Covid19 Measures for Future Travel

I’m still processing all of the amazing things I learned at my virtual Virtuoso® Travel Week conference last month. I’ll be posting some thoughts about travel in our “new normal” in the coming weeks so stay tuned for more.

One of the biggest takeaways from the event was how everyone in the travel industry has been adjusting their businesses in order to protect the health and safety of their guests in this unprecedented time. Things will definitely be different once we all start traveling again! Below is a summary of some of the new policies I heard about. Of course, things are changing constantly so I am staying up-to-date with all of my suppliers.

Airlines:

As you’ve probably heard, the airlines are currently requiring all passengers to wear masks at all times while flying, at the airport, etc. The American-based airlines are even putting people on “no fly” lists if they take their masks off or refuse to wear one. Airlines around the world have implemented rigorous new cleaning protocols, including the use of electrostatic sprayers to sanitize the interiors of the planes with high-grade disinfectants. This is in addition to the extensive manual cleaning procedures between each flight. Many airlines are still blocking the middle seats on their aircraft, limiting the number of passengers, and using larger jets in order to have more space on board. Boarding and deplaning is usually done row-by-row now so people don’t congregate as much as they did in the past.

Cruise Lines:

Cruising has not returned for American clients just yet but when it does you can expect some big changes, too. [edit: the CDC did not extend the ‘no sail’ order past October so cruising should return starting in November.] Previously cruise ships were actually quite clean, contrary to what the Media will have you believe. Due to other types of outbreaks (such as norovirus), cruise lines have offered hand-sanitizing stations outside their dining facilities for years. In the Covid-19 age, you’ll find hand sanitizing stations all around the ship. Some of the new safety protocols include doing away with buffets so all meals will be made-to-order; upgrading ventilation systems to include H13 HEPA filters that remove 99.99% of airborne pathogens, including the coronavirus; cleaning staterooms twice daily; and sanitizing public touch-points such as railings, stairwells, elevators, etc. more often than in the past. 

Before sailing there will be health screenings as well as thermal cameras to measure passengers’ body temperatures. There will also be “fogging” of every single item that comes on board and having virtual queues so people don’t need to gather in public areas as much anymore. Also many cruise lines will limit capacity so there will be increased social distancing. Some will even offer wrist bands or medallions so you won’t need to touch as many common surfaces. Having an expanded medical crew is another way to help handle things better if an outbreak should arise.

Hotels & Resorts:

Hotels are also moving to be as touch-less as possible, too. Be on the lookout for apps on your smartphone that allow you to check-in and check-out, gain entry to your room, or even order room service. All staff will wear masks but the use of masks for guests varies by property. Currently many places around the world require you to wear a mask when in public areas but at some of the larger, more spacious resorts as long as you can maintain good social distancing you won’t be required to do so. Generally speaking, at restaurants, pools and beaches you wouldn’t need a mask. Many of the representatives I spoke with said that since things are already spread out at their properties, you will have “natural social distancing”. Some great examples of vacation destinations where you’ll be farther away from other people include tropical islands (like French Polynesia, Fiji, or the Maldives), Alaska, Iceland, or on an African safari. Some of the higher end, Virtuoso® properties even mentioned having a Hygiene Officer on staff to ensure that safety protocols are met.

Based on what I heard from many suppliers, I feel confident that in the coming months travel will be safer again. The industry is doing everything it can to stop the spread of Covid19 and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing more of the world soon! Where are you most looking forward to traveling to next?