Come fly with me
Jack Troughton brings us his account of air travel in a Covid age
FLYING between Spain and the UK has become more complicated in current coronavirus times rather than the simple ‘ hop, skip and jump’ we have all grown used to in recent years.
Controversial quarantine rules apply to people arriving in Britain, passengers need to meet health requirements on landing at both borders – submitting a formal declaration separately to both governments - and all travellers need to raise their game in the ‘ new normal’ to help prevent the spread of Covid- 19.
Until boarding a UK flight earlier this month, the furthest I had travelled from my Costa Blanca home since the declaration of the state of emergency was Valencia. This was stepping up from an interregional to international journey and a passport was required.
A family matter – earlier cancelled when Boris Johnson’s government imposed a two- week self- isolation on travel from Spain in the hope it would quickly be lifted – was growing in urgency and it meant a quick return trip over four days.
Departing on a Thursday morning and returning on a Sunday night; even such a short visit is allowed by the UK regulations. Instead of self- isolation for 14 days, the quarantine period exists as long as a traveller remains in Britain. It is permissible to use public transport directly from the point of arrival to a destination and for the return journey.
Carry on case packed, a supply of surgical masks ready for service, and a bottle of sanitiser to hand, and the adventure begins.
Security at the Alicante terminal is a breeze; four ‘ lanes’ are open and it takes moments – even with a quick frisk as I’ve forgotten to take my wristwatch off ( again) – and the yellow brick road path through the duty free area is also clear, not many shoppers browsing the cut- price delights.
DEPARTURE
The departure lounge is similarly quiet. A well- known fast food chain is, as always, doing a roaring trade. Many food outlets are closed, but there is a choice and even some retail premises are open ( it’s not quite a ghost town).
Full marks for hygiene arrangements. There are reminders to where a mask and to use sanitiser and wash hands; there are banks of gel dispensers everywhere.
The Ryanair flight boards, no need to use the priority queue as passenger numbers mean there is none of the usual milling about at the gate. It means the human cargo is quickly on board and, in total, there are about 60 passengers and social distancing is not a problem – I’m in a window seat in an empty row.
The plane leaves 20 minutes ahead of schedule, so it was an early touch- down in Manchester. Before being allowed to passport control at the UK border, there are staff asking to see the British government’s health declaration –
passengers can show a ‘ hard’ copy of the form or the downloaded file on their mobile.
The usual crowd waiting for loved ones as passengers emerge into the terminal are missing – those meeting family and friends were being asked to wait outside to preserve social distancing. Once again, there are plenty of sites offering sanitiser and signs asking people to wear a mask and to observe safety guidance.
And while there are convenience outlets open – a supermarket, Boots, WH Smith and Greggs – the lounge bars and restaurants have their shutters down.
Outside the airport’s railway station, there was an opportunity to enjoy a coffee and catch up on emails before getting
the train but no chance of buying a platform- level drink or snack as the station buffet was closed.
PUNCTUAL
The train was punctual heading north to the Lakes and again on the return journey. The carriages were quiet, and passengers were encouraged to occupy the window seat, furthest away from the aisle.
Back at Manchester for the Easyjet flight back to Spain, security ( no pat down) was efficient and quick. Terminal One was eerily quiet and there was plenty of room to stretch out on seating ( if you were actually allowed to). Shops were open but closed much earlier than usual because of a lack of business.
Be ready to use technology, at a bar- restaurant a member of staff escorts clients to a table. The menu is available on and payment made via either a website or a QR code and not the straight contactless transaction that is becoming rapidly more common; the coins jingling in my pocket will have to stay for the next trip.
Again, sanitiser and mask reminders are all over the terminal and boarding is hassle free and quick; early departure promised but not achieved but flight left bang on the button. I have around 35 fellow passengers – the cabin crew were asking people not to change seats without permission as it could upset the balance of the aircraft.
Back in Spain, Alicante passport control remains its usual electronic barrier, shepherded by helpful staff. Just like in the UK, masks must be temporarily removed to allow the recognition wizardry to work and the gate to open.
It is entering the baggage hall things have changed for the Covid age. Staff are on hand to scan the code off either a phone or completed paperwork for the government health declaration. It pays to have this ready; the complication is the Spanish version can only be completed two days in advance, but the reply is almost instantaneous and can be downloaded from the email to a device.
In the current emergency, airlines provide a link to any official declaration forms needed at a destination when tickets are booked.