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The COVID-19 pandemic saw the international travel and tourism industry grind to a halt in 2020. Worldwide lockdowns in 2020 saw a 49% decrease in tourism activity and a loss of $4.5 trillion compared to the previous year. Many of the changes and effects of the lockdowns have been reversed when it comes to international travel, but in other ways, the way we fly has changed forever.
Here are some of the changes we saw come to the travel industry in 2020 and what we can expect from travelling now that the pandemic is over.
Here are some of the changes we saw come to the travel industry in 2020 and what we can expect from travelling now that the pandemic is over.
Inside the airport
1. A reduction in the need for human interaction by implementing:
- online booking, check in & self-service bag tagging
- boarding pass on mobile phone
- paying for purchases via wallet on smartphones or contactless credit cards
2. While mouth and nose coverings have been mandatory in the past, since 2022, federal law no longer requires passengeres to wear a mask on flights. If an individual chooses to do, they can, with many airlines providing masks upon request.
3. An enhanced cleaning and disinfection routine
4. Security check points can cause bottlenecks but many airports worldwide are now trialling high-tech security screening systems which will remove the need for passengers to remove their laptops and liquids from carry-on bags.
Before boarding the aircraft
Most countries have now removed the requirement for vaccination certificates when travelling internationally. You should always check your destination’s individual travel requirements to avoid any issues on your trip.
Inside the aircraft
1. The air circulation and purification in modern aircraft circulates vertically and is exchanged up to 30 times per hour via so called HEPA filters, which boast operating room quality by filtering 99.9% of all virus and bacteria.
2. Cleaning and disinfection of toilets and high touch areas more regularly during each trip.
3. A clear protocol is in place on all aircrafts for the handling of any in-flight medical emergency events.
After the flight
There are clear protocols in place for crew quarantine and informing fellow passengers if a flyer does fall ill while on the place. As standard, there are also routine cleaning and disinfection of the aircraft after each flight.
Ensure you have access to the medical treatment you may need with international health insurance or travel insurance covering pandemics and repatriation. If you have questions on your health and wellbeing while overseas, get in touch, we are happy to advise you on your options.
Are you moving abroad?
Before venturing to another country, make sure you have a health insurance plan you can rely on.
Meet the author
Allianz
At Allianz Partners, Health, our blog is crafted by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on global health and insurance topics. With a focus on expatriates, international businesses, and individuals navigating healthcare abroad, our authors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article.
We aim to deliver practical advice, industry updates, and actionable tips to help you make informed decisions, whether you're exploring international health insurance, managing employee health plans, or staying informed about the latest healthcare trends. Trust our blog to be your go-to resource for navigating the world of global health and insurance.
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