Post Covid Domestic Flying experience

Post Covid -Domestic Flying experience in India

Last I took a flight was in late Feb 2020. Starting March most companies issued advisory against flying and India underwent a most severe lockdown starting March when all airlines and trains were grounded for over two months. However, since May 2020 most airlines started limited operations in India and recently, I had to travel from Bangalore to Delhi due to personal reasons. My family and I were anxious about flying in these times however post my flight I thought of writing and sharing my experience via this blog to clear some air around domestic flying in India.

I travelled from Bangalore to Delhi on 20th Sept using Air Vistara flight. When I arrived at Bangalore airport, I was pleasantly surprised to see one single lane with proper social distancing for entry to the airport. There were BIAL staff manning the ques and even everyone’s temperature was being checked and sanitizer being given before getting to entry gate. Passengers with mask on were allowed. At the gate CISF personal checked our boarding passes through a glass partition and let me go inside. At the check in counter it was fairly quick since I had pre checked in with boarding pass in hand, luggage was smoothly checked in and there was no physical contact and no luggage receipt was handed over.   

After going up security checks lines were also well managed with social distancing and I arrived at my gate well in advance. These days it’s advised to reach airports about 1.5 – 2 hours before your flight departure time. 

Vistara airlines announced boarding by 4 rows at a time starting at last row and it was very well managed process. Every passenger was handed over a mask, a sanitizer bottle and a face shield. Passengers who got a middle seat were also given PPE gowns to wear. Flight took off on time and water bottles and pre packed snacks were served. Every passenger was wearing mask and face shield. Upon landing in Delhi everyone was asked to deplane upon announcing 4 rows at a time and process was smooth. Passengers could throw their PPE, gloves, face shields etc. in special bins kept in Delhi airport. Sanitized luggage arrived on time and I left with Mask on.  

Overall, I felt quite happy and safe. At Delhi airport there was Temperature check for every passenger walking out of Terminal 3.

Upon my return on 26th Sept from Delhi to Bangalore, I noticed a change that at Delhi T3, they have installed very large size UV sanitizers to sanitize our hand baggage before entering the airport and rest of the process was same. I was told that even check baggage is UV sanitized before loading onto the flight. Few lessons for first time post COVD Flyers in India.

1.     Reach airport approximately 2 hours before your flight. Carry your mask (mandatory) and gloves and PPE gowns if you wish to be extra careful.

2.     Sealed Water bottles are being given in the flight. Carry a sanitizer in your pocket.

3.     Respect social distancing and follow row wise boarding and de boarding process