If you thought flying before the COVID-19 pandemic was stressful enough, you won’t be glad to know that it’s even more hectic now. 

With the coronavirus still a major problem across the globe, flying internationally (or even locally) requires more effort and preparation.  

But the good news is that you can reduce your stress and anxiety if you know what to do and prepare accordingly. 

Here are our top tips to help you: 

Before Your Flight 

• Make sure you’re not sick. 

First and foremost, do not travel if you are sick, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or were in close contact with someone who is sick. Make sure you’re well and healthy enough to fly – otherwise, you would be putting yourself and others at risk. 

• Check Government guidelines. 

Keep up to date with the latest news and Government guidelines before flying. Make sure you also check your Local and State Government’s updates because different states can have different guidelines and restrictions. 

• Check the latest news. 

Keep an eye on the latest news both in your place of origin and your point of destination. Border restrictions and travel guidelines can change quickly – sometimes overnight – so it’s important to know exactly what’s happening before you fly out. 

• Do online check-in. 

Checking in online will help you avoid queues at the airport and reduce your face-to-face contact with airport and airline staff. 

• Research guidelines in your point of destination. 

Keep yourself informed on the travel guidelines in your point of destination. For example, many places require local quarantine immediately after arriving. By knowing what to expect in your point of destination, you can plan your trip accordingly and avoid surprises in your itinerary. 

In the Airport 

• Practice proper social distancing. 

Like you would outside, keep your distance from people and practice proper social distancing as much as possible. 

• Avoid face-to-face contact if possible. 

Avoid unnecessary face-to-face contact throughout your time at the airport. Face-to-face contact may be unavoidable in some cases, but try to avoid unnecessary ones as much as you can. 

• Reduce your carry-on luggage. 

Having fewer carry-on luggage – or none at all – can help prevent the spread of the virus. 

• Avoid walking around the airport. 

Do your best to only visit parts of the airport that are necessary for your trip. This will help reduce your exposure to other people and the virus. 

• Wash your hands regularly. 

Wash your hands regularly if you can, especially after touching things or objects that other people commonly touch (e.g. baggage carts, door handles, etc.). 

• Wear a face covering. 

Wearing a face mask has shown to help prevent the spread of viruses and help wearers avoid coming into contact with it. Wear a face mask whenever possible in the airport and only remove them when necessary (e.g. for identification purposes). 

In the Plane 

• Always wear your face covering. 

Wear your face mask throughout your flight as much as possible, removing it only when necessary. Many airlines still require passengers to wear face masks inside the airplane, so always have yours ready (and preferably on) when you can.  

• Try to get a window seat. 

Sitting by the window can help you keep your distance from people better and avoid coming into contact with people walking through the aisle. 

• Remain seated as much as possible. 

Avoid walking around the airplane during your flight to minimise your contact with other passengers and the airplane staff. 

Flying Out from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or Melbourne? 

If you’re flying out from the Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Melbourne airports, you can park your vehicle in one of our airport parking depots and have one less thing to worry about. Alpha Airport Parking takes all the necessary precautions to make sure you and your vehicle will be safe, even during this pandemic. If you have any questions about how we can help you before and after your flight, contact us or give us a call on 1300 661 938.