Post-COVID 😷 The New-Normal Flying Experience

Post-COVID 😷 The New-Normal Flying Experience

The COVID-19 pandemic was a global catastrophe caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak an international emergency in January 2020. They called an end to the pandemic in May 2023, by which time it had caused over 7 million confirmed deaths, making this the fifth-deadliest pandemic/epidemic in history.

The end of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to airline travel, creating a new landscape for how we journey through the skies. From enhanced safety protocols to digital advancements, the travel experience has evolved to meet new health and efficiency standards.

Let’s explore the key differences in airline travel since the pandemic, offering insights and tips to help you navigate this transformed environment.

 

Highlights

• Post-COVID Air Travel Impact
• How COVID Affected Us
• Sustainable Travel Practices
• New Travel Requirements
• A Stress-Free Travel Experience?
• The Future of Air Travel
• Things We Carry on the Plane

 

Post-COVID Air Travel Impact

Already, for several years before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, we’d become disenchanted with our long-haul flying experiences.

As aircraft companies expanded their fleets with planes adapted to cram in more passengers, the cost of flight tickets came down and the surge of new travelers increased. This was predictably accompanied by a drop in standards and services, resulting in a vastly inferior inflight experience.

And then from early 2020 –  and in the space of just 6 months – the travel boom imploded, and we all had to adapt to a new-normal.

Following an initial shutdown of recreational travel in Europe and Asia, some of the more resilient airlines started to re-introduce flights, albeit with new health standards of practice.

But how has all of this impacted air travel today?… what has changed and what still needs to be done?

Enhanced Health & Safety Measures

One of the most visible changes in airline travel post-pandemic is the emphasis on cleanliness. Airlines and airports have significantly ramped up their cleaning protocols. High-touch areas such as check-in kiosks, security checkpoints, and boarding gates are sanitized regularly. Aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between flights, focusing on areas like tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles.

While mask mandates have relaxed in most regions, some airlines still require passengers and crew to wear face masks. These measures continue to protect both passengers and staff, making air travel safer for everyone.

Digital & Contactless Innovations

To minimize physical contact, airlines have adopted contactless technologies. We can now check-in online or via mobile apps, receive digital boarding passes, and even use touchless kiosks for baggage drop. This shift to digital processes not only enhances safety but also streamlines our travel experience, reducing wait times and physical interactions.

Airlines and airports provide real-time updates through mobile apps, digital displays, and notifications. We receive instant alerts about flight status, gate changes, and safety guidelines, helping us stay informed and make necessary adjustments quickly. Virtual assistance through AI-driven chatbots and customer support has also become more prevalent, offering timely help and reducing the need for in-person interactions.

Changes in Airport Procedures

• Streamlined Security and Immigration Processes: Security and immigration procedures have been streamlined to reduce crowding and enhance efficiency. Automated gates and biometric verification systems speed up the process, allowing us to move through checkpoints more quickly. Enhanced security protocols, such as the use of advanced imaging technology, ensure a safer and smoother experience.
• Social Distancing Measures: Social distancing measures are still in place in many airports. Floor markers and signage guide us to maintain safe distances while queuing at check-in, security, and boarding gates. Seating areas have been reconfigured to provide more space, and some airports have installed plexiglass barriers at service counters.
• Expanded Lounge Access and Amenities: Airport lounges have adapted to the new normal by enhancing their health and safety protocols. We now find increased cleaning frequencies, touchless food and beverage services, and expanded spaces to accommodate social distancing. Some lounges offer private areas and workstations, providing a safe and comfortable environment for travelers.

In-Flight Experience

Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced air filtration systems, including HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of airborne particles. These systems continuously refresh the cabin air, ensuring a clean and safe environment. Knowing that the air quality onboard is highly regulated gives us peace of mind during our flights.

In-flight services have been modified to minimize contact and enhance safety. Many airlines offer pre-packaged meals and sealed beverages, and some have reduced the frequency of meal services on shorter flights.

How COVID Affected Us

We were spending time in Malaysia when the COVID travel restrictions were initially imposed. Shortly after this Emirates cancelled our return flights back to Europe.

We needed to wait another 2 and a half months before they offered us a new return date.

Then just 4 days before our re-scheduled departure they cancelled that one too.

Luckily for us, we’d booked our original tickets directly with Emirates, so changing the dates in these circumstances wasn’t an issue. If we’d opted to pay less by booking our flights through a travel agent we wouldn’t have been so fortunate.

When I called Emirates, they confirmed the cancellation, and added that the next available return flight to our original destination would not be for at least another 2 months. We could however get a trip to Rome leaving on the same day (in 4 days time).

We agreed to the Rome flight, even though it involved a horrendous 12-hour layover in Dubai and a further 9-hour layover in Rome before we could get a connecting flight home.

To complicate things further, Emirates announced that only passengers who had obtained a negative COVID-19 PCR test within the previous 96 hours would be allowed to board.

We had already booked an AirAsia flight to take us to Kuala Lumpur 2 days before departure. However, even if we could find a private clinic that could test us and give the result within 24 hours, this 2-day window wouldn’t give us enough time to guarantee catching our flight.

So we had to book another AirAsia flight leaving 1 day earlier. Of course at this late stage it was too late to recoup the cost of the original AirAsia flight.

It was all starting to become expensive, not to mention stressful.

AirAsia’s excellent social distancing procedures

Our first taste of the COVID-19 new-normal flying experience was with the popular AirAsia airline. It was a short 50-minute flight, but we were impressed by the way they handled boarding and – especially – disembarkation.

Boarding was by zones like most carriers. When we arrived at our destination, the plane taxied to the terminal and stopped. At this point – on most plane journeys – there is usually a scrum of passengers already on their feet rummaging around in the luggage racks and turning on their phones. This is still the case with Emirates and Air Malta (see below) where we watched people disregarding all social distancing rules in their effort to be first off the plane.

Not so with AirAsia. As the plane stopped, not a single person stood up.

When the doors were finally opened, the stewardess moved down the aisle 3 rows at a time, then turned and indicated that these rows were cleared to leave. No fuss, no hurry, and we actually disembarked more quickly than with the usual free-for-all.

All other airlines please take note.

Getting a COVID test in less than 24 hours

COVID-19 PCR test results typically take 2 to 7 days to process. Before arriving in Kuala Lumpur we had contacted a private clinic who assured us they could perform an urgent turnaround in 24 hours.

The Sunway Medical Centre Velocity is located in the southern area of the city. They were offering COVID-19 tests everyday up until around lunchtime. We arrived early in the morning at their Drive-Thru testing centre and explained that our flight would be leaving the following day.

After completing the necessary paperwork, we paid RM 300 (€60) each and were placed on the ‘Urgent’ list.

After this we were ushered into an outdoor tent where the test was performed quickly and efficiently. It was slightly uncomfortable as a long thin sampler was inserted way up into the nasal cavity.

But after that we were done for the day.

We returned the next morning around the same time for our test results, which to our relief came in negative.

We were given the all-important laboratory test certificates, and were all clear for our Emirates flight that evening.

With our paperwork in order, all that remained was to get home.

To do this, we would need to take a total of 4 flights passing through immigration in 4 countries: Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Italy and Malta.

What could go wrong?

The Emirates ‘ghost’ plane

To check in with Emirates, in addition to providing our COVID-19 test results, we needed to complete a lengthy declaration for Immigration in Dubai (our next stop).

Unlike AirAsia, there was no intelligent boarding system in place. Just a division of passengers by zones (as usual), then a free-for-all while boarding, and again later when disembarking.

Fortunately our flight was only 10% full, which was a unique experience for us on an Emirates flight. We had even been able to book one of the rows with just 2 seats – at no extra cost (although, with a nearly empty flight this hardly matters).

The staff were all kitted out in full protection suits and masks. For ourselves, we would be experiencing our (37-hour total) journey behind masks. At least there would be some decent Emirates food and drink to look forward to… ?

Not really…

Emirates has had to massively reduce costs for staff and planes, and catering has been no exception to the cost-cutting. So the big downer was the food, which I can only describe as flavoured slop. And because the flight staff understandably wanted as little contact as possible, drinks were few and far between.

The main point was they were getting us home, at a time when travel options were very few.

Arrival in Dubai involved more paperwork and a gruelling 12-hour layover. The onward Emirates flight to Rome was more of the same, with around 40% of the seats filled.

Arrival in Italy & onward to Malta

There were yet more forms to fill in on arrival in Italy (my bag was by now bulging with them) and plenty more queues to slow us down.

At least they hadn’t changed the rules in the meantime, and we were allowed to enter the country with our negative (and reasonably fresh) COVID-19 test results.

During our 9-hour wait for our final flight to Malta I took the time to fill in yet another declaration form for the Maltese Immigration… and discovered they’d once again shifted the goalposts. For entry to Malta, passengers on flights from Italy needed to have spent at least the previous 14 days in Italy.

Well, we’ll have spent just 9 hours in Italy, having actually traveled from Malaysia one day previously.

We’d just have to bluff it through. We were too close to home to quit before the finish line. We’d already picked up our luggage ready to check in when the gate opened, so I removed the compromising Emirates labels.

We were allowed to board the Air Malta flight with no questions asked.

Apart from obligatory mask-wearing, our one-hour flight experience with Air Malta was remarkable only by the lack of any other social distancing precautions. It was business as usual, with people pushing around each other to board and disembark.

Little wonder COVID-19 cases spiked throughout Malta in the following weeks.

We arrived in Malta early in the morning, and noticed the Immigration officials were questioning passengers from our flight. But when our turn came they just passed us through (…Phew!).

It was lucky they didn’t check our baggage either, since it was crammed full of goodies from Malaysia.

After a total of 37 hours we finally arrived home, completing our marathon journey – and most of it while wearing a mask.

Sustainable Travel Practices

The pandemic accelerated the shift towards more sustainable travel practices. Airlines are increasingly adopting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable aviation fuels, reducing single-use plastics, and implementing carbon offset programs. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact of air travel and promote greener practices.

As travelers, we can support sustainable practices by making conscious choices. Opting for direct flights, packing light, and using digital boarding passes are simple steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint.

Adapting to New Travel Requirements

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Travel insurance has become more important than ever in the post-pandemic world. Comprehensive travel insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related incidents, such as medical treatment, quarantine costs, and trip cancellations. Reviewing and selecting the right insurance policy ensures we are protected against unexpected events.
• Preparing Essential Documents: Preparation is key to a smooth travel experience. We should ensure we have all necessary documents, including passports, visas, and health declarations. Having digital copies of these documents can also be helpful in case of emergencies or if physical copies are lost.

Tips for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

• Plan Ahead and Stay Updated: Planning ahead is more important than ever. Regularly check travel advisories, entry requirements, and airline policies. Staying updated helps us avoid last-minute surprises and ensures we have all necessary documents and information for our trip.
• Pack Smart and Light: Packing smart can make a significant difference. Include essentials such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes in our carry-on bags. Packing light can expedite the boarding process and reduce the risk of losing our luggage.
• Arrive Early: Given the additional safety protocols and potential delays, arriving at the airport early is crucial. We recommend getting to the airport at least three hours before our flight for international travel and two hours for domestic flights.
• Practice Patience and Flexibility: Traveling in the post-pandemic world requires patience and flexibility. Be prepared for changes and potential delays. Staying calm and adaptable helps us navigate any unexpected challenges and ensures a smoother travel experience.

The Future of Air Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred innovations and changes in air travel. We can expect continued advancements in touchless technologies, enhanced air filtration systems, and more efficient health screening processes. These innovations may further enhance the safety of air travel, but not necessarily the convenience

The emphasis on health and safety should remain a priority in the airline industry. As travelers, we should expect a safer and more reliable travel experience as these measures are refined and implemented.

…is it still worth all the hassle?

The end of the pandemic has allowed us to reconnect with the world and enjoy the benefits of air travel once again… but at a cost.

Over the past 30 years air travel has become progressively more congested, time-consuming and uncomfortable. Inflight services and seat sizes are reduced to the minimum. Accessibility for older travellers is increasingly difficult due to the adoption of automated booking systems, endless queuing, and extended hikes to distant boarding gates.

COVID just added to all of that, creating even longer queues and further ‘security’ regulations.

Flying isn’t fun anymore. There’s just so much stress and discomfort, extra costs, longer queues, fewer luxuries, and the risk of contracting or spreading infection.

Not to mention the carbon emissions and damage to the planet.

Perhaps the solution is to fly less and use the savings to upgrade to a better seat when you do travel by air. Better for the environment and certainly better for your comfort level, though maybe not for your wallet!

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