Fodor’s Safety Travel

To entice travelers to take to the air as restrictions lift, ticket prices are low (for now, anyway), change fees are reduced or eliminated, and cancellation policies remain flexible. You should get a refund if the airline cancels your flight (though you might need to insist), but only a voucher if you decide to cancel (likely valid for a longer period than prepandemic). Your preferred airport may no longer be available as some airlines are consolidating flights to fewer airports. Delta, for example, has temporarily suspended flights to Oakland in favor of San Francisco as of this writing.

The risk of infection from the air on a plane is low. The CDC says the “cabin air environment is not conducive to the spread of most infectious diseases” thanks to HEPA filters that “capture 99.9 percent of particles (bacteria, fungi, and larger viruses, or virus clumps).” However, it is possible to contract COVID-19 if someone coughs near you or if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Airlines are making changes accordingly and the CDC provides guidance for airlines and airports. Airlines have stepped up their cleaning regimes, with each plane thoroughly cleaned nightly and sometimes in between flights, too. The three major U.S. airlines (American, Delta, and United Airlines) are now using an electrostatic fogging regime as well. The system sprays a fine mist of high-grade disinfectant with positively charged particles so that the disinfectant sticks to surfaces rather than simply falling to the floor.

Airlines are also trying to give more space to passengers. Some are selling fewer tickets, while others, like United Airlines, are advertising that they’re blocking the booking of middle seats. The fine print shows, though, that “blocking” doesn’t mean that middle seats will be empty. Codeshares and flight consolidations might mean more crowded flights than you’d expect and, despite the downturn, some flights have been full. In response to passenger complaints, United Airlines announced on May 11 that they will do their best to notify passengers in advance if their flight is “closer to full capacity.” Passengers will also be notified at the gate if more than 70% of passengers have checked in and can rebook or receive a travel credit.

First requiring flight attendants to wear masks, most U.S. airlines are now asking passengers to wear face coverings, too. In the absence of national policy, each airline’s rules are different. For example, Delta requires passengers to wear masks starting at the check-in process. Airlines can deny boarding to anyone not wearing a mask and staff are encouraging passengers to wear them on board. However, enforcement in the air is difficult, and the three major U.S. airlines have said that a passenger refusing to wear a mask is not considered disruptive enough to divert a flight. So, be prepared for the possibility of a person without a mask sitting next to you.

Masks and other COVID supplies are starting to be for sale in airports, but supplies may be limited. Some airlines say they’ll provide you with a mask, but it’s unclear what would happen if you don’t have one and they’ve exhausted their supply. Note that if you wear a mask within the airport, the TSA expects you to lower your mask to have your identity verified at checkpoints. Touching a mask with dirty hands is a health risk, so use the hand sanitizer before and after taking your mask off so you don’t contaminate the mask.

The TSA now allows each passenger to have one bottle of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in size (up from the normal max of 3.4 ounces) in their carry-on bag. Some airlines are also advertising that they’ll provide passengers with antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer once on board. Because supplies aren’t unlimited, it’s best to ensure you have your own.

Airports are also receiving enhanced cleaning and hand sanitizer is usually available. Most airlines have closed their lounges, both due to lack of demand and as a cost-cutting measure. Airport restaurants are generally open, though with reduced seating.

A silver lining of the pandemic: airlines are implementing much more organized ways of boarding flights (generally starting from the rear of the plane, with only three to five rows called at a time). Chaotic preboarding crowds at the gate may be a thing of the past. However, if you have a seat number close to the front of the plane, consider the likelihood of whether overhead bin space will remain available by the time you board.

The CDC is currently recommending against all nonessential travel to all global destinations, but if and when that changes, travelers will want to be ready. Rules for international travel differ depending on the destination. Individual airlines, airports, and governments are all testing and implementing new measures. Eventually, requirements should become fairly standardized, as they did for the size of liquids allowed in carry-on bags. However, jurisdictions will continue to differ on the scientific evidence they require before implementing decisions.

For example, as of April 20, Canada requires passengers departing from or arriving in Canadian airports to complete a health questionnaire and confirm they have a nonmedical face covering and wear it under certain circumstances. Some Emirates passengers are required to take a 10-minute COVID-19 blood test prior to boarding, and the airline is limiting the amount of carry-on luggage allowed on board. Heathrow is testing a UV sanitation system for trays at security checkpoints and determining whether COVID-sniffing dogs can help screen passengers. Hong Kong is testing CLeanTech, a booth that supposedly provides full-body disinfection in 40 seconds. For international arrivals, Hong Kong has an eight-hour-long COVID arrival process. Once you land, you fill in a health declaration, get a COVID test and wait for the results, and get set up for a mandatory 14-day quarantine (you provide information on where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, receive a tracking bracelet and download an app to record temperature and symptoms throughout the quarantine period).

Several countries are discussing “immunity passports,” however questions remain on the legality, fraud, equitable availability, and, especially, whether recovering from COVID-19 provides immunity or not. If a vaccine is developed, it’s likely that airlines and countries will insist on proof of immunization.

Check current rules with your airline when you buy your ticket and again just prior to departure so you know exactly what applies for your flight. We are sure that safety protocols will continue to evolve.

Car and Taxi

With a little preparation, driving in a personal or rented car is the safest form of travel during the pandemic. For shorter distances that can’t be covered on foot, a taxi or rideshare will better minimize exposure to coronavirus than taking public transportation.

On the road, keep interactions with the public to a minimum. Bring food, water, and over-the-counter medications from home and wear a mask when entering businesses, at busy rest stops, and at tourist attractions. At the gas station, pay with a card instead of cash so there’s no need to enter the store. After pumping gas immediately use hand sanitizer. In public restrooms, touch as little as possible and wash hands thoroughly before leaving. Use a paper towel or tissue to turn off the faucet and open the door. If it’s necessary to stop for food, order from a drive-through window and eat inside the car or outdoors at least 6 feet from other travelers instead of entering a restaurant to order or dine in.

In parking lots and at rest stops, choose isolated spots where there are fewer cars. When traveling with a pet who needs a potty break or kids who need to stretch their legs, head away from high traffic areas and practice social distancing. Before returning to the car, sanitize hands and any object that may have come in contact with the virus (such as a credit card) thoroughly.

Clean and sanitize the car daily, especially any features that get handled frequently, including door handles, seat belts, radio dials, vents, window switches, stick shift, steering wheel and the levers for turn signals and headlights. Disinfectant wipes work well on most hard surfaces in the car and a spray like Lysol will effectively kill the virus on cloth seats as long as it has time to dry. For touch-screen dashboards, use a microfiber cloth and use leather-specific wipes for disinfecting leather seats or accents.

Major rental car companies are taking extra precautions to keep drivers safe. Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget, for example, have all updated their cleaning routines and are disinfecting high-touch areas inside their cars such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and seats after each customer return. Other changes rental car companies have implemented include:

Q&A with an Industry Expert s

Q&A with David A. Banmiller, former CEO of several airlines and author of Turbulence: Fifty Years on the Leading Edge of the Airline Industry

Domestic travel has restarted, when do you think international travel will restart?

Perhaps in the fall for international travel. I don’t think we’ll see a full return until 2022.

The world’s economy is suffering because of COVID-19, how can travel help address it?

Aviation drives 5% of U.S. GDP. There’ll be no recovery without air travel, both for business and leisure. Air travel drives most economies.

What COVID changes do you think sound reasonable but don’t actually make that much difference?

Blocking the middle seat. You’re still within six feet of several other passengers. If everyone is wearing a mask and you’re careful about not touching your face, the chance of contracting COVID-19 on a plane seems to be slim. And keep in mind that anything that reduces seating will result in higher fares.

What are one or two things you think passengers should do differently?

It’s important that you don’t travel if you have symptoms like a fever or a cough. Even though you might just have a cold, you risk being turned away at the airport as well as infecting other people. Similarly, if you’ve had contact in the past 14 days with someone who has COVID-19, you shouldn’t fly. It goes without saying that if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, you shouldn’t fly, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Otherwise, try not to touch things on the plane and sanitize your hands after you cough, eat, touch your face, and visit the restroom.

We’ve seen stories about new airline seating, like having the middle seat facing backward. Do you think this would actually be safer in the COVID context?

No. You’re still sitting within six feet of other people. Plus, the middle seat facing backward means three people would be facing each other. In theory, that means a cough or a sneeze might project particles toward another person’s face instead of toward the seatback.

How should airlines balance the potential fears of passengers with what the science says about risks?

It would be useful to raise passenger awareness of their actual risks aboard planes, as well as the risks of air travel compared to many of the other activities they participate in. Flight attendants might need more training to help reassure passengers, especially if someone refuses to wear a mask.

In the medium- to long term, how will COVID-19 affect the travel industry?

There will be fewer planes flying for the next two years. Fares will be driven by demand. Airlines are only going to be able to make minimum investments in new equipment.

Drop-offs that do not require contact with agency staff (if there is any damage to the car, take photos)

Before booking a rental car, check to make sure that the office where you plan to pick up the vehicle is still open. Many of the major companies have temporarily closed locations where demand is low or risk is high. Visit the company’s website for updated information about their operations during the pandemic.

For short rides, taxis, and rideshares like Uber or Lyft may be less risky than using public transportation but, because it is impossible to maintain 6 feet of social distance from other passengers in a car, it’s still important to take precautions during the ride.

In a taxi or rideshare, minimize potential virus transmission by wearing a mask and requesting that the driver does, too (in many cities it’s a requirement). In fact, Uber now requires both riders and drivers to wear masks and before a driver can accept a trip, they must take a photo to verify that they have one on. The company also advises riders to no longer sit in the front passenger seat to maximize social distancing. The plastic barrier between driver and passengers found in some taxis provides an extra layer of protection. Since virus particles can be spread through ventilation systems, leave the air-conditioning off. Instead, maximize air flow by opening windows. Studies show that opening just one window three inches wide can keep virus particles from accumulating inside the car.

While taxi and rideshare drivers are being encouraged to frequently clean the interior of their vehicles, it’s likely most aren’t wiping down hot spots between each ride. Minimize your exposure by touching only what you have to (seat belts, door handles, and window switches) and keep your hands away from your face. When you get out of the car, sanitize your hands immediately and wash them with soap as soon as possible.

Cruise

Though the majority of cruise ships did not have COVID-19 cases, there were several high-profile stories of ships turned away from ports, sometimes because of respiratory symptoms or COVID cases on board and sometimes out of fear. Governments count COVID cases aboard cruise ships, but not those, for example, at hotels, conferences, or universities.

When the WHO declared COVID-19 an international public health emergency, cruise lines responded. For example, within 48 hours members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, enhanced health and travel history screening for all passengers and crew, implemented even deeper sanitation protocols, and, after the WHO declared the pandemic, voluntarily announced the suspension of operations.

As the pandemic progresses, cruise travel is on hold with most cruise lines suspending their operations until at least July. Many governments, including the United States, are still advising their citizens against both international travel and against cruise travel, and implementing restrictions on people returning from cruise travel.

Many cruise lines plan restarts between July and September, pending, for example, the lifting of the CDC’s No Sail Order. Certain conditions need to be met before that order is changed and it’s likely in place until July 24. Many destinations (like Canada and Alaska) have delayed the start of the cruising season until at least July 1, have canceled it entirely for 2020 (such as for Canada’s arctic region), or are allowing passengers to disembark only if they are able to self-isolate for 14 days. Several cruise lines have changed and canceled their itineraries accordingly, including if regional cruising seasons would be too short to be viable. Check Cruise Critic (www.cruisecritic.com) for updated restart plans and for port closures.

A clean environment has always been important on cruise ships, given how easily pathogens like norovirus can spread. Brands that belong to CLIA are required to have “robust” plans for preventing and responding to communicable disease outbreaks.

Cruises have always encouraged frequent hand sanitizing, especially when passengers enter restaurants. Expect this to be mandatory for the future. Buffets, always popular on cruises, will first return with crew plating your selections for you. If buffets do return to normal, expect hand sanitizing to be required every time you go up to the buffet. You should clean your hands again when you return to your table, as well as after touching a menu. Dining at communal tables will also likely be restricted for a while.

Many guests likely feel they can protect themselves from COVID-19 by being careful what they touch, washing hands frequently, avoiding elevators, and keeping 6 feet from others. However, concern remains about factors outside the control of passengers and of the cruise lines themselves, such as countries’ last-minute decisions not to allow ships to dock in their ports.

You might feel more comfortable booking smaller ships like Windstar Cruises, Viking’s river cruises, or Crystal Cruises’ 62-passenger yacht, given fewer passengers and more port flexibility. Or you may prefer bigger ships, perhaps opting for a premium booking with exclusive restaurant and lounge access and priority embarkation and disembarkation, such as with Princess Cruises’ Club Class.

Most cruise lines have yet to announce specific measures to respond to COVID-19 beyond what they put in place in February and March. Cancellation policies will likely remain flexible, although it might mean credit for a future cruise rather than a refund. Time limits on when that credit expires may be further extended to attract bookings. Each cruise line has different cancellation policies, so read the fine print carefully. Depending on when you booked and when your cruise is planned, major lines like Princess, Viking, Windstar, Seabourn, Holland America, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania are offering 125% credit for a future cruise (time limits vary) or a full refund. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara also extended to September 1 their Cruise with Confidence policy, which allows cancellations up to 48 hours prior to sailing.

Health questionnaires, in place before COVID-19 and then enhanced, may become more detailed. You already need to report any respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and often will have your temperature checked. New requirements might include, for example, listing all the cities and airports you’ve been in for three weeks prior to your cruise. If an outbreak is reported in one of those areas, passengers could then be subject to precautionary isolation in their cabins.

Cruise lines might take additional measures, too. For example, reducing the number of cabins available to be booked can reassure passengers. Not only would this provide more space on board, but more options would then be available for quarantining anyone who does show respiratory symptoms (guaranteeing a move to a balcony cabin if quarantined would likely increase booking confidence, too). When you book, ask what would happen if you need to be quarantined. We are sure that safety protocols will continue to evolve.

Train

Traveling by train is one of the great ways to immerse yourself in a place. As the world whooshes by, you can witness the busy confines of a city, the long coastlines of a peninsula, or the rolling hills of endless countryside. Train travel is fast, smooth, and often much cheaper than their flying counterparts—but can it be safe in a health crisis? Being that a train trip is typically longer than a car trip, and you are more likely to eat while aboard, how can you stay safe on a train, especially as you’re confined with many other passengers?

During and after a pandemic, train travel as you may have known it will cease to exist. While the views are still the same, the policies are drastically changing to meet the needs of the current climate. Of course, every country and policy is different, but you can broadly expect to see mandatory mask policies, occasional temperature checks, vigorous sanitation efforts, and potential delays because of all the measures.

The CDC has issued specific guidance for rail operators, workers, and customers. In addition to advising to frequently wash your hands, wear masks, and avoid touching your face, it goes further by telling operators to enact stronger sick leave policies, to implement training on sanitation techniques for employees, and to provide disinfectant supplies to keep all train areas clean at all times.

Amtrak is the main train service across the United States with both long haul and commuter lines traversing every part of the country. Because of COVID-19, Amtrak has instituted several new policies to keep both their staff and customers safe and secure. At time of writing, Amtrak is requiring all customers to wear face coverings with the exception of eating areas, within private cabins, when you’re sitting alone, or with a companion in your own seats.

Amtrak has also begun new enhanced cleaning protocols, cashless service, and are waiving change fees for reservations made before May 31, 2020. To ensure social distancing on its tracks, Amtrak is temporarily reducing sales of all class cabins to 50% of available seating as well.

Like air travel, there’s only so much you can control, especially when it comes to touching surfaces. Our recommendation is to wear a mask, bring disinfectant wipes, and be on the lookout for Purell stations.

As of this writing, almost all train travel throughout Europe has been postponed, limited, canceled, and restricted in some way. One of the most commonly purchased train tickets for tourists in Europe is the Eurail Pass, which allows you to hop on and off multiple trains around Europe with a one-time fee. Currently, Eurail is offering free exchanges for many of their ticket passes.

Of course, every European country operates their own trains and each country has different policies. Broadly, the European Union has issued a set of guidelines for all countries to follow. This includes wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, making hand sanitizer readily available, allowing a reduced number of customers, and limits on food and beverages, all to help avoid contact with others.

In the United Kingdom specifically, National Rail provides rail service to England, Wales, and Scotland, and like other places around the world has issued guidance to protect its customers. While the government itself has encouraged residents to avoid nonessential train travel, the railway is stepping up their sanitation methods, social distancing policies, and reduced service across the board. On the U.K.’s governing website, they offered further guidance for passengers, including staying two meters apart, wearing masks, using contactless payment methods, avoiding rush hours, washing hands before and after trips (don’t touch your face), and generally adhering to rules and information from experts.

Q&A with an Industry Expert s

Q&A with Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association

Cases of COVID-19 aboard a few cruise ships made the news. Can you share some facts?

While cruise ships may have made headlines during this crisis, the reality is that as of April 8, 2020, there were 2,816 confirmed cases (passengers and crew) of COVID-19 on board 43 of CLIA’s 277 oceangoing cruise ships. For context—2,035 out of 2,816 cases (over 72 percent) occurred on five ships.

The vast majority of affected ships had very few cases (average of 20), likely thanks to effective management and isolation procedures by medical staff and crew. In total, confirmed cases connected to cruise ships account for 0.07% of confirmed cases globally.

In the health context, what makes cruises different from other aspects of travel?

What’s different about the cruise industry is that oceangoing cruise ships are the only form of travel or transportation that must be medically equipped to care for passengers or crew in the event of illness. As a condition of membership within CLIA, cruise lines are required to fit their ships with medical facilities that meet the standards set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), which require that doctors and medical personnel be available on board 24/7.

Additionally, cruise ships must have an examination room, an intensive care room and equipment for processing labs, monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Furthermore, cruise ships are subject to stringent reporting requirements, which is a big reason why we know more about the virus’ impact on cruise ships, the smallest of any comparable travel sector, than we do almost any other setting within the travel or entertainment sectors.

What do cruise ships already have in place to keep passengers and crew safe?

Keeping passengers and crew safe has always been the number one priority for CLIA cruise lines. This is why the industry has a longstanding partnership with the U.S. CDC and the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) to make sure ships meet the strictest sanitation guidelines. No other travel, tourism, or entertainment industry has this type of federal program or oversight. As part of the program, cruise ship crews are trained in sanitation and health practices and ships undergo unannounced inspections twice a year.

When it comes to cleaning procedures, crews clean and sanitize surfaces—multiple times throughout the day—known for transmitting germs, such as handrails, door handles, and faucets. At the end of a voyage and before a new one begins, ships are cleaned completely from top to bottom.

CLIA cruise lines also help to educate cruise passengers on personal health and safety practices.

Known for the best train system in the world, Japan’s bullet trains zip across the country at hundreds of miles an hour and have near flawless records for being on time and for safety. While most of the restrictions are temporary, Japan has canceled more than 1,000 Joyful trains (trains with colorful characters painted on them, along with scenic routes), and have encouraged citizens to avoid nonessential travel.

The Japanese Health Minister has encouraged all people to frequently wash their hands and cover their faces with masks. The Central Japan Railway Company has also released safety guidelines and policies that include free refunds and changes on tickets, suspended service, and encouragement around mask usage and hand washing.

In a sign of what could become standard around the world, India has launched an app called Aarogya Setu for helping with contact tracing in regard to coronavirus. The government is requiring many of its citizens to download the app if they want to travel on airplanes and trains. On top of that, India is also asking its citizens to simply apply for movement passes during their lockdown for any essential travel needs.

In addition to contact tracing, Indian Railways are also stepping up their sanitation methods including face mask and glove requirements for workers, sanitizing all surfaces, and cleaning train bathrooms more regularly.