By Indi Rooney
A spring survey by the Global Business Travel Association (a trade group for corporate travel managers) was noted in this New York Times article about travel and the Coronavirus. The survey found that nearly all of its members said their employers had canceled or suspended most planned business travel for the foreseeable future. However, now that air travel is picking up again, you may just need to travel for work or other personal reasons. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your fellow travelers as safe and comfortable as possible on the ground and in the air.
Clean team
Earlier this year, Delta announced that it was cleaning aircrafts with a process that involved a nightly “fogging” program, which is basically spraying high-grade disinfectant all over the plane. Alaska Airlines is testing a UV light system to kill germs within their air systems.
That is all great and we thank them for trying to keep travelers safe, but experts have recommended that for years to come we should all be armed with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer whenever we fly. Wipe down those armrests and tray tables and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt too!
Once you land and you head for the hotel or resort, wipe down everything you are likely to touch – light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, etc. This includes your own cell phone and luggage. Then wash your hands (we’re all pretty used to this by now).
BYOB and stuff
Bring your own snacks and bottle for water for the flight and maybe even the hotel. The less things you have to touch, the better. And, if you purchase items at the airport, remember to disinfect your credit card after you’ve swiped it.
Hydration nation
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep that water bottle in service as much as possible. Some experts even recommend washing out your nasal passages with nasal sprays to keep them moisturized and firing on all cylinders. Please don’t share that spray. I mean, that’s just gross.
No touchy
The usual COVID advice still counts when you travel. Try to maintain social distancing as much as possible. Avoid touching your face. Wash your hands regularly (almost obsessively). Wear a mask in public places. In fact, most states are requiring them now, so be sure to check and keep a clean supply with you.
The bright side is the travel industry wants people to start traveling again, so they are working on a variety of measures to keep you safe. If you must fly the friendly skies, chances are you will find excellent deals on flights and discounts on hotels. Also, our friends at Priceline offer even more discounts for business travelers through NPP membership.
If you aren’t already a member of NPP, you can sign up your business for free. There’s no obligation to buy, but we think you’ll like the savings you find. We help businesses of all sizes save on items they use every day. You can even share some offers, like Priceline, with your employees. A free NPP membership is a win win.
Stay safe and stay sane out there.
Learn how NPP brands lend a helping hand during the COVID-19 crisis.
Here is a chart of COVID-19 products and services offered by NPP partner brands.