Stay Safe: Strategies To Avoid Covid-19 At Airports

Airports are filled with passengers who may not practise social distancing or wear masks, so it might be difficult to avoid COVID-19 infection. However, there are several ways to minimise the risk, including wearing masks, social distancing, and disinfecting your hands.

Some airports have implemented COVID-19 testing services, which can help travellers avoid mandatory quarantines at their destinations. Additionally, airlines and airports have introduced various safety measures, such as protective plexiglass screens, frequent cleaning of high-touch areas, and hand sanitising stations.

When travelling through an airport, it is important to take personal precautions, be vigilant, and follow official guidelines to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection.

Wear a mask and maintain physical distancing

Wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance are two of the most important things you can do to avoid contracting COVID-19 at the airport.

When it comes to masks, opt for a high-quality mask or respirator, such as an N95 or KN95, which offers a tighter fit and better filtration than a standard paper mask. Make sure your mask fits properly, covering both your nose and mouth. Keep in mind that some airlines may require specific types of masks, so check their guidelines before your trip.

In addition to wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance is crucial. Give yourself some extra space by arriving at the airport earlier than usual. This will help you avoid crowds and reduce your risk of exposure. When you're in the airport, stay at least six feet away from others whenever possible. If you're travelling with family or friends, stick together and avoid separating, as this will help reduce your collective risk.

While in the airport, be mindful of high-touch surfaces such as kiosks, handrails, elevator buttons, and doorknobs. These surfaces can be hot spots for viral transmission, so try to avoid touching them with your hands. If you must touch them, use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes afterward to reduce your risk of infection.

Finally, be mindful of your surroundings and try to avoid crowded areas. Choose a quieter spot to wait for your flight, and if possible, be the last person to board the plane to minimize your time in the crowded jetway.

By wearing a mask, practising physical distancing, and being mindful of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 while travelling through airports.

Sanitise hands after touching surfaces

Sanitising your hands after touching surfaces is a crucial step in avoiding COVID-19 at the airport. The airport environment is filled with high-touch surfaces, from check-in machines and security bins to bathroom fixtures and handrails. These surfaces are touched by countless individuals, increasing the risk of viral transmission. Therefore, disinfecting your hands after any contact with surfaces is essential.

Always carry hand sanitiser with you and use it liberally. Ensure that your hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol, as this is crucial for effectively killing the virus. Apply a generous amount to your palms and rub your hands together, ensuring coverage of all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails. Allow your hands to air-dry, and do not wipe them on any surfaces after sanitising.

If you have access to a sink, washing your hands with soap and water is also highly effective. Wet your hands with clean, running water, and apply soap. Lather your hands well, ensuring a thorough cleaning, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands under clean, running water, and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.

It is also beneficial to carry disinfectant wipes with you. After sanitising or washing your hands, use a disinfectant wipe to clean the surfaces you frequently touch, such as your phone, passport, and luggage handles. This two-pronged approach of hand sanitisation and surface disinfection will significantly reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 at the airport.

Remember, it is crucial to be vigilant about hand hygiene, especially in crowded areas like airports. By consistently sanitising your hands after touching surfaces and following other preventive measures, you can effectively lower your risk of infection and have a safer travel experience.

Avoid crowded areas

Crowded areas are a fact of life in airports, but there are several strategies you can use to avoid them as much as possible when travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firstly, plan your trip through the airport in advance, including the steps from the curb to your gate, and try to maintain physical distancing. This will help you to identify less crowded areas to wait in. When you arrive at the airport, go straight to a quiet part of the airport and wait for your flight to board there. Just be sure not to miss any announcements in case the gate changes or they start boarding early.

If you can, book the last row of seats on the plane so that no one is breathing on you from behind. You can also be the last to board, as long as you don't need any overhead space. This means you won't have to wait in a long line on the jetway, and fewer passengers will walk past you.

If you are travelling with family, especially children or older people, consider having them wait outside while one person waits in line. This will reduce their time inside the airport and make the experience safer and more pleasant.

Finally, if you are in a high-risk category, it is a good idea to wear a KN95 mask and carry disinfecting spray or wipes to clean your hands if you touch a surface.

Check COVID-19 entry requirements

Checking the COVID-19 entry requirements for your destination is an important step in planning your trip. It's crucial to be aware of the latest rules and regulations to ensure a smooth journey and avoid any last-minute surprises. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:

Firstly, visit the official websites of your destination country's government and its embassy or consulate in your home country. These websites will provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their COVID-19 entry requirements. Requirements can vary greatly between countries, and they may change over time, so it's essential to review this information shortly before your trip.

For example, some countries may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, a vaccination certificate, or both, for entry. Make sure you understand the specific type of test required (such as PCR or rapid), as well as the timeframe in which the test must be taken before your arrival. Keep in mind that some countries may also accept proof of recovery from COVID-19 as an alternative to a negative test result.

Additionally, be mindful of any mandatory quarantine periods upon arrival. Some destinations may require you to self-isolate for a specified duration, even if you are fully vaccinated and have a negative test result. Understanding these requirements in advance will help you plan your trip effectively and make any necessary arrangements.

It's also a good idea to check the website of your departure airport, as they often provide valuable information regarding COVID-19 testing facilities and the latest travel requirements. For instance, the Miami International Airport (MIA) offers COVID-19 testing at specific concourses and provides travellers with a testing site finder to locate other testing centres.

Lastly, don't forget to review the guidelines provided by your airline. Airlines typically have their own set of COVID-19 protocols and requirements that you must adhere to. They may have specific rules regarding testing, vaccination status, and other safety measures. Staying informed about these requirements will ensure a smoother travel experience and help you avoid any last-minute surprises or delays.

By diligently checking the COVID-19 entry requirements for your destination, you can confidently navigate the ever-changing landscape of travel during the pandemic. This proactive approach will not only ensure your own safety but also contribute to the collective effort to curb the spread of the virus.

Book the last row

Booking the last row of seats on a plane can be a good way to reduce your risk of COVID-19 exposure. This is because you won't have people sitting behind you, breathing near your head and increasing your chances of inhaling aerosol particles.

However, it's important to note that the last row of seats may be closer to the toilets, which are high-risk areas for COVID-19 transmission. People tend to remove their masks in bathrooms, and COVID particles can linger in the air after an infected person has left. Therefore, when booking the last row, it's best to avoid seats that are too close to the toilets.

Additionally, the last row of seats may not be the best option if the plane is boarding from back to front. Research has shown that back-to-front boarding can double the rate of COVID-19 exposure compared to random boarding with assigned seating. This is because it increases the social proximity of travellers, which raises the risk of transmission.

To minimise your risk of COVID-19 exposure when flying, it's recommended to follow basic guidelines such as wearing a well-fitting mask (preferably an N95 or KN95), maintaining physical distance, disinfecting your hands frequently, and minimising time spent in crowded areas of the airport and plane, such as boarding gates and lounges.

Frequently asked questions