New measures in place
GOVERNMENTS, airlines and airports around the world are putting in place new measures to help protect travellers and allow for a return to the air during the global coronavirus pandemic.
Malaysia
The government is requiring airlines carry a maximum of half the usual number of passengers on board, with some exceptions on flights between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. At the airport, passengers must remain 1m apart from each other for social distancing, including markers in queues. Malaysia Airlines requires passengers to wear masks onboard.
United States
There are no government-imposed measures, though all major US airlines require face coverings and several are capping the number of seats sold or leaving middle seats empty. Many airports are also requiring face masks. Major US airlines have endorsed temperature checks at airports by the US Transportation Security Administration, which has implemented safety measures such as increased spacing in security checkpoint queues.
European Union and Britain
The European Commission has proposed that airlines and airports require passengers to wear masks, and reorganise check-ins, drop offs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds. Travellers should keep luggage and movement in the cabin to a minimum. The guidelines are not binding, but they may help form a framework in the bloc as restrictions are lifted. Britain is observing EU trade and travel regulations until the end of 2020.
China
The aviation regulator is requiring extra ventilation and sterilisation of airplanes and airports.
Passengers are required to wear masks and fill out an electronic health declaration before boarding and are asked to sit apart from each other on board.
Temperature checks are required and workers like cabin crew and security officers are offered protective gear.
Japan
The government has directed airlines to make in-flight announcements about health measures and to distribute health information cards and questionnaires. It has also asked airport staff to wear masks, but they are not mandatory for passengers. There is no requirement to keep the middle seat empty.
South Korea
The aviation regulator requires travellers’ temperatures be checked in the airport. Travellers need to stand at least 1m apart in line at airports, which are furnished with hand sanitisers. Korean Air Lines is seating passengers as far apart as possible, conducting additional temperature checks on international travellers and requiring all domestic passengers to wear masks, with a few exceptions such as children under two years old.
Indonesia
Airlines can only carry half the usual number of passengers as part of government requirements to leave 1m between them. Air crew are required to take the temperature of passengers 30 minutes before landing. Passengers must wear masks and fill in a health awareness card.
Thailand
Airlines need to leave at least one seat empty between passengers, who are required to wear surgical masks onboard. No food and beverages will be served during flights and passengers are not allowed to eat or drink. In an event of emergency, the cabin crew may provide water.
Philippines
The government requires passengers to wear masks upon entering the airport, mandatory temperature checks and for social distancing measures to be observed. Security screenings should be done with minimal contact. Passengers need to fill out an electronic health declaration form. – Reuters