Additional security measures of some airlines.

Many airlines are implementing new hygiene and safety policies to protect their passengers and crew personnel from COVID-19 transmission.

These measures are essential to increase the confidence of passengers regarding the safety of air transport, since some flights are still active in certain countries, which has led airlines to change their travel experience for the few people on board their aircraft, thus allowing them to carry out the procedures related to their trips with the maximum guarantee in this world situation.

In this way, many airlines have reinforced compliance with the “social distance” between passengers and crew, for which they have already made some proposals regarding a new seat design that keeps users protected from the spread from any virus. In addition, they will carry the boarding process out in a staggered manner and with more peace of mind for airline travelers and employees.

Another of the most common measures taken by the different airlines is the inclusion of cleaning routines, where the planes can be disinfected after each flight.

Main airlines that have taken measures in the US:

JetBlue was the first U.S. airline to require its passengers and crew to wear face masks, beginning May 4. In addition, it has limited the number of seats available on most of its flights.

Delta Airlines has blocked intermediate seats, and has reduced the number of passengers on each flight, addressing ten customers each time and changing the food and beverage service to reduce the points of contact between passengers and crew; Like American Airlines, who have decided not to assign any passenger the intermediate seat of the cabin, nor the seats near the stewardesses, unless it is strictly necessary.

United Airlines has implemented changes in boarding assignments and seats to promote social distancing and has required its flight attendants to wear face masks during each operation.

Asia has also joined the implementation of new anti-Covid-19 security measures:

• Malaysia Airlines, for example, has required crew-members and each of their passengers – except babies – to wear face masks since April 23.
• Korean Air has provided protective clothing for its cabin staff that includes face masks, goggles, and gloves. “They provide protective gowns on incoming medium and interminable distances flights as Covid-19 cases abroad continue to increase significantly,” says Korean Air in describing its protection policies. Similarly, all passengers of this airline must use masks and hand sanitizer, which is supplied by Korean Air during their stay at airports and on airplanes.
• AirAsia unveiled its extra equipment and protective clothing so that its workers are not exposed to the spread of Covid-19 on their next flights.

The new suits will be made by Filipino fashion designer Puey Quiñones, who will recover the characteristic red color of the Asian airline. All cabin staff, both pilots and service personnel should use these on each of the national and international flights.