Are you looking to book a holiday but not about travel safety?

Will it be safe to fly?

Are you in doubt on what travel will look like in times of the coronavirus?

We don’t have all the answers, but we can bring you some helpfull, travel safety information regarding the extra health measures taken to make sure you can enjoy your holiday in a ‘new normal’.

AIRLINES

Face mask mandatory at the airport, for passengers and crew

Wearing a non-medical face mask is mandatory at the airport, when boarding and on board the aircraft. In those places it is not always feasible to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. This way we limit the risk of the virus spreading. Everyone brings their own face mask, some airports provide a vending machine. 

Keep your distance at the airport and on board

The airlines pay attention that employees and passengers can keep their distance from each other, at the airport and on board. No worries, on the day of your flight the process is self-explanatory. For example, you can check in your hand luggage at the check-in counter, so that boarding goes smoother. You might be asked to scan your boardingpass yourself at the gate. Most airlines will start boarding and deboarding one row at a time. This is how travelling is made as safe as possible for passengers and employees.

Air quality on board

The risk of contamination on board is low. The air on board refreshes continuously. The modern air filters (HEPA filters) on most aircrafts make the air free from pathogens. The combination of good ventilation, air filters and the dry air reduces the risk of the virus spreading.

Hygiene on board

They will pay extra attention to the hygiene in the aircraft. Airlines will clean the aircraft extra thoroughly after every flight. Furthermore, they take extra hygiene measures on board and hard surfaces such as armrests, tray tables, windows and baggage holds will be deapcleaned daily. Hand sanitizers can be found around the airports as well as lots of soap and hot water. 

Reduce contact moments

Travel safety will include also to limit unnecessary contact between passengers and employees. For example,  passengers are adised to check in online in advance and ask passengers to remain seated during the flight. The service on board will be different from what you are used to. You can still buy something to eat and drink, but they offer fewer options. Payment can only be done contactless. Certain airlines will not allow for free toilet use and permission must be granted prior. 

Restrictions per country

Check which rules apply at your destination shortly before departure. Sometimes you need additional documents, or a face mask is mandatory in that country. You can find this information on the IATA website, or you can consult the authorities of your destination. 

 For risk destinations you need a health certificate. This is a document that you can print, fill out and bring to the airport. If your destination is a risk destination, you will receive an email from the airline with the form. 

Source: Transavia.com 

THE ACCOMMODATION

Once you arrive to your destination, your worries for travel safety will not automatically stop. In order to travel prepared and enjoy your stay comfortably there are a few points you can check up before travelling.

Does your accommodation follow local guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleanliness has arguably never been more top of mind for travelers. So asking your accommodation for some extra information will not be a strange thing to do. You can make sure to check up if your accommodation follows the local regulatory recommended standards for cleanliness for a worry-free stay.

Some accommodations have even decided to block properties for 48 hours in order to guarantee a disinfection period. During that time the only people allowed to enter are the cleaners. Our partner BuenaVilla for example offers just that.

Is your cancellations and payment schedule flexible?

In the ever-shifting environment, you may be feeling hesitant to book stays because of the worry you may have to cancel last-minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Consider finding accommodations with a flexible cancellation policy and payment schedule to allow for more flexibility for future travel, such as accepting the initial deposit and final payment closer to the stay dates, or within the cancellation period.

Does your accommodation offer self check-in and keyless entry?

Self check-in or keyless entry are extremely practical, make sure you check the instructions for these features on the welcome instructions or ask the accommodation in advance.

Look out for great amenities.

Make sure your accommodation includes all of the amenities you need, especially fast Wi-Fi or other features that make your holiday home perfect for long-term remote work, or have a pool or play area to help keep children entertained.

Make sure you have great communication with your accommodation.

In order to keep updated with the latest developments and local rules, it is convenient to choose a property that offers 24h support. Having a great local contact whilst on holiday is always a great help, in these times even greater.

Avoid agglomerations where possible.

In most countries, the social distancing rule will remain to apply for a while, therefore it is highly recommended to avoid agglomerations.
Our recommendation? Book a private villa for your holiday to ensure yourself of a worry-free environment.

Source: VRBO