Travel industries were one of the majorly hit by the unique challenge the coronavirus pandemic posed – global travel restrictions. For these industries to recover, people need to be confident that they will not be exposed to the pandemic. More cities are opening back up and people are starting to return to air travel. But before you start traveling, there are several things you need to know to ensure you remain safe in this pandemic.

Safety Measures to Protect Yourself While Traveling

• Maintain good hygiene

It is common knowledge that maintaining good hygiene, hand washing, and disinfecting surfaces are effective ways of preventing the spread of coronavirus. It is essential that travelers continue this good hygiene even when traveling. You have to protect yourself when traveling as you cannot rely on others to do that. Even though airports are taking extra precautions in their cleaning efforts, you must disinfect common touch points to protect yourself. If your documents like ID cards and passport books were handled by others, you should wipe them down as well.

• Avoid unnecessary touching of surfaces

Most airlines and airports have started implementing the use of hands-free check-ins. This new process will require passengers to scan their boarding passes and check-in themselves, therefore avoiding contact. As more people begin to travel, these options will be utilized to ensure the safety of all passengers.

• Wear a mask

It is essential that you wear masks wherever you go, especially when traveling. Most airlines are adopting the mandatory mask-wearing policy several institutions already have in place. Also, most airlines will provide masks for passengers so if you forget your own, you have yourself covered. However, having your own mask protects you at every turn from this coronavirus pandemic.

There appears to be some confusion. Let me be crystal clear.

People who don’t have symptoms yet are spreading the Coronavirus.

We need to wear masks.

— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) June 10, 2020

• Practice physical distancing

The airport is one place that is known for its rowdy nature so how will you practice physical distancing in a place like this? Well, most airports are adopting physical distancing signs to ensure passengers remain a safe distance from each other. Also, some airlines are not booking their middle seats because of this. So, you need to find out what each airline is offering before you book your flight.

Practice social distancing by putting space between yourself and others. Continue to practice healthy habits, like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and staying home if you’re sick, to help slow the spread of #COVID19.
Learn more: https://t.co/tt49zOn1hf. pic.twitter.com/BYTXlIWcoV

— CDC (@CDCgov) June 9, 2020

• Avoid pointless movement on the flight

Unnecessary movement increases your risk of exposure so it is crucial that you stay put once you get to your seat. Several airlines will have to adopt restricted bathroom lines to ensure physical distancing at all times. If you really need to get up from your seat, endeavor to practice safe distancing, and don’t touch any surfaces – this is for your protection.

Feeling sick? Don’t travel

If you are feeling sick, it is essential that you do not fly. The same goes for high-risk people and those with pre-existing conditions. Now really isn’t the time to travel as the pandemic is still very much active and you can only be 100% safe in your home.

Travel at your own risk, make sure you take precautions. 

Traveling in the wake of this pandemic is a risk on its own so it is important you take all the precautions to protect yourself.

Arizona is running out of ICU beds. This is what happens when you downplay #COVID19 and pretend we're "in the clear". https://t.co/smkyZ5SZi6

— Nick Knudsen 🇺🇸 (@DemWrite) June 10, 2020