Stay Safe: Avoiding Covid-19 At The Airport

Airports are breeding grounds for germs and viruses, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, travellers are anxious about finding themselves in crowded spaces where the virus can spread quickly. While airports have implemented safety measures, there are also several precautions travellers can take to protect themselves and others. This includes wearing masks, practising good hand hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and embracing technology to minimise contact with others.

Sanitise your hands after touching objects like doorknobs or your phone

Airports are breeding grounds for germs, and during the pandemic, almost every object you touch poses a threat. It is important to sanitise your hands after touching objects like doorknobs or your phone. This is because these surfaces are frequently touched by many people and can be a hotbed for viruses.

To protect yourself, always carry hand sanitiser with you when travelling. Opt for an alcohol-based sanitiser with at least 60% ethanol, and ensure you cover your hands completely, waiting for the sanitiser to dry. This simple step can go a long way in protecting you from harmful viruses.

Additionally, you can also use disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces before touching them. For example, when checking in at a kiosk, you can wipe down the screen and buttons before using them. This adds an extra layer of protection and ensures that you are not exposing yourself to any potential viruses.

By sanitising your hands and being mindful of the surfaces you touch, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting viruses when travelling through airports.

Avoid airport snacks and pre-order food if necessary

While travelling, it is always a good idea to carry some snacks with you. This is especially true during the pandemic, when it is best to avoid airport snacks. You may be hungry, but it is not worth the risk of contracting COVID-19. Airport snacks are handled by many people and it is impossible to know if the person who touched them before you was infected.

If you are hungry, it is best to bring your own food from home. This way, you know exactly where it has been and that it is safe to eat. If you are going on a long journey and need to buy food at the airport, consider pre-ordering it. Many restaurants and cafes now offer pre-order services, so you can order and pay for your food in advance and then quickly pick it up when you are at the airport. This minimises your contact with other people and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus.

If you are unable to pre-order and need to buy food at the airport, try to maintain social distancing while queuing and wear a mask. Use hand sanitiser or wash your hands before and after eating, and avoid touching your face. It is also a good idea to wipe down the table and chairs with disinfectant wipes before you sit down.

Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Use technology to check-in, pay and pass through security

Technology has made it easier than ever to avoid human contact at airports, which is vital in the age of COVID-19. Embracing technology at the airport can help you minimise your contact with other people and high-touch surfaces.

Firstly, skip the check-in kiosks and desks by checking in for your flight via the airline's app. Most airline apps allow you to adjust flights and purchase checked bags from your phone. Using your phone, you can also select seats and print off your boarding pass, which you can then store in your phone's virtual wallet. This means that when you get to the airport, you can head straight to the security checkpoint.

At the security checkpoint, avoid using the shared-use bins by storing items in your carry-on luggage, purse, or bag and sending it through the x-ray machine. Place your personal items, such as your phone, wallet, and keys, in your bag rather than in the bins, as this will reduce your exposure to potential germs.

When it's time to board, you can present your boarding pass on your mobile device, avoiding contact with other people and high-touch machines.

Finally, use virtual phone wallets or mobile banking apps, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, to make purchases in the airport. This will help you avoid contact with cash or card terminals.

Wear a mask throughout the airport and on the plane

Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. While it is no longer a requirement in airports and on planes in some countries, it is still encouraged and remains mandatory in others.

It is important to wear a mask throughout the airport, from the moment you enter until you board your flight. This includes during check-in, at the security checkpoint, and while waiting in the departure lounge. Keep your mask on until you are instructed to remove it by the flight crew.

When choosing a mask, opt for a specialized N95, KN95, or surgical mask, as these offer the best protection. A well-fitted N95 mask provides a good level of protection for the wearer and those around them. If you are unable to find an N95 mask, a KN95 or surgical mask is a good alternative. Avoid cloth masks, as these do not provide meaningful protection.

It is also important to know how to wear your mask correctly. Ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth, and that it fits snugly on your face without any gaps. If your mask has an adjustable metal nose piece, mould it to the shape of your nose for a better fit.

In addition to wearing a mask, there are other precautions you can take to reduce your risk of infection. These include maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from other passengers, avoiding close greetings and handshakes, and practising good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol after touching any surfaces.

By wearing a mask and following these additional precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from COVID-19 during air travel.

Practise good hand hygiene and avoid touching your face

Practising good hand hygiene is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from coronavirus at the airport. This means washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, ensuring you cover your hands completely and allowing them to dry.

You should also avoid touching your face, as viruses can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure you have thoroughly cleaned your hands first.

It's also a good idea to carry your own hand sanitiser with you, choosing a brand that contains at least 60% ethanol. This way, you can sanitise your hands after touching any surfaces, which may be contaminated.

In addition to good hand hygiene, there are other measures you can take to limit your exposure to the virus at the airport. Firstly, try to avoid touching surfaces as much as possible. Use your elbow or a tissue to open doors, and use your feet to open and close taps in bathrooms. If you need to touch surfaces, clean your hands straight away.

Secondly, try to avoid close contact with other people. Keep a distance of at least 1 metre (3 feet) between yourself and other passengers. Avoid shaking hands or any other close greetings.

Finally, it's important to avoid touching your face when you're wearing a mask. Masks are most effective when used in combination with good hand hygiene.

Frequently asked questions