With much of the nation fighting for normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are building the nerve up to travel again. If that describes you, no doubt you’re interested in what to expect when you travel.
Many companies and countries are trying to boost their tourism amid the massive slowdown caused by the pandemic. But what will travel look like for the rest of the year and beyond?
The travel review site TripAdvisor outlined a Path to Recovery that gives aspiring vacationers a glimpse into how things are likely to unfold.
“Our path to recovery will depend on the steps the industry takes to prepare for the road ahead – not just in terms of new standards and practices but also in how we collectively educate and engage consumers in a new, more thoughtful way of traveling.”
Travel’s 5 Stages To Recovery
Here are the five stages outlined from Tripadvisor’s in-house market research and insights teams:
- Decline – Travel declines sharply as widespread restrictions enforced
- Plateau – Sharp decline in bookings levels out, but travelers start dreaming their next trip
- Emerge – Easing of travel restrictions begins, early signs of recovery in dining sector
- Domestic Travel – Travelers book their first trips away, but stay close to home
- International Travel – Border restrictions ease, and international travel begins to rebound
From the recovery stages, America looks to be in the Domestic Travel stage, with international Travel still in the works.
A number of countries are actually paying people to come travel there albeit, most of them have enhanced restrictions for Americans.
Still, if you’re down for some early quarantining before your trip actually begins, here’s what’s being offered:
Enhanced Cleaning
Many airlines have put in enhanced cleaning procedures to safeguard passengers against COVID-19. That means the following changes:
- Blankets will now be removed and cleaned after every flight.
- Touchboard kiosks will be encouraged to check in rather than the ticket counter
- Gate areas and ticket counters will also be subject to being cleaned multiple times daily
Illustrative of the changes, Delta Air Lines says: “After each flight, crews use electrostatic sprayers to sanitize aircraft interiors from floor to ceiling with a high-grade disinfectant.”
Once your’e onboard the plane, here are some other things you can expect:
Crew
You can expect the aircraft crew to be dressed head to toe in personal protective equipment (PPE). That includes full gowns made of plastic, gloves, face masks and visors.
More Space
Airlines will also adhere to the “empty middle seat” policy so that social distancing can be observed as best it can on an airplane.
Passengers can also expect fewer flights and less people on those planes as the airlines spread fliers out for health reasons.
International Travel
After a nearly complete shutdown in the spring, U.S. airlines are starting to bring back international travel. Many carriers are also beginning to offer summer travel destinations as part of their marketing campaigns.
But should you go? What do you need to know if you’re thinking about traveling right now? Read our Should You Travel Amid Coronavirus piece.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is Hartsfield the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
But before you check that out, here are some tips on safe travel during COVID-19.
How To Stay Safe While Flying In A Pandemic
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: This would be the case anyway, but especially on a plane
- Cough The Right Way: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough. Always.
- Maintain Social Distancing: On a plane, it’s difficult to do social distancing, but try to maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Steer clear of anyone who is sick.
See more safe guidelines at CDC.gov.
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