Travel and R-E-S-P-E-C-T

What will travel be like following the COVID-19 pandemic? The travel industry has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, and the world remains uncertain. More than 90% of flights have been halted, with airline employees furloughed and unsure of when they will return to work. Currently, air travel will undergo significant changes. Our typical travel habits have been altered due to new guidelines aimed at protecting our health. The major question is: How will airlines and airports handle and accommodate travelers while making sure that travel becomes safe once more?

Blaise Diagne Int' Airport, Dakar, Senegal

According to the news, there will be numerous changes in disinfection procedures, extended time at the check-in desk, passport control, security checkpoint, and boarding gate. Passengers will likely experience anxiety while flying, and it's essential for everyone to be ready for the new normal in air travel. Airlines have promised that everything will be revamped and arranged to facilitate a smooth transition, but there's no assurance that those we interact with won't be carrying the virus.

How can we sit beside someone on a plane without feeling anxious? How can we be near a stranger for hours while they worry about contracting the virus from us? There are no certainties, only doubts. Unfortunately, this is the reality of flying now. Wearing face masks and adhering to social distancing rules while traveling is the most effective way to combat this dreadful disease. If the person next to you on the plane is nervous and fearful, it's not personal. Given the current situation and the stress of the pandemic, nobody feels at ease sitting next to a stranger. Everyone is a potential virus carrier.

Deserted Fiumicino Airport, Rome

Many individuals will arrive at the airport sporting an unconventional style. Some will don face masks, others will pair gloves with their face masks, and a few will even opt for hazmat suits (indeed - hazmat suits. I personally witnessed this just days before the total lockdown).

Airport employees will also be wearing face masks. Everyone will find their own methods to ensure their safety. We are in survival mode. It's crucial to protect ourselves; people are dying, and it's frightening.

We may criticize, judge, or laugh at individuals at the airport for being overly cautious or taking excessive measures to protect themselves. Personally, I don't fault them. I wish I felt comfortable enough to equip myself similarly at the airport, but since I don't, I can't judge or mock them. We are all experiencing a different world and mindset. We will meet hypochondriacs, some with severe anxiety, and some with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

A plane departing without passengers.

We should show respect and empathy towards one another while traveling.

The aim of all these precautions is to ensure the virus is fully eradicated, allowing us to travel without concern. Every location could be infected. At this point, we are focused on survival. Our priority is maintaining health. We will soon travel comfortably once more.

For numerous individuals, traveling isn't feasible right now. However, as someone who loves to travel, I’m unsure if I can resist the urge once borders reopen and travel resumes.

While traveling, maintain an open mind, practice understanding, stay cautious, and demonstrate respect and kindness. It's crucial for everyone to help in supporting society.

Together we can stop the spread and have a normal lifestyle again. Safe travels!