Many Brits are beginning to think of booking their summer holidays as the government makes arrangements for air bridges with other countries.
The FCO is still advising against all but essential travel, but it is expected that this advice will change soon in the hopes to get the tourism industry moving again.
The UK’s largest tour operator, TUI, has unveiled its plans as it prepares to restart its flight schedule later this month.
The holiday provider had grounded all flights since March due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on travel, but will serve eight destinations across Spain and Greece from 11 July.
Brits will be able to holiday in the Greek islands of Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu. The popular Spanish destinations of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Mallorca and Ibiza will also be welcoming back holidaymakers.
These holiday packages will look very different to the getaways many would be used to, as guidelines of social distancing will still need to be met.
So what will these holidays look like? As the Manchester Evening News reports, TUI has provided all the information you'll need when preparing for a holiday:
Before you go away
While luggage allowances will remain the same, the tour operator recommends customers take only one small piece of hand luggage per person.
It has also been announced that where possible bag drops will be self-service to minimise contact between staff and passengers. For this reason TUI have also encouraged travellers to check-in online up to 24 hours before flying.
Much like in many other public spaces, people will be required to wear a face mask during the flight, unless under the age of six or if they have a medical condition that exempts them from doing so.
Hand sanitiser will be provided in airport terminals and on board, but it is recommended to bring your own too if you have it.
At the airport
Airports will need to follow the usual social distancing measures to reduce contact between staff and customers.
There will be an emphasis on self-service and contactless card payments, and they will be operating with fewer staff than normal.
It is expected that security checks will take longer than usual due to the lower number of staff and in order to follow social distancing measures more carefully. TUI have outlined some tips to help speed up the security check process:
- Separate larger electrical items where possible. Place electrical items such as phones, iPads, headphones etc. in separate trays.
- If possible wear slip-on shoes as you may be asked to place them in a tray for x-ray.
- Be prepared for bag checks and potentially more x-ray checks than usual.
- Keep liquids under 100ml and place them in a clear, resealable bag so they can be easily placed in a separate tray.
- Be patient with staff who may need to change gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
Time taken to board the plane may also be longer than normal as the airline will require people to board in small groups to encourage social distancing.
On the plane
TUI have assured travellers that all planes will be deep-cleaned before boarding.
A statement from TUI added: "We won’t welcome you on board unless we are 100 percent confident every possible precaution has been taken to keep you and our crew safe and the risk of infection has been minimised.”
While on the flight customers will need to continue to minimise contact, so will be asked not to queue in the aisles for the toilets.
Duty Free will not be available on flights, but selected flights will have food and drink available. Like in the airport contactless payments will be encouraged.
At the hotel
Once you arrive at your destination reps may be available to meet you, but it is advised that travellers use the TUI app to get all the latest information on hotel transfer details.
TUI has been working with their hotel partners to ensure social distancing safety measures will be met.
The services open to travellers will differ between hotels, but TUI say pools should be open as usual, possibly with extra restrictions.
Spa treatments, kids’ clubs and buffets will all vary from hotel to hotel so it is encouraged that customers contact the hotel before travelling to confirm.
All measures are being taken to ensure a high level of hygiene from providing hand sanitiser stations, to thoroughly deep-cleaning bedrooms between guests.
