The COVID 19 Travel Conundrum

Just returned from the first business trip since the outbreak of the pandemic. If you are on the fence about resuming air travel, I hope reading this post will help you in your decision.

Before traveling.

A negative PCR test result  is mandatory . Each country has their own requirement of the time frame before the test needs to be taken in order to allow you to board the flight. Check the approved labs before you travel – Also airline websites regarding validity requirement of tests. Rates for the tests are coming down and most Gulf airlines have arrangements with some hospitals for lower rates.

For those traveling from Dubai, make sure you fill the GDFRA form before you travel , to ensure your re entry into Dubai. This approval is valid for 28 days , and takes not more than a day to receive.

Before travel to any country, make sure you are updated on the quarantine rules there. Some places impose 14 days, some 7 days and some countries don’t have any quarantine requirements. For business trips I don’t recommend traveling to countries which still have quarantine requirements. Some countries put a stamp on your hand to force quarantine, but reports have come that the stamp fades away with one use of the sanitizer.

Airport and Inflight

The usual buzzing airports are a shadow of their past. Restaurant and the duty free services are partially functional.  At the check in counter you need to talk to the staff through a sneeze guard similar to our offices. The days of free upgrade are over, in fact the staff told me that she heard the word “free upgrade” from me after six months. For travelers like me who don’t buy the exit row seat, but haggle for it at check in, there is disappointing news. Nothing is free, you need to pay at the counter or in the flight if you see an empty exit row seat. Carry a printout of your COVID test report, they also accept on the phone , but it gets challenging managing gloves , face mask , etc and a phone. The crew uniforms are barely visible under the protective kits they are wearing.

In the flight you need a mask at all times , wear a face shield for extra protection , in case someone in the next seat sneezes or snores you are safe. Carry your own headphones for your safety. The entertainment system has not been updated since COVID started, so carry your own entertainment also. When the food comes , it’s a challenge to manage the mask , shield , gloves and headphones without dropping food all over. Recommended to practice eating at home , wearing the full gear. The Special meals options no longer exist – just veg and non veg. Even if you order special meals on the website, you will not get it. The WiFi connection which used to be free for Emirates Gold and Platinum members is downgraded to Apps only. To access e mails you need to buy a package of US $ 9.99. Keep sanitizing your hands frequently. Basically if your hand stops smelling of alcohol , it is time to re sanitize.

Destination and Back

At destinations choose hotels which are maintaining social distance measures. These are clearly mentioned on websites such as booking.com. The days of buffet breakfasts are over, the food is served on the table. Wherever the gyms and pools are open , please maintain your social distance and clean all equipment before and after use. Wear gloves while working out. Business hotels are a long way away from even 50 % capacity ,so some areas will look deserted. As a norm avoid crowded places.

Once you land , make sure that you take the PCR test again in time for you to travel back. Carrying a hard copy of this test report is preferable. If you arrive at Dubai airport you need to download the Covid-19 Dxb app , and take the PCR test again. You need to self isolate until the test results are received.

This is the new normal , but life needs to go on – Travel needs to take place. As more countries relax the quarantine rules, the more frequent air travel will get.

In conclusion, if there is no quarantine requirements in the destination country , we should get going.

#Staysafe       #wewillgetthroughthis