The pandemic hit the air travel industry with full force. Planes grounded, airlines went bankrupt and international travel became somewhat of a distant memory to the everyday person. However, the news of the vaccine has brought on a 9% increase in economy round-trip flights.The air travel industry is slowly making a comeback, and there are a few changes that have been created including airline boarding policies.
Your face is now your passport
Before the pandemic, airports were investing in scanning technology to speed up the boarding process. Touchless technology is now more critical than ever and can help to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
Face-recognition technology will be used instead of handheld passports in some airports. Fortunately, this technology can work even when passengers are wearing a mask.
Health screenings become standard
Ultraviolet robots are being used to disinfect some airports. The ultraviolet C damages the virus and prevents it from replicating. Clever, right?
Passengers will need to get their temperature taken by either a handheld thermometer or thermal screening camera. The thermal screening machines can detect an individual’s body heat and estimate their core temperature. However, these machines cannot identify asymptomatic individuals, and they won’t eliminate coronavirus transmission entirely.
Passengers should also consider safety regulations when travelling to and from the airport. If you are travelling by train to Gatwick airport, make sure to sanitise your hands, wear a mask and keep an appropriate distance from other passengers.
Family travellers will determine airlines’ new destinations
In 2021, travelling to see family members will be one of the main reasons for boarding a flight. These family travellers are shaping the new route launches of many airlines to include destinations like New Delhi, Lagos and Brisbane.
Airlines are working to make their booking and cancellation process more flexible as well. With restrictions changing every week, airlines need to cater to their customer’s needs and develop potential loyalty programmes.
Flight attendees get new uniforms with PPE in mind
Face masks and shields are now essential for flight attendants. Some airlines incorporate a futuristic style into their new flight attendant uniforms, with safety being the priority. For example, Philippine Airline staff wear white jumpsuits with a rainbow stripe on the shoulder and face shield. Talk about medical chic!
The goal of these uniforms is, of course, to protect both the customer and the attendant.
Flight changes
Flights are also incorporating HEPA filters into existing ventilation systems. These filters refresh the air every three minutes and neutralise the virus, making is safer to breathe in. Genius!
Airlines will be ditching the large double-decker aircrafts and opting for the more efficient jets with blended wings. There will be wider seats, bigger windows and more room in the overhead lockers. Say goodbye to old-fashioned air travel, and hello to the future!
