Transport

You can get around the city by bus, metro, taxi, or bicycle with complete peace of mind, as long as you are fully aware of the measures that are in place for each form of transport in your destination. Check to find out if there are any route changes, avoid crowding, and don’t forget to wear your face mask and to use your hand sanitiser.

1. With safety in mind, what should you carry with you when using public transport?

As well as remembering your face mask, take some disinfectant gel to help keep your hands clean. Apply before and after your journey, and try to avoid touching your face as far as possible.

2. Always avoid peak times if you can

Whenever you can, avoid using public transport during the rush hour. At peak times look for alternatives, for example you could take a taxi. By planning your day carefully, you can make sure that your longest journeys don’t coincide with peak times. And of course you can always take advantage of the situation – why not go for a walk and enjoy the city from a different perspective?

3. How to reduce the risks during your journey?

Keep yourself informed and follow the regulations of each city and mode of transport. Don’t sit in restricted seats. Try to maintain a 1.5-metre distance from other passengers, as far as possible. Keep any contact with surfaces on transportation a minimum. Lastly, pay attention to crowds when alighting or disembarking in order to avoid them.

4. Alternative public transport

As well as the traditional forms of public transport, there are alternatives. You could hire a bike, either for the whole day, or for short journeys (thanks to bike share schemes), or personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as electric scooters may be another option. But of course, the healthiest option when you’re visiting a city is simply to walk.

This is because cabin air is completely changed every three minutes, on average, while the aircraft is cruising. Here we tell you about all the ways that both airports and airlines have adapted their services in order to minimise the risk of contagion, and to give you some tips for your trip.

1. What do I need to take into account before flying?

First of all, you should make sure that you comply with health control requirements, and that you have the necessary documentation for entry into the country you’re travelling to. Many airlines have placed restrictions on hand luggage in the cabin, so do check in advance with the company you’re flying with.

Check in online, have your boarding card ready on your mobile to avoid physical contact and arrive at the airport in plenty of time as social distancing protocols could increase waiting times. Do not go to the airport if you have a cough, fever or breathing difficulties.

2. Has anything changed at the airports?

The trays for depositing your belongings at security control points are regularly disinfected but try to avoid touching surfaces and objects as far as possible and don’t forget to maintain safe distances when queuing at check-in desks, security control, luggage reclaim, restaurants and ATMs.

3. During boarding and disembarkation

Passenger queues during boarding have also been reorganised to ensure social distancing, and you will find more signage, so you won’t be in any doubt about where you need to go. When getting on and off the plane, you’ll no doubt find that walkways are more commonly used than buses.

4. Hygiene and safety on board.

Aircraft are disinfected after each flight, and wearing a face mask and changing it every few hours is mandatory for both passengers and crew. When you get on the plane, you’ll be given a disinfectant wipe and a small bag for personal waste.

Before take off, pay attention to the safety demonstration given by the crew to learn about specific in-flight instructions under the current circumstances. The catering staff will probably provide you with an online menu accessible via a QR code, or a disposable single-use menu.

Also, remember to wear a mask at all times at the airport and during the flight, and apply hand gel often.