We understand that you might be feeling a bit anxious about what ‘the new way of travelling’ looks like and we would like to give you the reassurance that we have done the research on your behalf and we are sharing below some useful details of what to expect ahead of your journey.
Pre-travel arrangements:
- DO NOT travel if you have had symptoms of Covid-19 within the last 7 days and if you still have a temperature. Instead let us know, so we can discuss your options.
- Check in online if you can, to avoid physical contact at the airport. Boarding passes must be presented on mobile devices.
- Try to keep your hand baggage to a minimum to make it easier to move through the airport.
- Ensure you have a good supply of face masks. One mask should not be worn for any longer than four hours. (Different rules apply for children and those with medical conditions – please check prior to travelling).
- Ensure you take hand sanitiser with you – this needs to be under 100ml to go in your hand baggage; you can also take antibacterial wipes with you.
- Arrive at the airport 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours before a long-haul flight.
- Check the requirements that are specific to your airport and airlines 24 hours prior to travel as they can frequently change.
Full details of what to expect at each airport, in terms of security process, open shops or social distancing rules can be found easily online if you just search for your UK airport of departure.
At the Airport:
- You may have your temperature taken at the airport.
- Face masks should be worn at the airport where indicated to do so.
- Ensure you observe social distancing guidelines and follow any markers that are in the airport.
- There will be sanitising stations throughout the airport. Ensure you regularly wash/sanitise your hands.
During your Flight:
- Face masks must be worn for the duration of the flight. Ensure you have a good supply of these for all of your flights.
- Stay in your seat as much as you can to avoid unnecessary contact with cabin crew and other passengers. You may not be able to queue for the toilet – the flight attendants will advise upon embarkation.
- The airline’s onboard menu/services may be different – the flight attendants will advise upon embarkation.
Cleaning Processes:
- Airlines have taken up strict cleaning regimes to disinfect the cabin in between flights. Before you board your flight, your airline would have disinfected every key surface, this will include your seat buckle, tray table and if available tv screen.
- The air in the cabin is replaced completely every 2-3 minutes, passing through HEPA filters.
- HEPA filters are there to remove 99.9% of microscopic clusters of viruses and bacteria. This is the same standard as the operating theatres of a hospital.
Arrivals:
- The entry requirements into each country will vary. Ahead of your journey, you must fill in a public health form online for your country of destination or there may even be an app available. After completing the form, you will obtain a QR code which you must present on arrival. A transitional period until 31st July 2020 has been established, in which international passengers who are unable to fill in the public health form online may present it on paper when they arrive. For entry requirements to different European countries, visit https://reopen.europa.eu/en
- Ensure you observe social distancing guidelines and follow any markers that are in the airport.
- Collecting your baggage will be the same as before, ensure you adhere to social distancing guidelines.
On the way to and in-resort:
- Transfers to your destination – additionally cleaning will be taking place to ensure all touchpoints and key surfaces are disinfected and sanitised. You may be asked to wear a face mask when using public transport, taxis or hire cars that are shared with people outside of your family.
- Your hotel will have published their latest health and safety protocols and you can read more about it on the hotel website (coronavirus section).
For your reassurance, additionally cleaning will be taking place to ensure all touchpoints and key surfaces are disinfected and sanitised, making sure you are safe from check in to check out. You will be required to observe social distancing and may be required to pre book your dining.
Reduced/adapted facilities may be encountered on arrival and at short notice.
- When eating out and shopping you may be required to wear face masks and will be required to observe social distancing.
At restaurants you may be required to pre-book and shops may limit the number of customers in the shop at any one time.
- Attractions – we recommend that before visiting an attraction you make sure you are aware of any restrictions in place. While at an attraction you may be required to wear a face mask and you will be required to observe social distancing. Again you will be able to vist the attraction website for more information
Upon return to the UK
- A kind reminder that all passengers returning into the UK are required to complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form 48 hours before returning – it’s easy to do and can be found via this link.
