How to fly safe and arrive well during COVID-19

Wash hands regularly

If soap and water are not available to clean your hands, use a hand sanitiser which is at least 60% alcohol. Experts agree that good old-fashioned hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (which is the time it takes to sing ’Happy Birthday’ to yourself twice) is the best defence and caution that constant use of hand sanitiser can irritate your skin.

Practice good hygiene

Respiratory diseases like COVID-19 spread through droplets of saliva or mucus, usually when people cough or sneeze, then others come in contact with the droplets. So avoid touching your own eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, as viruses most frequently enter the body through these routes.

If you’re unwell, don’t travel

COVID-19 appears to have an incubation period of at least 14 days, unlike regular flu which is 2 days. An increasing number of international airports are also conducting temperature checks for arriving, departing and transiting passengers, so there’s the chance that you could be denied boarding for having a fever unrelated to COVID-19. So protect yourself, and other travellers, by not flying when you’re sick.

Cover up

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, sneeze into your elbow and wear a facemask to protect your fellow travellers. If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.

Clean up

While many airlines have announced an extra plane cleaning, there is no guarantee that every surface will get the full treatment. So carry antibacterial wipes to clean your seat armrest, tray table, seat-back pocket, air vent, seat touch screen, headrest and window blind. The same advice is sensible for other items frequently used by travellers, including hotel television remote controls and clean your hands after travelling on shuttles, taxis, holding handrails and using elevators.

Breathe easy

Almost all modern aircraft have HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arrester) filters that will filter 99.999% of dust particles and airborne contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, ensuring the highest possible quality of cabin air. However infection specialists suggest a window seat, away from passenger foot traffic, could offer you a bit more protection.

Upgrade

If your travel policy allows, now is a good time to upgrade to business or first class travel. It will give you a small buffer of extra personal space and potentially less contact with other passengers

Stay clear of people with a cough or cold

Experts define exposure as being within 6 feet of an infected person for 10 minutes or more. On aircraft, the World Health Organisation defines contact with an infected person as being seated within two rows of one another. But also remember that passengers walk around, go to the bathroom and touch many surfaces.

Counteract low humidity

The low humidity in aircraft cabins dries out the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth, making them less effective in blocking out viruses. For this reason, some frequent flyers swear by nasal sprays to moisturise and clean out the nose. Also drink more water to compensate for the cabin dryness. However, new generation long haul aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner feature technology that allows for higher humidity levels.

Have vaccinations up-to-date

While there is no vaccine for COVID-19, having all other essential vaccinations up-to-date will help you stay healthy and prevent your immune system from being compromised.

Stay up-to-date with travel advice

If travelling internationally, make sure to check the FCO website for the latest information and advice. FCM customers can also use FCM Secure - our online global security tracking and reporting tool - to keep track of health advisories issued by WorldAware and to locate travellers.

Travel insurance

Travellers who bought travel insurance before COVID-19 became a ‘known event’ may be covered for medical expenses and cancellations. Most travel insurance companies tend to exclude cover for pandemics and epidemics, if you read the fine print. Insurance policies vary greatly, so it’s best to contact the insurance company directly or enquire via your travel manager.