While many restrictions are still in place, travel is slowly starting up again as people who have been locked down for months hit the skies to visit loved ones or get back to work. Whether you’re traveling again for business or an emergency, it’s important to read up on personal and corporate travel safety tips so you can have a stress-free trip while remaining in good health
When it comes to airplane travel, just like any type of travel during COVID-19, you want to take extra precautions to keep yourself and others healthy. While many people think the potential to get sick on an airplane is great, the air quality on the plane is actually quite good since high amounts of clean outdoor air and any indoor air recirculate through a HEPA filter. With advanced safety measures such as Delta teaming up with Lysol, and a strong duty of care in place for travel, travelers are open to flying once again, although some precautions need to be taken.
Corporate Travel Safety Tips and Advice
At travel management company, Teplis Travel, the team has some corporate travel safety tips and overall advice to help you travel safely and stay prepared, so your flight is enjoyable, and you return home in good health:
Test Yourself
Before you embark on any travel, the first thing you want to do is get yourself tested for the virus to ensure you’re not a carrier. If you’re exhibiting even mild signs of illness and cannot provide a report showing you’re not infected, you might not be able to travel. To ensure you avoid any complications with boarding your flight, make sure you have the proper paperwork to show you’re healthy.
Prepare for Closed Airport Restaurants
In between flights you can get hungry. The last thing you want to do is walk through the airport and find many of the restaurants closed. To prevent having to wait until you reach your destination for something to eat, prepare ahead of time for unexpected closures during COVID-19 and pack the food you’ll need to get you through your travels.
Food and TSA
The TSA requires you to take your food out of your carry on and have it scanned separately. To keep your food as hygienic as possible, and prevent any delays in the process, have your food packed separately in sealed containers to prevent any contamination.
Bring Hand Sanitizer
Since airlines and airports have a strict personal and corporate travel safety routine and want to minimize the risks of contagions in their crowded interiors, intensive cleaning procedures have been enacted. Some airplanes give you wipes so you can clean your surfaces, but since the Transportation Security Administration has increased the size of hand sanitizer bottles you can carry onboard from 3.4 ounces to 12, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle along for extra protection.
Travel Arrangements – Know Before You Go
Look into your airlines, hotels, and ground transportation to discover what precautions they’re taking to keep you safe. Business travel services such as a travel management company can help you plan a corporate travel safety itinerary and get you the information you need before you begin your journey. Some airlines are booking full flights while others are keeping the middle space free. Keep this in mind while making your travel arrangements.
Keep Your Personal Items Clean
Before COVID-19, putting phones and keys in a bin didn’t seem like such a big deal. Now you want to keep your personal items in your carry on to reduce handling of these items during screening.
Clean Your Space
Even though many airlines are taking extra hygiene precautions, that doesn’t mean every surface around you will get that treatment. Carry antibacterial wipes with you to clean your tray table, seat-back pocket, touch screen, armrest, window blind, and headrest. This goes for other areas you come across when traveling such as elevator buttons and hotel TV remotes.
Upgrade If You Can
For those longer flights, if your travel policy allows you to upgrade to business or first-class travel you might want to take advantage of this seating. This gives you a little extra personal space and less contact with other passengers.
Don’t Travel If You’re Feeling Unwell
Protect yourself and others by not flying when you’re sick. While the flu has a two-day incubation period, COVID-19 has an incubation period of at least 14 days. An increasing number of airports are taking passengers’ temperatures, so even if you have a fever unrelated to COVID-19 you might not be able to board. So, if you’re feeling unwell, stay home and make sure to get tested before flying.
Follow the Safety Guidelines
Following these corporate travel safety tips and advice is important however you always want to keep the COVID-19 safety guidelines in mind and practice them while traveling to help prevent spreading the virus. Keep 6 feet apart from other passengers in the airport, avoid crowded spaces and contact with other people. Wash your hands regularly and wear a mask for extra protection to help you and others stay safe while traveling.
Use a Travel Management Company
During travel times such as these, a travel management company with 24/7 communication is important. If you’re faced with issues in your travel and need the assistance of alternative routing, Teplis Travel can help you get to where you need to go while keeping you updated on changing conditions.
To learn more about how business travel services from Teplis Travel can benefit you, contact the team today at 888-368-0146 or visit the website to learn more and start planning a safe and enjoyable trip!