People are eager to get out and start traveling once again. However, you may still be curious about what changes airlines and hotels are making in 2021.
Companies are going to great lengths to ensure your comfort in using their facilities, including enacting new employee protocols and increasing sanitation efforts to ensure that everyone can enjoy their vacation plans. Reactions to COVID-19 are constantly changing and evolving so always check the website of your preferred airline or hotel for their up-to-the-minute response to COVID.
Airline COVID-19 Modifications
Employee protocols
When reviewing the many airline protocols and modifications, you’ll notice that most airlines share similar COVID-19 standards for their employees, including the wearing of masks. Some airlines require mask-wearing and the continued health monitoring of all crew members before takeoff, which can include regular temperature checks, paid sick leave, and strict mandates that adhere to public safety guidelines. Other airlines, however, take it a step further by making it mandatory for their employees to get vaccines.
Sanitation Measures
For sanitation purposes, airlines are using an electrostatic disinfectant and an anti-microbial spray on their aircraft“anti-microbial coating or shield for 30 days” while others have HEPA filters on all mainline planes that refreshes the cabin air “every 2 to 4 minutes”.
Physical Interaction Modifications
Airlines are adapting many of the same social distancing standards that have become common in restaurant and stores, including using plexiglass at their counters, urging mobile boarding passes, and utilizing social distancing when lining up. Some airlines are having their customers loaded “from the back of the aircraft to the front” to minimize “passing contact”.
Hotel COVID-19 Modifications
Employee protocols
Some hotels have focused on ensuring their food handlers and supervisors are well-versed in safe food preparation and service practices. They also enhance sanitation guidelines and show training videos to employees that include updated hygiene and disinfecting best practices. Other hotels have installed a Hygiene & Wellbeing Leader or Team to oversee an international and accredited cleanliness training process.
Sanitation Measures
Regarding hotel sanitation, many hotels indicate that they wipe down all surfaces in their rooms with “hospital-grade cleaners” with additional focus on “high-touch areas” and customers are given travel size hands sanitizers and disinfecting wipes.
Physical Interaction Modifications
Hotels have also adopted many of the same social distancing standards as many stores and restaurants. Face masks are required in many indoor public areas, depending on local laws. Hotels also often require social-distancing throughout their property.
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