More people are returning to the skies for traveling. Whether it is a regional, domestic, or international flight, the experience has changed from 2019 prior to the pandemic. While most of the COVID-19 restrictions and protocols have been lessened, there are still some things that passengers need to know before booking that next flight.

In this article, we’ll discuss ways to maintain personal safety measures at the airport, but we’ll also explore some unique ways to avoid crowds at your destination, such as luggage storage in King’s Cross Station. Regardless of where you are traveling, it is important to stay up-to-date on the protocols and guidelines in that area. With your health and safety in mind, let’s examine five tips for air travel during COVID.

1. Maintain Social Distancing When You Can

There is no rule that you have to sprint into line and smash close to everyone else once they call your group number, yet people have already returned to this pre-pandemic practice. Similarly, once you have scanned your ticket and are waiting on the jet bridge, you do not have to push up against the person standing in front of you.

You will have plenty of time to find your seat and get comfortable while the remaining passengers board the plane. Maintain six feet of distance from the person in front of you or whatever amount of space you feel comfortable with. Oftentimes, this has an impact on the person behind you who will grant you a little more space when they see this. These small things can make a big difference.

2. Don’t Follow the Crowd to the Hotel

What is the first thing people do once they land? They flag down a vehicle to take them to the hotel. Just like at the airport, there is no rule that says you must immediately check in at your hotel once you land, but almost everyone does. This causes a big crowd and crammed lines waiting at the front desk.

Avoid the masses by utilizing unique options at your destination like luggage storage in King’s Cross Station. Most people go to the hotel first because they want to drop off their bags. However, with luggage storage in King’s Cross Station and many other convenient locations, you can leave your bags there for a low cost and immediately be free to roam your new city.

On the other side of that, you could take advantage of luggage storage in King’s Cross Station or another location to spend less time at the airport before your return flight. If you have a later flight but you have to check out of your hotel first, an alternative like this can help you avoid sitting with groups of travelers at the airport.

3. Be Respectful

We’ve all seen the awful viral videos of unruly passengers getting into someone else’s face, or flight attendants having to restrain a person because a situation escalated too far. These incidents happen at a low rate, so don’t let them ruin your excitement about traveling again. Be respectful of others, and know that you are entitled to respect as well. If someone is causing a problem, remain calm and call over a flight attendant before it becomes worse.

Speaking of flight attendants, show an extra amount of respect to them. A tough job even before the pandemic, COVID regulations and protocols have only added to its difficulty.

4. Bring Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

There is nothing wrong with taking extra precautions. With the quick turnover between flights, many people used to bring hand sanitizer and wipes with them before the pandemic to stave off unwanted germs. Although it was standard procedure early in the pandemic to receive some pre-packaged wipes upon boarding, airlines have started to reduce how often they do this now. Either way, if you bring your own, you will have them with you to use throughout your trip.

5. Know the Rules Where You Are Going

As restrictions are being lifted around the world, some geographic areas remain more impacted by COVID than others. Stay up to date on what the expectations are wherever you are heading. If you are traveling out of the country, it is even more imperative to know the guidelines because violating them can severely hamper your trip, not to mention it might affect your timeline for returning home.

Conclusion

With flying becoming a normal method of travel again, some consumers have become much more relaxed on COVID guidelines and policies. However, be aware that the virus is still highly contagious. Poor COVID safety can not only ruin your trip, it can also put others at risk unnecessarily.

Be sure to know the COVID guidelines wherever you are traveling and realize that they can change quickly. Also, consider some outside-the-box ideas to avoid crowds, such as luggage storage in King’s Cross Station to spend less time in airport and hotel lines. These tips will all make your trip safe and memorable