to reduce the virus’s spread. For instance, boarding passes should be placed directly on the scanner by the traveler instead of handing them over to the employee at the airport.
But if you must touch any of these surfaces, it is advisable to sanitize your hands immediately after. An alternative is to wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds under running water. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) now allows travelers to take one container of hand sanitizer not more than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. However, the container has to be brought out for screening.
2. Wear nose masks
Wearing your nose masks can never be overemphasized. It is as essential as it gets. Medical professionals advise that nose masks significantly prevents you from spreading the virus, and in the same vein, shields you from getting it from others. This is particularly useful when you have to stand in long queues or enter crowded places.
If it’s possible, carry along with you additional face masks in case the need arises. But note that TSA employees may ask travelers to momentarily unveil their faces for identification, after which the nose mask should be worn again.
3. Keep your personal items in a bag
To further limit the possibility of getting infected, personal items such as keys and wallets should be kept safely in carry-on bags. This includes food items and mobile devices such as phones and headsets. This precaution also reduces the handling of these items during screening. Food items, however, may need to be brought out for screening.
4. Wipe your seats
Airports are about the most exposed public gathering place where coronavirus can quickly spread. Remember that this was a major gateway to the spread of the virus earlier during the year. That said, a crucial precaution to keep in mind is the need to always clean your seats. If you have to sit down anywhere, use an antibacterial wipe to wipe the arms, backrest, and seats you intend to use. Bring along an additional sanitizer, if necessary.
5. Avoid eating if you can
Bearing in mind that there might be contaminated droplets of fluid in the air around you, you must ignore the urge to eat or simply snack on something just because you feel like it. According to expert recommendations, it is okay to eat at the airport if you’re hungry, but take precautions as best you can.
6. Limit your visits to the bathroom
Well, as hard as this may sound, it is also for the best. Whether you’re on a plane or waiting at the airport, try as much as possible to limit your visits to the bathroom. It’s a public place, which makes it a high-risk center. But if going to the bathroom becomes necessary, be sure to avoid places you should not touch. Extra caution is usually required when using public restrooms, and even more, will be necessary when dealing with a situation of possible COVID-19 infection.
7. Be aware of your surroundings
There are some locations or destinations with a higher prevalence of coronavirus cases than others. Besides ensuring you stay safe during your travel, it’s necessary to stay updated on information regarding the places you’re visiting and best practices to stay safe.
8. Stay updated on TSA traveling guidelines
From time to time, travel safety tips are released to the general public by local, state, and territorial authorities. It’s important to check local requirements and restrictions. Is COVID-19 spreading rapidly at your location or destination? What are the safety rules to observe? Is it safe to travel? Answers to these and several other questions are vital to travelers. Travelers need to stay informed on current trends around the world, especially where they’re traveling to.
9. Maintain social distancing
Social distancing remains a standard precautionary measure against COVID-19, no matter where you are. A minimum of 6 feet or 2 meters is advised for cases where it is possible to observe social distancing. Also, ensure that you are not too close to people you don’t know at the airport, including airport staff.
Wrapping Up
As the world continues to reopen businesses and activities, we understand that things may never be the same again. For one, we will be more safety-conscious than before the attack of the virus on our planet. This applies even more for people who travel by air because they’re among the most exposed groups of people out there. However, by continuously observing the recommended precautions, one can stay safe and uninfected.
