How Air Travel May Change After Coronavirus
How Air Travel May Change After Coronavirus: It’s certain that air travel will never be the same, but it’s only a question of how much change is to be expected and when can they be effected for air travel to begin again. The impact of COVID-19 on commercial aviation is now been described as similar or even greater to that of 9/11. The major exception is that the changes will probably be here to stay. Already, SimpliFlying a world-leading aviation marketing consultancy has predicted over 70 ways in which air travel might change post-COVID19.
One of the most important changes we are likely to expect is the increase of sanitization. It’s a relief to know that you can enjoy your flight in an exhaustively clean airplane. But the coming updates might go even further. In-flight janitors are now a strong possibility, just as we saw Sky Marshalls on airplanes after the 9/11 crisis. The in-flight janitors will ensure cleanliness is maintained throughout flights.
Sanitagging of bags is also another change to look out for in the sanitization area. Bags will undergo “fogging, electrostatic, or UV-disinfection.”
As you might have guessed, passengers will hardly be left out of any sanitization exercises. Travelers may be required to pass through disinfection tunnels.
A dash for touchless technology we have never seen before is also already underway and will likely play its role in air travel moving forward. Technology that would ordinarily take years to develop is now being introduced in the space of months. Airports are anticipated to quickly transition to touchless technology, for check-ins and even health scan.
The need to minimize contact can lead to changes such as these mentioned by Tim Hudson an aviation leader for Gensler, “With the use of smart technology, the airport would assign passengers a dedicated time slot to enter the security checkpoints. This strategy will allow airports to anticipate and manage passenger loads while helping passengers minimize contact with other passengers and contaminated surfaces.” Hudson said.
These are only very few of the expected changes. From all indications, we can see that there is a high possibility of an increase in the hassle and waiting at the airport. Arriving several hours early for your flight might become necessary to ensure you can make it after all the formalities.
Some of the most recent procedures established by some aviation companies already include;
Emirates began the COVID-19 blood test for passengers in April. The tests deliver results under 10 minutes. While the airline hopes to scale up their testing capabilities soon, getting your blood taken for tests plus the waiting time for the results might be the new normal if widespread use occurs. Hong Kong has introduced mandatory testing as well.
Air Canada has established mandatory temperature checks ahead of flights as part of its CleanCare Plus Program.
The International Air Transport Association now recommends mandatory face coverings for everyone, including crew members and passengers.
Ever thought vending machines for protective equipment can become a thing? The Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport has installed vending machines that sell personal protective equipment. Only time will tell what travel after coronavirus will bring us.
Read more from I On The Scene: HERE.
