Travel with Confidence

There is a lot of fear surrounding aeroplanes and airports at the moment, and specialists suggest that much of this concern might be misplaced, especially if you take some basic precautions.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), you have a higher risk of contracting the disease in a shopping mall or an office than on an aeroplane: “The air supplied to the aircraft cabin is either fresh or is filtered through filters of the same efficacy (99.97% or better) in removing viruses as those used in surgical operating rooms.”In fact, unless there is a sick passenger seated next to you, the chances are pretty low that you will contract the disease from someone in a different part of the plane (and this goes for the flu and common cold as well).

To help protect yourself, infectious disease specialists recommend taking some basic precautions, including washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces (like your seat back pocket, tray table, and the restroom door handle), and avoiding contact with sick people. Otherwise, most aviation authorities are not warning against air travel at this time.

 If you are likely to be in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible and you may come into close contact with people who you don't normally meet, then a precautionary face covering is advised to to protect each other and reduce the risk of spreading disease, Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for foreign travel advice.

There will be a number of measures in place to reduce face-to-face contact and maintain social distancing, such as: 

1.  Online check-in
   Where possible, check in online and check in baggage to the aircraft hold to minimise any hand baggage. This will speed up boarding and disembarking and minimise the risk of transmission. Follow the safer travel guidance during your journey to the airport.
   
   
2. Enter the airport alone
   Unless you are flying with members of your household, enter the airport on your own. Non-passengers should only enter the airport where needed. For example, accompanying or picking up a passenger requiring assistance, such as a disabled person or an unaccompanied child.
   
   
3. Wear a protective face covering
   If you can, you should wear a face covering in the airport.
   
   
4. Be respectful
   Treat staff and other passengers with respect.
   
   
5. Follow airport and airline instructions
   Staff may give you instructions to follow, such as:

• where to sit
• how to queue at check-in, security or when boarding the aircraft
• instructions on screens, barriers or floor markings
• requests to move to less busy areas
• social distancing measures in departure terminal

To speed up boarding, disembarking and minimise the risk of transmission, you are  strongly encouraged to check in baggage to the aircraft hold and minimise any hand luggage. Where possible, your airline will inform us on measures to minimise transmission of coronavirus. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information

In England, passengers must wear a face covering on board the aircraft. During your flight, you may be asked to follow certain instructions from the flight staff and where possible:

• remain seated as much as possible
• use contactless payment where possible
• be aware there is likely to be a reduced food and drink service
• make the cabin crew aware if you feel unwell

Your airline will advise us on measures in place for your flight so please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. 

Each airport may have a different process but be aware that you may:

• encounter enhanced screening/monitoring at entry and exit ports
• be required to self-isolate for a set period, even if you do not have symptoms
• be asked to give proof of recent COVID-19 testing for entry

Before you travel, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) foreign travel advice; (see the summary, health and entry requirements sections).

 A number of commercial COVID-19 tests are available. You are advised to discuss COVID-19 testing for international travel purposes with your GP, pharmacist or travel clinic.

In addition to the local airport protocols there may also be specific accommodation protocols, where this is the case we will ensure that you are kept up to date. If you have any questions please do hesitate contact us.

Travel insurance is essential and must cover medical evacuation and repatriation in the event that you become unwell and have to be transported home. Even with good travel insurance, you will need to follow the guidance of local public health authorities at all times, including self-isolating if you develop symptoms, this means your return travel home might be delayed.

We also recommend that you contact your travel insurance providers to confirm that related COVID-19 incidents are covered on your policy.

Each individual accommodation will have their own protocols in place for the facilities on offer. For more details, please contact us.

If you are unwell with any of the following: a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), you should self-isolate following the Public Health England stay at home guidance.

• Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, as you would with the flu.
• Call your health provider and/or insurance company to discuss what you should do.
• Follow local public health guidance if available.
• If you become unwell at an airport, bus or train station before or during a long trip, seek medical advice and do not start or continue your journey.
• Once you have fully recovered, check with your health provider if you are fit to travel, before any onward travel.