Here Are Some Easy-To-Follow Tips On Post-COVID-19 Travels By The India CEO Of The British School Of Etiquette

It certainly has become difficult for travellers to plan work trips or even a breather amidst today’s uncertain situation. There has been a crunch in exploring yearly holidays or work trips as we make our way through the ‘new normal’. In the pre-COVID-19 era—if I may call it that—travelling was just about booking tickets for the right date. Now a carefully-crafted itinerary and precautions have become the fashion of the hour. By Niraalee Shah

Etiquettes have now emerged as a way of doing things with set formats and abiding by the rules laid down. With offices and public places slowly reopening and ease of travel restrictions in place, we see some positivity for our wanderlust, but with its own caveats. So, I’ve got you covered on things to keep in mind while planning post-COVID-19 travels.

To start with, it is very important to get a prior health checkup done, including a COVID-19 test. As we are aware of the safety measures being followed by airlines, it’s advised to show utmost cooperation while abiding by these protocols. Don’t forget to pack enough protection to wear during your whole trip. With these revised guidelines, timely reporting and check-ins at the airport are a must. Airports have made it easier to check out safely as they have demarcated three-feet distances to maintain the required social distancing. Keep your documents (like tickets) handy to show to the security. Once security has checked your documents, sanitise your hands again. It has now become mandatory to get an electronic boarding pass generated right after booking your tickets online. One should download and register on the Aarogya Setu app, keying in all their travel history. It’s important to be mindful when using devices or touching surfaces that others have used too, such as ATMs, check-in machines, escalators and elevators. Use a generous amount of sanitiser whenever you touch any of these surfaces, and be very careful to not touch your face.

 

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Respective state governments, as well as airlines, have laid out important quarantine rules and regulations, and it is imperative to read them carefully while planning your post-COVID-19 travels. Keep track of your flight status so you don’t run into any surprises. In-flight food services have been temporarily discontinued, and it is advised to minimise eating at the airport. Restroom services have been disallowed in flights with a short duration. As a fellow flyer, do not crowd around the luggage belt once you have de-boarded the flight.

Your journey doesn’t end at the airport! Instead, it ends after you have comfortably checked in at your respective accommodation at your destination. Ensure you have a confirmed booking, not only at your place of stay but also at the places that have limited occupancy and you intend on visiting. Be mindful while disposing off your used masks, and ensure you carry sanitisers and tissues. For travellers like us who could have been exposed to human contact during the journey, it is imperative to sanitise your luggage upon reaching your destination. Washing hands regularly and taking a shower upon return is also advised. All of us should do our part to protect not just ourselves but also people around us.

Most importantly, it is highly advisable to prevent children from being a part of this journey as they have lower immunity systems, and are more susceptible to contracting infections.

As we emerge from the pandemic, I hope and wish for safe, healthy and happy travels. Bon voyage, amigos!

Note: Niraalee Shah is the CEO-India of The British School of Etiquette.

Related: Travel Entrepreneur Archana Singh Gives Tips On Post-COVID-19 Road Trips

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