It’s been over a year since COVID-19 spread like wildfire and devastated the travel industry, causing airlines to lose over $35 billion in 2020. There were so many unknowns about the novel coronavirus, and society as a whole was caught unprepared. Everyone stayed home for months because of lockdowns paired with unanswerable questions surrounding travel safety.
Now that we know more about the virus, people feel safer navigating this “new normal.” With most public spaces open to full capacity, people are now moving forward with the travel plans they had postponed. But how safe is travel with the Delta Variant on the rise?
Air Travel
The flood of customers booking flights has experts projecting air travel to exceed the demand of pre-COVID days. With the mass of people now converging in airports and inside planes, airlines are focusing on doing everything they can to ease travelers’ concerns and make them feel safe.
Air Filtration Systems
According to one report conducted by the US Department of Defense, exposure to COVID-19 while onboard an airplane is close to zero. One reason for this is the advanced air filtration systems aboard commercial aircraft. In fact, their study shows the filtration systems provide protection even greater than in a hospital operating room.
Wearing Masks
I recently had the pleasure of taking a flight booked through Charity Pro Travel to attend a family reunion. The airport was bustling, and almost every seat in the cabin was full. All travelers and airport staff were wearing masks, and there were constant reminders via signs and announcements that masks were required.
On my flight, the pilot announced that passengers who did not comply with the mask rule would be placed on the “No Fly” list. This could be an extreme situation, but it shows how serious the flight staff— from flight attendants to pilot— are taking passenger safety.
Cleaning
Most airline staff cleans all surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants that are highly effective against killing the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, each aircraft undergoes a daily, deep-cleaning of their cabins.
Hotels
Many major hotel brands have adapted to keep guests safe through cleaning processes, social distancing, and mask guidelines. Here are some of the more common enhanced safety measures:
- Social distancing: Each hotel has its own policy to create proper social distancing in common areas.
- Masks Requirements: Staff is required to wear masks.
- Maid Service and Cleaning Procedures: Many hotels have maid service by request only to keep room occupants to a minimum. Surfaces are cleaned with disinfectants, approved to kill COVID-19.
- Blocked Rooms: Once a guest checks out, the staff will deep clean the room and leave it vacant for a specific number of days between reservations as an added safeguard.
- Mobile Check-in/out: Mobile check-in and check-out are becoming increasingly popular, as it minimizes contact between guests and staff.
- Temperature checks: Many hotels screen their staff before their shift with temperature checks to ensure their employees are not sick and spreading the virus in the hotel.
With airlines and hotels doing their part to minimize exposure to COVID while maintaining a comfortable travel experience, we don’t have to let the pandemic slow us down. For now, following the guidelines set by the CDC can help you stay safe while traveling with the Delta Variant in this new normal.
About the Writer
https://www.charityprotravel.com/
Megan Maloney
Megan Maloney is the founder and spokesperson of Charity Pro Travel, an online travel site and fundraising platform offering discount travel, while donating 50 percent of all commissions to consumers’ chosen charities. Besides being a travel expert, Megan is also a marketing personality, Giving Ambassador, leader of the donation services program, and manager of the initial reach and personal invitation program to potential charity partners.
