Covid-19 has forced us all to rethink the way we travel. From taking the bus to work to overseas vacations, every journey we make has been affected by the pandemic.
Now that entry restrictions are being relaxed across Europe and in many other parts of the world, some people are hoping to go abroad this summer for a holiday, to visit family, or on business.
As long as the correct precautions are taken, travelling during the coronavirus can be done without compromising health and safety.
The first step to take is to check the latest information on borders and ensure that, if required, the relevant visa for Europe or other destination country is being issued. Provided this is the case, you can then start preparing for their trip.
Booking travel and transport tickets
Travellers are advised to book flight and other transport tickets online to avoid gatherings at ticket machines or having to wait in queues.
Be sure to book tickets through an official vendor and check prices and the cancellation policy before purchasing.
Many companies have helplines to call or online information to help you avoid travelling at peak times and plan the safest journey possible.
Station and Airport Safety
Whenever possible check-in for your flight electronically before heading to the airport. Get to the airport or station at the time indicated by the provider, avoid arriving too long before or after this time to help the station or airport control passenger numbers.
Once inside the airport or station, respect social distancing (at least 1.5m) and wear a facemask. Hand sanitizer should be made available for you to make use of regularly.
When waiting to board a flight, train, or bus, ensure a safe distance is maintained at all times by following the floor markings.
Safety measures during the journey
It is recommended to wear a face mask throughout the journey, even if it is not obligatory. Hand sanitizer should also be made available.
If you are free to choose your seat on a train or bus, opt to sit away from other passengers and stay seated as much as possible during the trip. If boarding a flight, take the seat which has been allocated to you as swiftly as possible.
It is likely that food and beverage services will not be operating although water will usually be provided.
Onboard a bus or train you can expect to see protective barriers in place between you and the driver, transport providers should also be ensuring adequate ventilation.
Protocol when arriving at your destination
Once you have arrived at your destination, maintain adequate social distancing as you collect your luggage and avoid any crowded spots.
Depending on where you are travelling to and from, contact tracing may be in place to inform you if a fellow passenger is diagnosed with coronavirus shortly after the trip, allowing you to take the necessary measures.
Cancellation of transport due to coronavirus
Should a carrier or tour operator cancel transport as a result of the disruption caused by Covid-19, travellers will be given a refund or vouchers. The EU’s recommendations on travel vouchers state they should only be issued instead of financial reimbursement if the passenger accepts this option.
Vouchers are generally valid for 12 months and ought to protect against insolvency of the company.
Should you wish to cancel travel and transportation you should check the conditions that agreed to when making the purchase, many companies are making it easier to change the date of departure as an alternative to cancellation.
