Airline passengers braving the confinement of an airline cabin are finding a much different experience than just a month ago. The experience flying in the friendly skies on an airplane isn’t what it used to be compared to pre-coronavirus times.
All three Bay Area airports are open, but they don’t have the same level of flights, and just a small percentage of would-be travellers are flying for essential business.
“The people who are traveling at this point are definitely adventurers at this point.” said Travel Industry Analyst and President at Atmosphere Research Group Henry Harteveldt, “They are flying at a time when 95% or more of travelers who would be traveling at this time are staying off of airplanes.’
Each airline has its own practices for how they are handling coronavirus with several issuing facemarks and gloves to workers.
“Passenger-airlines are not yet requiring people to wear face masks or gloves. Airlines have been elevating the cleaning on aircraft,” said Harteveldt.
Onboard, amenities have been cut back and airlines are not only blocking middle seats on most flights, but Harteveldt says that you may have one, two, or three rows to yourself. Passengers are not required to wear masks or gloves. Airport lounges are closed and only takeaway food is available at restaurants.
