Since 2020, the travel industry has been on a roller coaster. Even as the vaccination campaigns began in Europe and the US, many countries slammed shut their borders to tourists from the UK due to the coronavirus’s new strain. Although the number of individuals in the US is on the rise, testing regulations and a patchwork of quarantine remain intact in most parts of the country.
Globally, coronavirus has killed around 1.5 million individuals, short-circuited economies, and sickened millions more. Of all the sectors reeling from its caustic effects, the airline industry has upended like no other. Although it is unclear just what changes to the travel landscape can be in place ten years from now, some answers are beginning to come into focus. To help you understand what continuing travel restrictions and bans will mean for airports in 2021, here are details to guide you through:
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Table of Contents
Immunity Passports
Although many Brits will be immunized this year, this doesn’t necessarily imply that you can’t be able to spread coronavirus to other people. Borders might take long to completely reopen, particularly in developing countries, which will not receive vaccines faster like fully developed nations. Requirements for social distancing will remain the same throughout 2021, and apart from coronavirus tests, sort of proof to fly overseas, you may also need immunity passports.
Hopefully, tests will become available in many locations, faster and cheaper, particularly at more airports. Though it has started to become a routine for many individuals to take tests before and after having a trip.
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Airline Flexibility
Today, airports are giving way more flexibility than they used to last year. Based on Omar Kaddouha reports, this could be a game-changer if you want to take advantage of the early booking deals. Earlier this year, the likes of American Airlines, United, Alaska, and Delta announced they’ll get rid of change fees that are usually around $210 charge airlines offered to itinerants who needed to change their travel dates on non-refundable airplane tickets.
Now, there is no need to have that extra expense if you want to push back travel arrangements. That said, getting rid of the change fees doesn’t necessarily mean that you will receive a refund. Rather it means that you will not incur charges for postponing your travel date, but you might have to pay more if you choose to switch to a time or day with higher airfares.
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Mask Requirements
Crews and passengers on every international flight should put on a face mask, especially in an Australian airport. Passengers also need to put on masks on overseas airlines.
In addition, kids below 12 years should not wear face masks, and those with official medical certificates stating the passengers shouldn’t put on one.
In Summary!
Other than adhering to the requirements in the coronavirus tests provided by the CDC when entering countries like the US, following foreign nationals and international travels, you should get prepared to answer a few questions from a Customs and Border Protection Officer concerning the nature of qualifications and entry of designated exemption or waiver.
The goal of these measures is to delay the spread of the new strain and lower the current infection rate to ensure hospitals have enough rooms for coronavirus patients in the coming months.