With the arrival of the Covid-19 crisis , many situations have changed. Our social life is different, the way we work too, and our freedom is limited every day. The same happens with flights and airlines after the coronavirus . The way of traveling has been transformed and many are wondering if you can get on a plane and, if you do, what the rules are. To solve your doubts, we are going to tell you everything throughout this article.
Flights and airlines after the coronavirus
When it comes to the changes that flights and airlines have undergone after the coronavirus, the situation comes to be compared to that experienced after the September 11 attacks. In the first place, part of the airspace has been paralyzed, thus, the economic losses are enormous. Thus, for example, in Europe, if we compare the month of March 2019 with the month of March 2020, we can discover that the number of passengers decreased by approximately 60% .
Likewise, if we analyze the data worldwide in the same month, there is talk of a 21% drop. What’s more, the International Air Transport Association expects revenues from this sector to fall this year by 50%, which would mean losses of 290,000 million euros.
Protocols
Among the protocols that are being required to stop the coronavirus is the minimum distance of one meter between people. This measure inside an airplane would mean that only a third of the tickets could be sold. This would cause it to become more expensive, therefore, the classic low cost model disappeared.
Likewise, there are many who wonder if this measure is feasible. The rule that is currently being applied is to leave the middle seat empty . Now, there are many criticisms of this proposal since even so, the adequate social distance is not met.
Hand luggage
On the other hand, the crew is obliged to wear protective gowns, masks and gloves . In addition, companies will not accept carry-on luggage and only laptops, baby utensils and bags will be allowed on the plane . Another measure that is being developed is that printed reading material is also not offered and food and beverages are delivered in special packaging to reduce handling.
Proximity tourism
Regarding proximity tourism , this year a growth of 4% was expected. Not only is growth not going to occur, but companies like Norwegian have gone bankrupt in countries like Sweden or Denmark because they do not have any help from their governments. In the case of Spain and Norway, the company has been able to take advantage of an ERTE. Therefore, the situation has been less drastic.
Other consequences
Taking into account the crisis that flights and airlines have suffered after the coronavirus, it is expected that this sector will stop contributing 54.8 billion euros to the Spanish economy. One of the main consequences of this fact is that 901,300 jobs will be lost .
In this way, in order to avoid economic chaos, countries such as France and the Netherlands are preparing a package of measures to come to the rescue of Air France-KLM . In the case of Deutsche Lufthansa AG , it has started to negotiate aid with the German government. In Italy, Alitalia will finally be nationalized, incorporating the airline into public transport networks such as the state railway. On the other hand, the Spanish Transport Minister has assured that they will reach out to Iberia .
The effect of the crisis on airports
With the coronavirus crisis, cleaning procedures have also been intensified at airports. For example, staff are performing additional tasks in areas of the building that are frequently touched. These include handrails, door handles, and other hard surfaces. Also, in each terminal there are hand disinfection stations to increase the safety of both passengers and workers.
In addition, constant and intensive cleaning jobs are taking place on counters, boarding gate seats and other areas where there is constant contact. Many airports also require that passengers wear a face mask from the moment they arrive at the check-in counter until the moment they leave the plane.
Baggage check
Another measure that is being taken is asking travelers to take more precautions during the control inspection at the airport . Thus, it is requested not to use the security trays. Also put personal items, such as wallets, phones, and keys, in carry-on luggage instead of placing them on plastic trays; keep 6 feet away from other people in line; and wash your hands before and after going through the inspection.
