Here's What You Need to Know About Travelling During COVID-19
As countries around the world start to re-open their borders and welcome international travellers you’re probably wondering how is it all going to work? COVID-19 is here to stay for the foreseeable future. So what are airlines and resorts doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep you safe as a traveller?
Let’s break it down by some of the different places you could encounter on your next vacation
The Airport
In the Air
At an All Inclusive Resort
Insurance
Government Travel Warnings and Requirements
At The Airport
For most of us the beginning of our vacation starts at the airport. Prior to COVID-19, I would advise my clients to arrive two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and longer for international flights. With the extra precautions being taken for COVID-19, I’d recommend giving yourself even more time to account for extra screening.
While measures at each individual airport may vary, some of the things you can expect to find at the airport include
you’ll be required to wear a protective face covering throughout the airport
temperature checks
enhanced cleaning in high traffic areas and washrooms
extra hand sanitizer units placed throughout the airport
non-passengers will not be allowed into the departures or arrivals hall
services may be reduced such as children’s play area or restaurants and shopping
seating may be reduced to facilitate social distancing
you’ll see signage and hear announcements reminding you to physically distance, practice good hygiene and isolation requirements
When you approach the security screening checkpoints note that if you’re experiencing symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing you will be required to leave. Don’t forget to physically distance from other passengers in line. A few other things to note (these are Canadian regulations)
You will hold onto your own boarding pass (electronic or paper) while it is scanned
You can carry one bottle of hand sanitizer up to 355 ml in addition to the 100 ml liquid/gel bottles in your 1 L clear resealable bag
Hand sanitizing units have been placed by the checkpoints for you and the staff to use
You’ll notice that the screening officers will be wearing gloves and protective face coverings
Bins will be cleaned with increased frequency with an anti-viral cleaning product
In the Air
Air Canada is our national airline and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. That number is lower at the moment because of COVID-19, but it’s starting to rise again as travel restrictions ease in a variety of countries and demand rises. I’m going to focus on Air Canada’s efforts, however, most airlines have implemented similar programs. The below is current as of October 20, 2020 and is subject to change at any time.
Air Canada has implemented flexible and expanded booking options. You can make a one-time change without a fee for all new or existing bookings made through December 31, 2020 for original travel between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.
Air Canada has created it’s CleanCare+ program to address customer safety during the pandemic with end-to-end health and safety protocols.
You should always check-in remotely via the Air Canada app or online at aircanada.com. New measures are being implemented at check-in, like health screening questions and pre-flight infrared temperature checks for customers, as well as the disinfection of frequently touched areas like check-in counters and kiosks.
You’ll be required to wear a protective face covering throughout your entire journey as will the employees.
When it comes time to board your flight you’ll find the same frequent disinfecting and cleaning protocols at the gate. You’ll continue to wear your protective face covering as will the employees. You may be required to answer additional health-related questions before boarding as well.
You must remain seated at the boarding gate until your boarding zone is called. You will be expected to scan your own boarding pass. The gate will close 30 minutes prior to departure so don’t be late!
The plane will be boarded in the following order:
Customers who have requested wheelchair assistance or who self-identify as having a disability and need more time to board.
Zones 1 and 2 (may also board at any time).
Families with children under the age of 6, or those travelling with musical instruments (may also board when their zone is called).
Zones 3 to 8, from back-to-front, window-middle-aisle.
When you board the aircraft, you’ll find that all high-touch areas have been sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant. This is done before every flight. These surfaces include
tray tables
personal screen and surfaces of the in-flight entertainment area
seat belt buckles
seat controls
armrests
cabin windows and shades
light switches
air circulation controls
overhead bin handles
The HEPA filtration system on the plane captures 99% of airborne particles and continually refreshes cabin air.
The washrooms on board are also cleaned with a disinfectant. An electrostatic disinfectant sprayer is being used as part of their sanitation procedures.
Every time the aircraft overnights it receives a thorough cleaning that includes surfaces such as sidewalls, ceiling areas and inside of each overhead bin.
Air Canada will be providing disposable Customer Care Kits that contain a complimentary mask, gloves, headset, bottled water, snack, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. In addition to the wipes in your kit, you’ll find wipes easily accessible during meal service and in the washrooms.
Once you arrive at your destination, on-board announcements will remind you to maintain distancing while deplaning. Your baggage will be spaced out upon delivery and please only send one person from your party to the carousel to collect your bags.
If you’re travelling outside of Canada - talk to me, your travel consultant, before departing to ensure you are eligible to enter your destination - a lot of borders are still closed! I’ll talk further on this in the Government Requirements section.
At an All-Inclusive Beach Resort
All-inclusive vacations are a favorite for many people. There are hundreds of all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and many have re-opened already.
A popular family of resorts are the AMResorts, which includes these properties
Zoetry
Secrets
Breathless
Dreams
Now
Reflect
Sunscape
AMResorts has created the Clean Complete Verification to elevate their standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts property with the ultimate peace of mind. Most resorts have similar programs in place.
Let’s look at what you can expect on your vacation.
When you arrive at the resort you’ll be offered alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cleanse your hands. The lobby is cleaned with high-grade disinfectants every hour. The receptionist will clean the desk area with disinfectant between serving each guest and will apply hand sanitizer to their own hands. Staff will take your temperature with a thermal scanner or infrared thermometer at check in and when you return from off-site activity. Make sure you know your travel history for the past 14 days - the staff will want to ensure you are not coming from a COVID hot spot. You’ll complete a health declaration form as well.
If you do present with symptoms upon arrival, you’ll be guided to an isolation area where you may consult with the resort’s on-site doctor.
When you get to your room, you’ll find a door hanger indicating your room has been cleaned following the Cristal International Standards® room cleaning process. You’ll find a full overview of the cleaning and sanitizing process for your room and different areas of the resort will be available in a print out found in your room, on in-room tablets, and the resort TV channel.
No worries about the remote, tablet, extra blankets or other high touch surfaces in your room. They’ve all been sanitized and you’ll find them in vacuum-sealed packaging. They’ve even added a pocket size gel hand sanitizer to your amenity kit in your room!
You’ll also find plenty of hand sanitizer throughout the resort in common areas and staff will even be bringing it around and offering it to you!
All areas throughout the resort with high human contact are getting increased cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day. This includes restrooms, loungers, tables and chairs in restaurants, sports equipment such as volleyballs and tennis rackets, stair rails and elevators to name a few.
They haven’t forgotten about physical distancing as well. You’ll find that beach and pool loungers are spaced further apart than normal. Activities that would normally involve physical contact such as dance classes, will be replaced with alternative activities that allow for distancing. During the evening show the seating in the theatre will be spread out as well. All bars and restaurants have been rearranged to allow for physical distancing
On the topic of bars and restaurants let’s dive a little deeper into those protocols.
To start, extra training is in place for the staff, in particular a review of hand washing techniques is done at the start of every shift with food service staff.
If you are dining with a group of 5 or more guests, make a reservation in advance so that the staff can adjust the tables for you.
Make use of the hand sanitizer when entering the bars and restaurants.
Bar snacks will be available in individual portions. Restaurant menus will be on boards, or available on mobile devices. The use of physical menus will be limited. Tablecloths will be changed after every use. Breadbaskets will not be used - but don’t worry, you‘ll still get it, but just in an individual portion. At the buffet, your food will be offered to you by a server wearing a mask. Sneeze barriers are in place over the food. A la carte options have been added to the buffet restaurants as well. For your room service, your food will covered and your waiter will wear masks and gloves. If you’d rather set up your own dining area in your room you can opt to do that or have your waiter do it.
If you fancy a visit to the spa, you can do so with confidence. Increased cleaning and sanitization is taking place here as well. Lockers are cleaned between each use. Your spa amenities such as robes and sandals are disinfected and presented in sealed packaging. You’ll find that all spa staff wear protective face coverings.
When it comes time to check out you can use the express service to reduce in-person contact.
In addition to all of the above, AMResorts have created new staff positions to oversee the health and safety measures. Regular training is done with all personnel to ensure their own health and safety as well as yours. Any employees who exhibit symptoms will be required to self-quarantine until they are cleared to return to work.
If all of those measures put you at ease, you may be ready for your next all inclusive vacation!
Insurance
I always encourage my clients to protect their vacation with travel insurance. And since the world has been impacted with COVID-19, it’s become clearer than ever that travel insurance is a necessity. As of October 20, 2020 insurance is available to cover your for COVID-19 while travelling, even with the Level 3 Canadian government travel advisory in effect.
Keep in mind the info below is only applicable for the travel insurance I sell through Allianz Global Assistance and is valid as of October 20, 2020. Other Allianz policies sold through different channels may have different terms and conditions.
If you’re looking to book a new trip, cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions or outbreaks will not be covered under a standard cancellation policy as it’s considered to be a known risk. If you fall ill due to COVID-19 prior to departure in Canada and need to cancel your trip, Allianz will honor it’s trip cancellation policies in this case. Always check your policy to ensure you have coverage. Additionally, you can opt for the Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy. The CFAR policy may cover some of the eligible expenses if you decide to cancel. We can discuss the details and fine print at the time of booking.
As for COVID-19 related illness while travelling, Allianz is now offering COVID-19 medical coverage.
When planning your next vacation I will present the available travel insurance options to you and answer any questions you may have so you can make the most informed decision.
Government Travel Warnings and Requirements
Travellers must contend with provincial, territorial and/or country specific entrance requirements now more than ever. Canadian’s rarely have to worry about if they are eligible to enter a country as our passport is one of the most powerful in the world. But with COVID-19, many countries have closed their borders, or implemented strict requirements to enter. The rules that are in place today can quickly change tomorrow with the evolving COVID-19 situation in various countries.
In addition to the status of borders, many countries have imposed strict requirements for entry such as negative COVID-19 tests or mandatory quarantine periods. It is the responsibility of you, the traveller, to be aware of these requirements and make arrangements to ensure you meet them before departure.
When you return home you will likely be subject to quarantine requirements as well. As most of my clients are within the Atlantic Bubble, then you can travel freely within those 4 provinces without quarantine upon arrival or return. If you leave the Atlantic Bubble and travel to other provinces or territories within Canada or internationally then you will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon your return. For my other Canadian clients, if you travel internationally you will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
For up to date country specific information, check out the Sitata tool below.