With COVID-19 stay-at-home orders beginning to lift across the nation, life is slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. As air travel starts to pick back up, airlines across the industry are implementing a variety of measures to keep passengers and crew members as safe as possible. While these new guidelines will make the flying experience a bit different from what guests are used to, they’re important for prioritizing health and comfort. Learn more about a few precautions being taken to keep travelers safe.

What Airlines Are Doing to Reduce COVID-19 Risk

1. Cleaning & Disinfecting

Airlines are responding to COVID-19 with increased cleaning and sanitization efforts, including thoroughly wiping down each seat with high-grade disinfectants and cleaners between each flight. Special attention is given to every touch point surface on the aircraft, such as window shades, tray tables, armrests, seat belts, seat backs, screens, and overhead bins.

Lavatories, galleys, crew seating, and the cockpit are also part of the enhanced cleaning endeavors. Additionally, many airline carriers are providing passengers with sanitizing wipes upon boarding.

2. Mask Requirements

In compliance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, major airlines are now requiring crew members and passengers to wear face coverings while inside the cabin. The U.S. Travel Association has also released guidelines encouraging the use of masks during air travel. Flight attendants will generally be required to wear gloves when serving guests, as well.

3. Limited Contact

To stay in line with social distancing protocols, airlines are limiting contact between passengers and crew. For several carriers, this means reducing seat capacity on flights by blocking out the middle seats. Gate agents are also instructed to place as much room as possible between seat assignments. Additional actions involve cutting back on in-flight food and drink service, suspending warm towel and blanket service, and not refilling used cups.

When you’re ready to travel, trust DiMaria Travel Agency in Rochester, NY, to help you arrange every detail. Backed by nearly 50 years of experience, this family-owned company is ready to assist you in customizing an unforgettable and stress-free trip to any destination you choose. They offer a number of vacation packages and are committed to providing clients with the best deals available. Call (585) 271-0100 to talk with a travel consultant or visit their website to browse through brochures.