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NDC Bundling: Yea or Nea?
Something we hear more and more from airlines, from customers and from prospects: “NDC bundling.” As we’ve done with ...
Written by: Cassie Sclafani - May 29, 2020
As we settle into the “new normal,” we’re all taking small, cautious steps to get back to our lives. And that includes businesses. For you, that may include business travel. This post will provide you with some suggestions on booking, steps to take at the airport, and in the air.
When You’re Booking
If you’re concerned about social distancing on an airplane, one way you can be proactive is by selecting a window seat when booking. When you have an aisle seat, you’re simply going to come in contact with more people over the course of the flight - flight attendants, people finding their way to the restroom, etc.
In addition, all domestic and most international airlines have already implemented social distancing measures into their itineraries. Typical policies include flights with more limited capacities and leaving empty most middle seats.
At the Airport
When you get to the airport right now, you may be met with a variety of new policies depending on your airline and the state and local authorities’ response. By and large, the airlines are managing to implement social distancing through floor stickers that remind people to keep a 6-foot distance. Some airlines are taking a self-service approach to check-in and bag drop, and minimizing the physical touchpoints altogether.
On the Plane
The good news is quite good. Though airplanes are confined spaces, as we mentioned, the airlines are already taking steps to deep clean aircrafts between flights, implement social distancing and minimize risk (more on that in a bit). And despite what you might have heard about airplane air quality, the air filtration system on a commercial aircraft is excellent.
In the Future
Understandably, the airline industry has been working to play catch-up and make more innovative changes that seem novel now, but will likely play a huge part in future air travel. A few innovations that are already being trialed in limited markets internationally and that we might see over the coming months and years:
Am I truly safe if I fly?
Finally, this may be the biggest question of all. Over the next few months, you’ll want to put yourself through a more stringent personal risk assessment than you otherwise might. There are three main questions:
In some cases, the question is a no-brainer. If you’re immunocompromised, you shouldn't fly. On the other hand, if you’re healthy and need to go out and get a deal done or meet with a client, you might decide to take the trip. One thing we know for sure: the air travel industry has already reacted with unprecedented focus and attention to respond to the public health issue. Air travel will only become more safe in the next few months. We’ll keep you updated as we learn about new protocols aimed to keep you safe, and ways you can advocate for your own health in a proactive way.
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