Looking Ahead: How are travel agents preparing for travel after covid-19?
When it’s time to travel again, we will all want peace of mind to ensure the health and safety of our families. Travel agents are hard at work, preparing for travel after COVID-19. We are learning everything we can about how airlines, hotels and resorts are preparing to welcome guests again.
In the past few weeks, the travel industry has made incredible strides to prepare for our new normal. I joke that the “We care!” emails from travel partners have quickly morphed into “We clean!” emails. Everyone is covering this topic, including this great video recap from Travel & Leisure.
Here are some of the changes we’re seeing airlines and hotels take so that guests can still receive the very best vacation experience possible.
Note: This info is subject to change at any time. If you have future travel plans, please follow your airlines and resorts closely for updates. As always, I am here to help if you have questions!
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WHAT TRAVEL AGENTS ARE LEARNING ABOUT AIRPORTS + AIRLINES AND COVID-19
Airlines and airports are taking the necessary precautions to protect travelers during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. For example, in addition to increased sanitation standards, you’ll find that many airports will adhere to the following:- Allowing only ticketed passengers in terminals
- Face mask usage for travelers and airport employees
- In some airports, implementing disinfection tunnels and thermal scanners
- In some airports, TSA is creating scheduled time-slots for security to prevent large crowds from gathering
- Additional health screening upon check-in
- Protective plexiglass barriers at gates
- Taped arrows to direct foot traffic in for proper social distancing
- Touchless boarding check-in
- Aircraft are being equipped with state-of-the-art air circulation systems to help filter in fresh air
- Some are also installing a new fogging system to disinfect all transoceanic flights
- Increased sanitation of all seating, tray tables, tv screens, food carts, and other common areas
Other airlines are implementing a face mask requirement for all employees and passengers. These requirements are subject to change, but currently include:
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue
- Spirit Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Air Canada
American Airlines
- Allegiant Air
WHAT TRAVEL AGENTS ARE LEARNING ABOUT Resorts + Hotels AND COVID-19
You can expect many hotels to be very proactive about their health and safety efforts moving forward. In addition to their typical cleaning protocols, many resorts like Unico, Palace, Royalton, and Palladium are raising the bar to keep their guests safe. More specifically, you’ll find that many properties are:
- Implementing touchless check-in processes, including new check-in apps
- Increasing the frequency of cleaning in public spaces, such as the lobby, front desk, and public bathrooms
- Adjusting how restaurants serve guests, from reservation based dining to staff-served buffets or pre-portioned “grab and go” items
- Increasing room service options
- Installing hand sanitation stations throughout the resort
- Temperature checks among guests and employees in high traffic areas to ensure everyone is healthy
- Implementation of social distancing guidelines and capacity control
- New and improved food safety and sanitation procedures
- Air filtration and sanitation systems to disinfect the air
- Prompt staff care, training, and awareness
WHAT TRAVEL AGENTS ARE LEARNING ABOUT ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT REOPENING DATES
As of now, we know of a few destinations that have plans for re-opening. Of course, these dates could change at any time, but this is what we know so far:
- Aruba: Many destinations targeting a June 15 or July 1 open date
- Cancun, Mexico: Many resorts targeting a June 15 or July 1 open date
- Cozumel, Mexico: Many resorts targeting a July 1 open date
- Costa Rica: Many resorts targeting a late June or early July open date
- Dominican Republic: Many resorts targeting a July 1 open date
- Jamaica: Many resorts targeting a June 1 open date
- Los Cabos, Mexico: Many resorts targeting late June opening dates
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Most resorts targeting a July 1 open date
- St. Lucia: Many resorts targeting a mid-June open date
- Other Caribbean: Many destinations are targeting mid-June
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