IATA recommends staying safe on long-haul flights by keeping masks on. Photo Credit: gettyimages/ Chalabala
With borders around the world easing restrictions, the travel market
is experiencing a long-awaited resurgence. The threat of Covid-19,
however, is still very much present, particularly with the more
transmissible Omicron strain. Taking a cautious approach to air travel
could pay dividends in the long run.
Travel touch-free
Over the last 18 months, contactless interactions have become the
norm, whether shopping for groceries, ordering takeaways, or checking
into a hotel, and similar practices are being applied to air travel.
Download the airline app if possible and use other contactless
facilities such as bag drops or passport self-scans. You might find
yourself with lots of time on your hands so consider downloading digital
magazines or newspapers on your device, to avoid touching items that
may have been used by many others.
Keep your mask on
In December, White House chief medical adviser Dr Anthony Fauci said
he would be comfortable flying with precautions and noted that wearing a
face mask would be one of these. It’s a view shared by IATA, (The
International Air Transport Association), which recommends masks and
advises changing them frequently if on a long-haul flight.
Book a window seat
Window seats are closest to the air vents within the panels of a
plane, so there may be fresher air circulating if you sit in this
position. Window seats are also furthest from the aisle, so you can
ensure you are socially distanced from movement up and down the plane.
Seated and secure
Once onboard, limit your movements as much as possible. On a
long-haul flight, be aware of how much movement is going on around you
before getting up from your seat and ensure you wear a mask every time
you move around. IATA also recommends taking your time when the plane
lands, rather than rushing to disembark.
Don’t take existing precautions for granted
The air within a plane’s cabin is filtered to a high standard but
that doesn’t mean you should throw all caution to the wind. If one
precaution has been taken for you, think about other ones, such as
travelling at less busy times so you are more likely to have a free seat
next to yours, washing your hands frequently and keeping these away
from your face.