Airports' New Look: Coronavirus Precautions And Changes

Airports have had to adapt to the new normal during the coronavirus pandemic. From screening passengers to cutting down on flights, airports and airlines have had to make changes to their regular operations. Airports have also had to reduce food options, implement social distancing, and make masks mandatory. Wastewater from planes and airports is also being tested for coronavirus.

Mandatory face coverings and social distancing

At airports, mandatory face coverings and social distancing are crucial measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here is an overview of the current situation and the impact of these protocols in airports:

Firstly, it is mandatory to wear face coverings or masks in airports. This applies to both passengers and staff, with specific rules varying across different countries and airports. For example, in the UK, passengers at Heathrow and Edinburgh airports are required to wear face masks. This measure is in place to protect individuals and reduce the potential transmission of the virus through respiratory droplets.

Social distancing is also enforced at airports, with floor markers indicating the required distance between individuals. For example, at Edinburgh Airport, passengers must follow two-metre floor markers during the check-in process. This measure helps maintain a safe distance between people, reducing the risk of virus transmission through close contact.

The combination of mandatory face coverings and social distancing has significantly impacted the airport experience. Airports have become much quieter, almost resembling ghost towns, as described by some travellers. The implementation of these safety measures has also resulted in changes to airport operations. For instance, at Edinburgh Airport, passengers are directed through back corridors to reach the departure lounge, altering the usual flow of passenger traffic.

In addition to these measures, airports have introduced other safety protocols. These include enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures, with some airlines informing passengers that aircraft have been deep-cleaned before boarding. Hand sanitising stations are also available, and some airlines provide hand sanitiser and wipes to passengers upon boarding.

Furthermore, major airports have implemented coronavirus screening for passengers, and wastewater testing is being considered as a potential method for detecting the virus and tracking new variants. Overall, mandatory face coverings and social distancing are critical components of the comprehensive safety measures implemented by airports worldwide to protect the health and safety of travellers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reduced food options

During the pandemic, airports have been quieter, with many shops and cafes closed. This has meant reduced food options for travellers. While some airports have offered food via vending machines, the choices are usually limited to expensive snacks such as sweets, crisps, and drinks.

Some airports have kept their restaurants open, but the risk of contamination is higher in these busy, high-traffic areas. Self-service machines, such as those for tea, coffee, and soft drinks, can be breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria. The spigots, nozzles, and syrup lines of these machines can accumulate sticky layers of bacteria and mould, even if they appear clean. Tea and coffee dispensers, for example, provide the perfect environment for E. coli, salmonella, and Legionella, which can cause Legionnaires' disease. Perishable items like milk, which are often left out at room temperature for too long, can also increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Food safety experts recommend hot drinks as a good option when travelling, as boiling water minimises the risk of bacteria. However, it is important to be cautious with milk or cream if it is open and unrefrigerated. Pre-cut fruit may seem like a healthy choice, but it can be risky if not handled properly. Once the protective skin of the fruit is removed, it is exposed to bacteria from handling, processing, and storage. If not kept at the correct temperature, cut fruit can become a breeding ground for listeria, E. coli, and salmonella.

To reduce the risk of contamination, travellers can plan ahead and bring their own food. Sealed snacks with a long shelf life, such as nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit, are good options. Fresh fruit with the peel on, such as apples, oranges, and bananas, are also safe choices.

Screening and testing

Major airports have been screening passengers for COVID-19, with measures such as health questionnaires, temperature checks, and mandatory mask-wearing. Some countries, like China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, have also implemented contact tracing through tracking apps. These apps monitor a person's risk of exposure and can notify others in case of a positive test result. However, the effectiveness of these screenings varies across different airports and countries.

To enhance screening efforts, wastewater testing has been proposed as a way to track new COVID variants and identify novel pathogens. Airports, such as Heathrow, Bristol, and Edinburgh, have participated in wastewater testing, and the CDC is considering expanding this surveillance method. This approach can provide more granular insights, especially in specific locations like airports, and help detect not only COVID-19 but also other viruses like mpox and polio.

In addition to screening, testing has been a crucial aspect of COVID-19 control at airports. Many destinations require travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test before departure or upon arrival, mandating a quarantine period for those who test positive. Some airlines, like JetBlue, offer at-home testing kits to facilitate testing for their passengers. The IATA Travel Pass app also helps passengers upload and verify their negative test results.

Overall, screening and testing procedures at airports have evolved throughout the pandemic, aiming to control the spread of COVID-19 and provide a safer travel experience. While there have been inconsistencies and challenges, ongoing efforts to improve these procedures contribute to a more robust response to the pandemic.

Boarding procedures

Thermal screening stations have been introduced at the entrance of the airport, where passengers' temperatures are taken. They are also required to wear protective gear, such as face masks and gloves, and to have all the necessary documents ready for inspection, including their boarding pass, baggage tags, and their status on the contact-tracing app.

Passengers are encouraged to check-in online and print their boarding passes and baggage tags at home to minimise physical contact. At the airport, travellers will scan their own boarding passes and then hold them up for inspection by a staff member. The check-in procedure and baggage drop must be completed 60 minutes before departure. Staff will practice "minimum touch" and will sanitise baggage after attaching printed baggage tags.

To board the plane, passengers are encouraged to be seated as a group, which contributes to a faster boarding time and reduces the risk of virus transmission.

Hand luggage and check-in

Airports have implemented new procedures for check-in and hand luggage during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aim to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

At check-in, passengers must adhere to physical distancing measures, following floor markers to maintain a safe distance from others. Face masks are mandatory, and travellers are encouraged to wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before and after the check-in process. It is also recommended to place personal items, such as phones, wallets, and keys, directly into carry-on luggage instead of the bins to minimise contact with high-touch surfaces.

When it comes to hand luggage, restrictions and recommendations have been adjusted to minimise the risk of virus transmission. Passengers are allowed to bring liquid hand sanitiser in containers up to 12 ounces in their carry-on bags, exceeding the typical 3.4-ounce limit. This flexibility recognises the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of the virus. Additionally, individually packaged or jumbo-sized containers of disinfectant wipes are permitted in carry-on luggage, enabling passengers to sanitise their seats and surfaces.

However, it is important to note that cans of disinfectant spray are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. These restrictions are in place to balance safety and practicality, as spraying disinfectant could cause discomfort or adverse reactions in enclosed cabin spaces.

While these hand luggage adjustments provide passengers with essential tools for hygiene and sanitation, it is still crucial to follow other preventive measures. These include maintaining physical distance, practising respiratory etiquette, and adhering to airport and airline guidelines.

Airports have also implemented screening procedures to identify potentially infected individuals. Some airports have introduced wastewater testing, analysing sewage from planes and airports to detect the presence of the coronavirus and other pathogens. This method provides valuable insights into the prevalence of the virus and can help identify new variants.

Frequently asked questions