Local and International Air Travel

[HumanShield]

Has anyone had experience flying locally and/or internationally during this time(COVID era)? Are the airlines more stringent on flights abroad than they are on local flights?

 

[Hamster]

Local: we flew to CPT end October last year. If you cannot prove that you are getting on a plane you cannot enter the airport. They made took our temperature etc and apart from having to wear a mask the whole time including the flight the rest was pretty much the same...even had breakfast at the mugg n bean.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Has anyone had experience flying locally and/or internationally during this time(COVID era)? Are the airlines more stringent on flights abroad than they are on local flights?

Yes

 

[Hamster]

International: pick your country...

We are looking at going to the Netherlands. As things stand there is a complete flight ban, but if it was lifted you would need a negative PCR test that's no older than 72 hours once you land. For The Netherlands you also need a second test done no later than four hours before you board, and then there is the potential (required?) quarantine of 10 days afterwards.

 

[TPants]

Flew through Doha to Heathrow on Qatar end of last year and they definitely much stricter than our local airlines. They served their normal food etc but you have to wear a mask and a face shield at all times during only removing it while eating/drinking. They go around and tell everyone to put it on if you don’t have it. Boarding was slower than normal but with so few flights, the security and immigration queues were practically non existent.

Local is the same as before covid on board except you must wear a mask.

 

[Casey1511]

I flew to Jhb from Amsterdam just before Christmas. I also did the same return flight in August.

International flights seem to be much more strict with Covid regulations (which is also what I hear from friends). With KLM there was at least a seat open on both sides of me, even on the fuller flights. The measures are strict, bathrooms get sanitised regularly, masks on at all time except for meals, etc.

Domestic flights were a completely different story. I flew Mango and we were packed in like sardines. They try to keep some social distancing in place at the airport, but after check-in, things get a bit worrying. I was annoyed that I travelled very safely, and then the last hour-long leg of my trip felt like they weren't taking it seriously enough.

Hope that answers your question?

 

[TofuMofu]

Took my mother to OR Tambo yesterday morning. They scanned temperatures at the entrance and made us use the sanatiser and there are posters up everywhere to wear a mask correctly (over the nose oomies and tannies...).

Other than that it was pretty normal. We even had breakfast at Mugg and Bean before she went through security towards her gate.

 

[Nicholas Lisse]

No issue really, airports won't let you in unless you have a confirmed booking.

Lounges/Stores/Restaurants are closed or limit entrance.

Boarding is done row by row, which goes very quickly than the usual free for all.

In-flight, you need to wear a mask, even when asleep. Not allowed to walk around or stand in front of the bathrooms.

 

[TofuMofu]

No issue really, airports won't let you in unless you have a confirmed booking.

Lounges/Stores/Restaurants are closed or limit entrance.

Boarding is done row by row, which goes very quickly than the usual free for all.

In-flight, you need to wear a mask, even when asleep. Not allowed to walk around or stand in front of the bathrooms.

I was there literally yesterday. Restaurants were open and they let me in even though I wasn't flying, my mother was.

 

[Nicholas Lisse]

I was there literally yesterday. Restaurants were open and they let me in even though I wasn't flying, my mother was.

good for you. Thanks for updating