Ways the Pandemic has changed Travel

Travel was the first hit by the COVID19 pandemic and will also be the industry that will see the lingering impacts for many years to come. One of the biggest impacts will be on HOW we travel. The travel experience is changing on all fronts, but it is tough to imagine how much change is happening without experiencing it first-hand.

Countries are still navigating when and how to open their borders while airlines have had to make some big decisions over the traveller experience. We will not get into accommodation, tours, and other travel suppliers because then this will turn into a research article rather than a blog post. As more countries are opening and airlines re-instating routes (not for South Africa yet, sadly) - I started wondering which changes will stick around, and which changes will fade? When the time comes when we can head to the airports again (with our passports), what will we be faced with?

I have picked some of the noteworthy points from the hundreds of emails and updates I have received over the past few months to share with you. I hope you find them interesting and useful.

Clean, clean, clean

There has been a strong response across the globe to address the hygiene and sanitation issues, also minimizing contact points, which is the understandably the main concerns. Many airlines have made promises of comprehensive hygiene procedures and regular training for staff on health and safety policies.

Emirates and some other airlines are giving complimentary hygiene kits to passengers upon check-in Dubai which is a nice touch.

There have also been some serious advancements using technology to assist with adapting to new standards. Hamad International Airport has introduced ‘Fully Autonomous Mobile Disinfection Robots’ (you can check the YouTube video in this link: https://youtu.be/YO64p2HDsPY )

Masks all the way

Worldwide passengers will be expected to wear masks in the airport and on the aircraft, so make sure you invest in a comfortable and good quality mask for long journeys. Staff and crew will all wear personal protection equipment throughout the journey. Some images make you feel like you are stepping into a surgical room but safety first.

Physical distancing

No more farewell entourages and welcome home parties at the airport. Only the traveller who has a confirmed ticket will be allowed into the airport. Touchpoints are being redesigned around contactless options. Norwegian airports have launched a touchless travel technology, Avinor, that allows you to check-in, drop off bags, pass security and board the aircraft, all without interpersonal contact or the need to touch physical machines. It is quite impressive. Airlines will need to balance safety and profits. Social distancing seating probably will not last long as more people start travelling. The break-even load for most airlines is 75-80% so limiting the seats for spacing is not sustainable.

COVID19 testing

Testing will be here for a while but not necessarily forever. For the time being, if you are planning to travel it will be a good idea to have a COVID19 test done maximum 72 hours before you are due to fly. Some countries may also test you upon arrival at your own expense and if you are positive, they will put in mandatory quarantine (which is no fun for anyone). Temperature checks before, during and after the flight are becoming the norm. Health declarations could also become standard policy.

Travel Bubbles

Countries have started forming agreements to ‘green lane’ or created ‘travel bubbles’ with ally countries before they open to the world. Example: Singapore and Malaysia; Australia and New Zealand – have already allowed travel between the countries but not to/from other countries. Destination ‘Health Apps’ have also appeared which requires you to complete mandatory information before entering the country. (Belize Health app will produce a unique QR code to the traveller that will be used for contact tracing)

Aircraft

The age and model of aircraft have become an important issue. The age may determine whether they were equipped with the appropriate HEPA filters. Due to lack of demand right now airlines are using smaller aircraft and the bigger aircraft are being retired earlier than planned. The A380 may not make it back to the skies, which makes me sad. First and business class experiences may also be drastically reduced due to the smaller aircraft not having this offering.

Air travel may become a necessity rather than an ‘experience’ unto itself, at least for a while. For me, any air travel is an experience because it forms part of the bigger travel experience – so regardless of what the onboard experience, I still cannot wait to get back in the sky The travel landscape will be forever impacted. Hopefully changes like the flexibility to change your ticket will stick around for the peace of mind of agents and passengers alike!

Dream Now, Travel Later.

Sources: Airline website/newsletters, Travel News publications, Travelinfo Plus.