HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED THE LANDSCAPE FOR DOMESTIC TRAVELLERS
India was in complete lockdown starting March 24, as it has never experienced before. The government decided to resume domestic flight travel in May 25, after more than two months of travel restrictions in India. The government has not restored the pre-Covid-19 norms, but flights will be resumed.
This ease in travel restrictions has brought new, strict guidelines for domestic travel India. Mumbai handled 391 flights during the first week of air travel services being resumed.
All passengers who travel to or from India’s financial capital can confirm that domestic air travel has undergone significant changes, and may even be permanent.
New Guidelines Published amid a Surge in COVID-19-related Cases
Some of the updated guidelines include:
- Once they arrive, the health ministry will randomly choose 2% of all passengers on aeroplanes for testing. These passengers will be recognized by the airlines. After submitting their samples, visitors can leave the airport. If a traveller is positive for genetic sequencing, they will be segregated and receive the necessary care.
- According to the ministry, all travelers should be fully immunized according to the recommended vaccine schedule. This recommendation is unchanged from the November recommendations.
Here are some things you should know about Indian Domestic Travel Guidelines
These guidelines will help you plan your next trip by air.
You will need to get to the airport from your point of origin.
Let’s take a look at the factors you should keep in mind when travelling from your office/hotel/home to the airport.
- Get baggage tags and identification numbers. Then print the form and attach it to your luggage.
- At the moment, you can only have one handbag and one checked-in bag. In the future, however, you may be able to carry more luggage.
- Before you can enter the airport terminal, you must be wearing all protective gear. You must keep your face masks closed at all times during the flight.
- At least two hours prior to the flight departure, you should arrive at the airport. Check-in and boarding may take longer due to additional guidelines.
- For the moment, domestic flights are not allowed to be operated by individuals who have been in containment zones and who have tested positive for the virus. Defying these rules could result in severe penalties.
- To fly, all passengers must complete a self-declaration regarding their health and submit their Aarogya Setu health data.
Once you have reached the airport following the India travel restrictions, you can proceed to the terminal building. To do so, you will need to adhere to additional rules.
Guidelines for Getting to the Terminal Building
- Protective gear is recommended. Get out of your vehicle and make sure you have all necessary documents.
- To undergo temperature testing, you will need to reach the thermal screening area located near the entrance gate. This is where you will need to show your health status via the Aarogya Setu App.
- Next, go to the CISF kiosk to show your ID and boarding card to gain entry to the terminal premises.
- You will receive an SMS confirmation about the receipt of your bag after baggage check-in. This confirmation is usually issued on paper to travelers.
Guidelines for Passing Through Airport Security
Each airport has security screening facilities before boarding the plane. All instructions must be followed in a timely manner.
You shouldn’t be concerned as security personnel will use a contactless process to check on passengers even if they are performing physical checks.
Guidelines for Security Hold Area
Once security screening has been completed, you are allowed to proceed to the holding area. These guidelines will guide you to the right place once you have reached it.
- Keep your distance from other passengers waiting for their flight.
- To maintain a distance from others, avoid sitting in chairs marked ‘not suitable for use’.
- You should also ensure proper sanitation and social distancing when you visit F&B outlets.
- All used tissues, napkins and gloves, as well as masks, should be disposed of in yellow-coloured disposable bins.
Guidelines for Boarding an Aircraft
These steps will allow you to board your flight. These precautions are important to follow.
- The boarding gate will provide you with the face masks, shields and sanitizers. Before you board the plane, make sure to wear the shield and mask.
- To limit contact with airport staff, passengers will scan their boarding passes themselves.
- Your fellow passengers and you will board the plane in an orderly manner, to limit any disturbances.
Guidelines to follow after taking off
Even after the flight takes off, you should adhere to safety guidelines. These are some of the ways you can protect yourself from the virus in this situation.
- As much as possible, avoid face-to-face interactions.
- Avoid using the restrooms and stay seated as much as possible during your flight.
- In the beginning, domestic flights will not be served meals by airlines. You will however be provided with water bottles.
- Flights are not allowed to be filled with food.
Guidelines for Deboarding
Passengers will need to board the plane at the destination in the same way they boarded it. You should ensure that you observe social distancing and maintain proper sanitation throughout this part of your journey. Only use trolleys if absolutely necessary, as they can transmit germs from its last users.
Coronavirus and domestic flight ticket prices
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested airlines to keep the middle seat empty in every row to preserve social distance among passengers. This has resulted in a dramatic decrease in domestic flights carrying passengers.
Jet fuel prices rose to Rs.33.575 per kilolitre in June. This will likely result in a sharp increase in flight ticket prices due to the increased cost of operating these flights and the limited number of passengers. Domestic flights are still affordable for now.
Air travel unpredictable
Domestic flights will see a surge in demand over the next few days. However, services will be unpredictable due to a variety of factors. If a passenger on a flight is found to have Coronavirus, the rest of the passengers will need to be quarantined and tested. These cases could also cause delays or cancellations that can impact your schedule.
Digit travel insurance policies are a must-have for domestic travel. These insurance policies are extremely useful to avoid additional expenses, even if India’s travel restrictions are lifted.
Travel Insurance is essential to ensure domestic travel hassle-free
Although travel insurance was an important part of traveling before, it has become almost an essential part of the travel experience. These policies can protect you from financial loss if something happens to your travel plans.
Flight delays can be costly for business and leisure travelers alike. You can get compensation for lost time with a Digital. lt’s flight delay coverage.
To ensure safety on your journeys, make sure you adhere to all India coronavirus travel tips. Digit offers flight delay coverage to cover any unavoidable flight delays.