As professional Travel Agents we felt it essential that we experienced the airport and airline experience before booking holidays for our clients in the new age of travel following tight restrictions for the last 3 – 4 months. Having read a number of articles and media information on what the whole experience might look like we are delighted to share with you our own findings of the airport, airline and our destination of choice.
We flew from London Stansted Airport and knew in advance from our own research that face coverings would be required upon entry into the terminal building. Although this was the case, there was no official signage or airport staff enforcing this. Even still, it was pleasing to find 95% of people within the terminal were wearing masks. Upon entry there were hand sanitation stations available. These together with the addition of signage were the only visible differences until reaching security. There is plenty of signage available to remind people of the social distancing requirements and there was also a sign to suggest masks were available to buy but we strongly recommend this is something you sort out in advance – for further information on masks, read our Top Tips!
The queues for security are offering spacing indications on the floor similar to those find at the supermarket and most people were being sensible, adhering. When we reached the actual bag check area, Perspex screens had been installed to ensure a physical barrier between you, those passengers standing next to you and the staff.
When through security the vast majority of the shops, bars and restaurants were closed. Of course, this will change in time but if travelling imminently, you are likely to find very little choice of food and drink other than a Boots Meal Deal or from vending machines. Everything else appeared ‘normal ‘apart from the seating areas, where signs have been placed on alternate seats to avoid close contact – again for the most part this was being adhered to. We walked to our gate and found similar signage throughout the terminal.
There was no sign of the temperature checks that were indicated would take place, and there was a distinct lack of sanitation points once through security, whereas in Dublin our destination airport, they had sanitation stations frequently placed from terminal through to the gate. Of course, all airports will differ, and we can only comment on our own observations on the day of travel.
Boarding was civilized with the steps and line markers to board the aircraft having relevant space markers on the floor – again, as you would now expect to find in a supermarket. Passengers on the whole were respectful of each other’s additional personal space. When seated there was no indication of socially distanced seating reservations, some rows were full and some were empty but those sitting in full rows were allowed to move to where there was more space if they so wished. The plane did actually smell super clean which was nice and it was clear it had been cleaned thoroughly before boarding. The onboard experience differed only by the refreshments available, which were minimal, and for duty free, which we were advised to order from the app – we were puzzled how this might be possible with no Wi-Fi but decided that this should be considered pre-boarding. The safety announcements were the same except for the additional confirmation that face masks were to be worn at all times, other than whilst eating or drinking or in the case of emergency, should be removed before using the oxygen masks.
No queueing was allowed for the toilets. It was suggested that we should press the call button to request a visit but this was not mentioned in the announcements, so again a little puzzled as to what the protocols might be. The toilets were not cleaned between visits which we had expected.
When we disembarked in Dublin, the crew insisted we exited the aircraft row by row from the front, reducing the usual mad scramble and push and shove which was pleasant and we decided would be a welcome change in the new age of flying! On arrival there were more hand sanitizer stations available, good signage and good social distancing marking, however there were noticeably several staff not wearing masks which we found odd and rather different to Stansted.
Landing back at Stansted later than same day, the whole experience was rather different with the usual scramble to get off. We then had to board two waiting buses which seemed to have no restrictions on numbers and therefore social distancing, so we can only conclude it may take some time to get a more consistent approach. All in all, it was evident that huge efforts are being made by the airport, the airlines and the passengers throughout.
We cleared security in Dublin ever so quickly without queuing, or temperature checks. Again, space markers were in place but the airport was relatively quiet so we sailed straight through. We completed the mandatory Public Health Passenger Locator Form, which we handed to the officer on the desk. We noticed all car hire desks were closed at the airport with alternative temporary arrangements in place for passengers due to collect vehicles.
There were plenty of airport staff on hand to ask for assistance. They pointed us in the right direction for a bus. The public buses had more signage displayed remining passengers to social distance and keep seats free where possible. We found 80% of passengers to be wearing masks and concluded, we must each take responsibility for our own safety even if others are not as mindful. Half an hour later we left the bus and walked down O’Connell Street, over the Liffy and around the Temple Bar area. Pubs that serve food in Ireland were allowed to open from 29th June so even though Ireland was a few days ahead of the UK in this respect, we found pubs in the main tourist areas to remain closed. A member of staff at The Temple Bar Bar confirmed they did not plan to re-open until September due to a lack of tourists. We made visits to both a café and a pub to sample the experience. Alcohol could not be served without a minimum food order and the pub took contact details as if planned for here in the UK. All in all a pleasant experience. Everyone we spoke to in Dublin was super friendly and welcoming. Masks were not required inside shops, bars or restaurants although we did find some staff to be wearing face coverings. A number of the major tourist attractions were still closed so keep this in mind – whilst some people will see this as a negative, if you want o keep away from the crowds and simply see the sights, this could be a great time to travel. What was missing was the atmosphere and usual buzz
It was on the whole a pleasant experience with a few subtle changes however the main thing we learnt was that you need to take responsibility for your own safety and wellbeing. Some will naturally be more nervous than others and you need to travel with an open mind on how you can protect yourself rather than berating others as it could become a rather fraught experience as we all feel differently regards the risk of catching this virus. In order to make your journey as comfortable as possible, we have put together our Top Tips:
