Contactless Flights: How Pinoy Airlines Have Prepared for the New Normal in Travel

It's a new world.
by Meryl Medel | June 01, 2020

Forced to stay on the ground for many months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the airline industry — and the travel industry as a whole — have suffered many unprecedented losses. And it doesn’t even end there, because the travel landscape is already changing. But our local and regional airlines aren’t letting these setbacks deter them from pressing on. Like other companies, they’re changing their policies and protocols to adjust to the new normal, and we can see how dedicated they are in preparing for whatever upcoming travels you and all other passengers may have. Learn more about how our airlines are making contactless flights possible below.

Cebu Pacific

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On top of  frequently cleaning and disinfecting self-check-in kiosks, check-in and bag drop counters, and shuttle buses, Cebu Pacific requires all ground staff to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) while on duty.

But even if there are ground crew to assist you at the airport, you are encouraged to check in online to minimize human contact. Check-in counters will also be closed 60 minutes before the flight, so you should head to the airport at least three hours earlier before your scheduled boarding time.

When boarding, you need to hold your boarding passes with the barcode already facing the airline staff. Once onboard, you must wear your face mask at all times, as well as practice self-disposal of trash and waste. Middle seats will be kept empty as much as possible, and cabin crew will not allow any changing of seats to minimize contact.

Photo from Cebu Pacific Air

Prior to their flights, crew members, especially in-flight, will also undergo rapid antibody testing to ensure they are healthy and in top condition. They will be wearing PPEs and face masks all throughout the duration of the flight. In-flight crew members will be provided with gloves to service passengers and disinfectants to clean the aisles and seats. Lavatories will be sanitized every 30 minutes during the flight.

After each flight, aircrafts would go through disinfection procedures approved by the Bureau of Quarantine and World Health Organization, which includes misting of the cabin using an approved disinfectant and regular sanitation of all surfaces.

Philippine Airlines

Travelers flying with Philippine Airlines are encouraged to check in online prior to arriving at the airport. If you’re on a domestic flight, you should head to the airport at least 3 hours before departure, while those on international flights should go at least 4 hours prior to departure. There will be thermal scanning at airport entry points, as well as sanitizers at designated areas and other security check points, and you will be required to fill out a locator form before your flight.

You are required to bring your own face mask to be used at the airport and throughout the flight. If you show up without a face mask, you won’t be allowed to board. You’re also encouraged to bring your own sanitizer (maximum 70% alcohol content, and up to 10 pieces of 100 mL).

You will be seated in accordance to social distancing protocols, and all surfaces frequently touched will be wiped down using strong disinfectants, while the aircraft’s HEPA filters, which are normally used in hospitals and filter out particles and contaminants, will be maintained regularly.

Cabin crew members will wear PPEs and practice a simplified in-flight service approach to lessen human contact. Your meals and snacks will continue to be packed in sanitized containers and prepared in accordance to the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures.

AirAsia

As an AirAsia passenger, you are required to bring your own face mask and wear it throughout your stay in the airport, during the flight, and after, most especially during check-in and bag collection. If possible, you are encouraged to check in via the website or mobile app to ensure minimal human contact. But even if you have checked in, you are encouraged to go to the airport at least 3 hours before departure so that you’ll have ample time to finish all the required processes.

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Before your flight, you will undergo thermal scanning at several points in the airport, including entry points and boarding gates. Floor markers will be placed at queuing areas like the check-in counters and kiosks. Hand sanitizers will be available as well at designated areas. Only one piece of carry-on baggage is allowed per passenger, while the rest must be checked in.

The aircraft will be disinfected through aerosol spraying before and after each flight. Each AirAsia aircraft have been installed with HEPA filters for rigorous disinfecting.

Cabin crews will have their temperatures checked before and after their flights, and they will be required to wear PPEs, including masks and gloves, for the duration of the flight. They will be handling your meals with disposal gloves and preparing each menu item following strict food safety requirements. Crew members have also been trained to assist with any medical situation, especially identifying and isolating anyone onboard who may be exhibiting symptoms.

Upon arrival, you must fill out the health declaration forms provided and go through the thermal screening, as well as any mandatory quarantine, that may be required at your point of destination.

What do you think of these protocols? Tell us below.