First Flight, New World: The New Airport Journey

The New Airport Journey: What to expect when you head to the airport for your first flight.This is the second in our Post Covid-19 Travel Tips series where we outline everything you need to know and how to prepare for travel in the new world.As airports start to welcome travelers again and airlines reopen routes all over the world, frequent travelers are wondering what will have changed in the airport journey. With health and wellness becoming a top priority for travelers, airports and everyone else in the travel industry, there is no doubt that we will see some significant changes in the airport journey. Here is what you can expect on your next trip.

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HOW WILL THE CHECK IN PROCESS BE DIFFERENT?

In the post-COVID-19 world, airports will want to reduce the amount of contact between traveler and airport staff. Online check-in will be encouraged for all passengers, and for those that want to check-in at the airport, self-service kiosks will be made available.Airports will also want to reduce the amount of time travelers spend in the airport terminal. This could mean travelers will only be permitted to go through security at specific fixed time slots. It's essential to read all notifications sent to you and airport displays to avoid any stress or friction at this potential bottleneck.The security checkpoint is one of the highest traffic areas in the whole airport. While airport staff will ensure that the area and the trays are as hygienic as possible, you will inevitably come into contact with a multi-touch item during this process. Make sure to use the sanitizer right before and directly after you go through security.

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HOW WILL THE TERMINAL BE DIFFERENT?

Airport terminals are often busy and noisy places with lots to do, lots to see and lots of people. Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel industry, with many terminals turning into ghost towns over the last few months. As travel slowly starts again and more travelers are taking to the skies, airport terminals are beginning to see an injection of life once again. However, there is no doubt that the airport terminal will be dramatically different thanks to the impact of Covid-19. Here are some differences you can expect during your next airport experience.• Expect to see plexiglass screens anywhere you may interact with an airport staff member.• Social distancing signage and floor markings will be in place throughout the airport and travelers will be expected to use them.• Seating will be limited. Due to social distancing restrictions, many seating options will be removed or closed off.• Close contact airport services, for example, airport spas will be closed when we first return to travel.• Restaurant seating options will be limited due to social distancing restrictions and wherever possible restaurants will require you to order via an app or other digital means.• Using cash to pay for airport services and goods will be discouraged. Shops and restaurants will expect customers to pay via contactless payment.Expect to see plexiglass screens anywhere you may interact with an airport staff member.Social distancing signage and floor markings will be in place throughout the airport and travelers will be expected to use them.Seating will be limited. Due to social distancing restrictions, many seating options will be removed or closed off.Close contact airport services, for example, airport spas will be closed when we first return to travel.Restaurant seating options will be limited due to social distancing restrictions and wherever possible restaurants will require you to order via an app or other digital means.Using cash to pay for airport services and goods will be discouraged. Shops and restaurants will expect customers to pay via contactless payment.TOP TIP:Bring a portable power bank to keep your phone charged. As more airport processes are completed digitally, your phone will become your most important travel accessory. You will need it to check-in, board, order food and much more. Add a portable power bank to your packing list to ensure your phone doesn't run out of battery when you need it most.

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HOW WILL THE BOARDING PROCESS BE DIFFERENT?

Minimal contact and dispersed crowds will be the critical priorities for airports when it comes to managing passengers. This will have a significant effect on the boarding process as airport staff and airlines will not want large groups of people waiting at the gate or queuing up together to board. Several airports and airlines have already trialed crowd control processes. Gatwick airport has introduced a structured boarding protocol where passengers are boarded row by row or window seats first. Southwest airlines have introduced restrictions on the number of passengers that can board at one time. Your airline will inform you of any new boarding protocols before you go to the airport, so make sure to read them properly so that you are not surprised or confused at the gate.

HOW ARE AIRPORTS PRIORITIZING TRAVELER HEALTH?

Increased cleaning and sanitation practices will be introduced by the airport, ensuring that high traffic and multi-touch surfaces are regularly cleaned. Hand sanitizer stations will be readily available throughout the airport terminal and travelers will be encouraged to use them throughout their airport journey.Along with prioritizing the health and safety of traveling passengers, airports will also be developing protocols to protect their staff. These new protocols could mean smaller teams are working together to help passengers check-in and check bags, which could result in longer wait times.The idea of passenger health screenings and temperature checks have been part of the conversation since Covid-19 first became an issue. The trouble with trying to implement a protocol around international travel is that you need global buy-in and cooperation to make it work. This can take months or even years and is unlikely to be implemented across all countries. While it's not likely that we will see the introduction of a global 'health passport,' there are some steps travelers can take to navigate international travel better and ensure they are safe.Research travel protocols in the country you are visiting. Deloitte has created a fantastic resource to help you keep up to date with travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and permit impacts across the world.Be strict about your health. For frequent travelers getting back on the road and returning to some sort of normality is all they want. Remember that just because travel is opening back up again does not mean that Covid-19 has disappeared. Put your health first, if you feel ill or have had any symptoms in the weeks leading up to your flight, do not travel .Research travel protocols in the country you are visiting.Deloittehas created a fantastic resource to help you keep up to date with travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and permit impacts across the world.Be strict about your health. For frequent travelers getting back on the road and returning to some sort of normality is all they want. Remember that just because travel is opening back up again does not mean that Covid-19 has disappeared. Put your health first, if you feel ill or have had any symptoms in the weeks leading up to your flight,do not travel.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR THE NW AIRPORT JOURNEY?

Read any communication you get from your airline and the airport you are traveling through carefully to ensure you fully understand the protocols they have put in place. They will likely provide specific information on when to come to the airport, the check-in and boarding process and if you are expected to wear face coverings or protective gloves.Try to get a good night's rest before your trip so you can be mentally prepared. If you are a frequent traveler, it is likely that you have traveled through the airport hundreds of times and have a solid routine in place. It is important to remember that your routine will be disrupted, the airport journey will be new and unfamiliar, and this will be mentally draining. Sleep well the night before your trip so that you prepare yourself and are in the best position to handle and stressful or overwhelming situation you find yourself in.Use Sanctifly as your Travel Wellness Guide. The Sanctifly app not only features all the healthy things to do at the airport, you can also find detailed airport guides and lots of content on post-Covid-19 travel, what to expect at the airport and tips and tricks for staying healthy while on the road.Returning to travel will be a new and interesting experience for all of us. Sanctifly is committed to helping travelers navigate the new normal and have a safe, healthy and stress free journey as we all start to fly again.Sanctifly is a global travel wellness solution helping frequent travelers to break bad travel habits and travel healthier through the better use of their downtime.Download the appDownload the apptoday to explore healthy airport guides, travel wellness content and more. Everything you need to Travel Well in one app.Sign up to theSanctifly Travel Wellness NewsletterSanctifly Travel Wellness Newsletterfor monthly tips and information on the travel industry and how you can stay safe and healthy in the post Covid-19 world.

First Flight, New World: The New Airport Journey — Sanctifly