India experienced complete lockdown from March 24, the likes of which the country has never witnessed before. After more than two months of complete travel restrictions in India, the government decided to restart domestic flight travel from May 25. However, the resumption of flights does not mean going back to the pre-Covid-19 norms.

With this ease in travel restriction, came several new and strict domestic travel India guidelines. Mumbai handled more than 391 flights in the first week since air travel services resumed. (1)

However, all passengers travelling to and from the financial capital of India can vouch that domestic air travel has changed drastically and perhaps permanently.

A few of the new guidelines issued include – 

• The health ministry will randomly select 2% of all aeroplane passengers for testing once they arrive. These travellers will be recognised by the airlines. Visitors can leave the airport after submitting their samples. Travellers who screened positive will have their tests sent for additional genetic sequencing, be segregated, and get the appropriate care.

• The ministry recommends that all travellers should be fully immunised in compliance with the principal vaccine schedule that has been advised for use in their country. This recommendation has not altered since the preceding recommendations that were put into force in November.

If you are looking to travel by air soon, keep in mind to follow the guidelines mentioned below:

Reaching the airport from your origin point

Let us take a look at some factors that you must keep in mind while travelling from your home/hotel/office to the airport.

• Download baggage tags and identification numbers. Print out the same and attach it with your luggage.
• Keep in mind that you can only carry one handbag and one check-in luggage presently. However, more freedom may likely be offered in this regard in the near future.
• You must wear all pieces of protective gear, such as masks and gloves before entering the airport terminal. Do not open your face masks at any time during the journey.
• Reach the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. Due to the additional guidelines, check-in and boarding can take longer.
• Individuals who stay in containment zones or who test positive for the virus are prohibited from travelling on domestic flights for the time being. Boarding a flight by defying either of these rules can lead to severe penal action.
• All passengers must submit a self-declaration form regarding their health, along with their Aarogya Setu app health data to certify themselves as being fit to fly.

Now that you have finally reached the airport by following the travel restrictions India, you need to proceed to the terminal building. Doing so requires you to follow additional rules.

Guidelines to Reach Terminal Building

• Get down from the vehicle while wearing protective gears and ensure you have all the necessary documents on your phone.
• Reach the thermal screening area near the entry gate and undergo temperature checking. You would also need to display your health status through the Aarogya Setu App at this time.
• Next, move to the CISF kiosk and display your ID and boarding pass to enter the terminal premises.
• After baggage check-in, you will receive an SMS confirmation regarding the receipt of your bags. Generally, this confirmation is issued to travellers on paper. 

Guidelines for Proceeding through Airport Security

Every airport will include security-screening facilities prior to boarding the flight. You will need to follow all directives in an orderly fashion.

There is no cause for worry, as security personnel will follow a contactless procedure even while performing physical checks on a passenger.

Guidelines for Security Hold Area

After security screening is complete, you can proceed to the holding area. Follow these guidelines, when you reach this place:

• Maintain social distancing with other passengers who are waiting for their flights.
• Avoid sitting on chairs marked ‘not for use’ to maintain desirable distance from others.
• If you intend to visit F&B outlets, ensure that you follow proper sanitisation and social distancing norms there as well.
• Dispose of all used tissues, napkins, gloves and masks in covered yellow-coloured disposable bins. 

Guidelines for Boarding the Aircraft

After these steps, you are finally ready to board your flight. Even so, ensure you follow these precautions:

• You must collect the face masks, face shield and sanitisers from the boarding gate. Wear the mask and shield, and sanitise your hands thoroughly before boarding the flight.
• Passengers will self-scan their boarding pass to limit contact with airport staff members.
• You and other passengers will board the aircraft in an orderly fashion, limiting any commotion in the process.

Guidelines to Follow after Flight Take-off

You should stick to safety guidelines even when the flight has taken off. Here are some ways in which you can ensure protection from the virus in such a situation.

• Avoid face-to-face interactions as much as possible.
• Limit the use of washroom facilities and remain seated for as much of the flight as possible.
• Airlines will not serve any meals during the domestic flights, initially. However, you will receive water bottles.
• No food consumption is allowed on flights.

Guidelines for De-boarding

Once the flight reaches the destination, passengers will need to de-board in the same fashion in which they boarded. Ensure that you maintain social distancing norms and proper sanitation during this stage of the journey as well. Use trolleys only when absolutely necessary since these can carry germs left behind by its last users.

The effects of Coronavirus on domestic flight ticket prices

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation or DGCA has asked airlines to leave the middle seat in each row vacant, to maintain social distancing among passengers on board a flight. This has led to a drastic decrease in the number of passengers that any domestic flight can carry.

Additionally, jet fuel prices have increased in June to Rs.33,575 per kilo-litre. (2) Thus, the additional cost of operating these flights, along with a limited number of passengers, will most likely lead to a dramatic hike in flight ticket pricing. However, for the time being, tickets for domestic flights are affordable enough.

Read: Know more about what is covered in COVID 19 Health Insurance

In the coming days, the demand for domestic flights will surge, but services will remain unpredictable for a number of reasons. For instance, if a passenger in a flight tests positive for Coronavirus, all other passengers would need to undergo quarantine and testing. Additionally, such cases can lead to delays or cancellations, which can hamper your schedule.

Therefore, travel insurance policies from Digit should be an essential prerequisite for your domestic travels. Until travel restrictions in India are lifted, these insurance policies can prove extremely handy to prevent you from incurring additional expenses.

While travel insurance was an important addition before, it is almost an indispensable part of travel in the current situation. These policies can help prevent financial loss due to unforeseen alterations in your travel plans.

For instance, flight delays can have costly ramifications for both business and leisure travellers. Thankfully, with a Digit’s flight delay cover, you can at least get compensated for the time lost due to the delay.

Ensure that you follow all coronavirus travel tips India to ensure complete safety during your travels. Furthermore, you can opt for Digit’s flight delay cover to deal with any unforeseen flight delays.