How Inflight Rules Are Being Revamped By Airlines

Updated on 8 June 2020

While most airlines have drastically reduced their flying schedules, some are still operating a small number of flights or starting to resume their operations. To protect the employees and their customers as well as to reduce the risk of the Coronavirus, airlines are changing their inflight rules, including social distancing measures to the skies.

Here’s a look at the latest measures airlines are taking:

• Singapore Airlines & SilkAir
• Scoot
• KLM
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• AirAsia
• Japan Airlines
• Philippine Airlines

Singapore Airlines & SilkAir

Singapore’s National carrier, Singapore Airlines and its regional wing, SilkAir, joins a number of carriers who have made wearing face mask compulsory for travelers on flights such as Air Canada and Air France.

Required to bring your own mask on flights

Effective from 10 May 2020, 23:59 PM, passengers flying with Singapore Airlines & SilkAir are now required to bring their own mask and wear them throughout the flight. The carrier stated that this new "Bring Your Own Mask" requirement is as per an order given by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. The cabin crew of the National carriers have already been wearing masks along with gloves during flights.

Other measures that the carriers are changing on board:

• Passengers will go through health assessment before boarding the aircraft which includes a verbal health declaration and temperature checks.
• Meals will be suspended to all flights within South East Asia and China.
• Hot towel services, menus and magazines will also be removed on all flights.

Scoot

Scoot has recently introduced its safety measures during this unprecedented time to make your journey with the airline safer.

Revisions Of Baggage Policies

Passengers travelling on Scoot will now only be allowed to carry up to 3kg carry-on baggage that would fit under the seat in front of you. This is to facilitate safer distancing while going through security screening, boarding and disembarkation.

Assignment Of Seats

The airline has suspended advanced seat selection option. Instead, passengers will be assigned sears when they check-in. Whenever possible, passengers travelling with family or loved ones in the same booking will be seated together, unless it is not permitted by the regulations in the departure or arrival country. To facilitate contact tracing, Scoot encourages its passengers to not change their assigned seat.

Precautionary Measures Undertaken By Cabin Crew & Pilots

All crew onboard will have to have their temperature taken before pre-flight and are required to monitor as well as report their health status. Additionally, they will be wearing PPE while on duty.

Temporary Suspension Of Inflight Services/Products

To limit close interaction between passengers and crew, Scoot will be suspending a number of products/services such as inflight purchase, serving of meals, some amenities as well as inflight seat upgrades.

For more information on Scoot's latest safety measure, click here.

KLM

To prevent further spread of the Coronavirus, passengers on all flights of KLM, the dutch subsidiary of Air France KLM, are required to wear a face mask from the first boarding call until they have gone through the arrival gate of their destination. The airline also stated that without the face mask, passengers will not be allowed to board the aircraft.

Children who are under 10 years old as well as passengers who cannot wear a face mask due to medical reasons will be exempted from this line of requirement. These new measures applies till 31 August 2020, at least.

Emirates

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

To ensure the safety and health of its customers and employees, Emirates is stepping up preventative measures at the airport and on board aircraft. On top of wearing face masks and gloves, all cabin crew, ground staff personnel and boarding agents will now wear PPE which includes a protective disposable gown over thier uniform and a safety visor. Passengers on all Emirate’s flights will have to wear their masks and gloves throughout their journey from check-in until they disembark.

Modified inflight services

For wellbeing and safety reasons, food & beverages will keep on being offered as a form of bento-styled boxes which will minise the risk of interaction between the cabin crew and passengers during meal services. The bento-styled boxes provide the passengers with sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts.

Not only that, all in flight magazines and other print reading material will be temporarily unavailable. This is to reduce the risk of spreading through touch.

Cabin baggage

Carry-on items such as laptops, handbags, briefcases or baby items will be allowed in the cabin. However, cabin baggage will no longer be accepted on Emirates flights. All other items will have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to a passenger’s check-in baggage allowance.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, has launched Etihad Wellness - a more comprehensive health and hygiene program to help passengers feel more in control when they travel.

Wellness Ambassadors

As a part of the Etihad Wellness program, Etihad Airways has introduced a Wellness Ambassadors initiative where ambassadors will be able to answer passengers' queries and share advice on staying safe during their trip, which will give them extra peace of mind when they travel with the airline.

Other measures includes:

• All Etihad Airways' staffs will be wearing face masks and personal protective equipment at all times.
• Deep cleaning and sanitizing of all of their aircraft on arrival at each destination.
• Wellness Kits are now available onboard for all passengers which include a face mask, gloves, and hand gel.

AirAsia

AirAsia Group has also implemented the measure of passengers bringing their own mask and wearing it before, during and after their flights. The group has also updated the cabin baggage policy by allowing only one piece of cabin luggage not more than five kilograms per guest.

Here are other additional measures the low-cost carrier is implementing on the ground but not limited to:

• Temperature screening will occur at different checkpoints, including boarding gates
• Social distancing measure e.g floor markers at queuing areas, including check-in counters & kiosks
• Cabin will be disinfected via aerosol spraying before departure of all domestic and international flights

For more information, visit here.

AirAsia Phillippines: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew

AirAsia Phillipines is trialing a customized PPE suit design by Filipino fashion designer Puey Quiñones for its cabin crew to use on special recovery flights. As seen, the protective gear embraces the airline signature red-hot colour and the design have allegedly been approved by the Philippines’ Department of Health.

Japan Airlines

Temporary Restrictions on Seat Assignments

To provide passengers with a peace of mind, Japan Airlines is adding a temporary restriction on seat assignment until 30th June 2020 which will result in more personal space inside the aircraft cabin. As such, passengers will no longer be able to select and/or reserve seats.

This measure was first enforced to Japan’s Airlines Domestic flights. However, from May 10th onwards, blocking the middle seats will also be applicable on International flights.

*This new measure may not be applicable to some aircraft and routes, First and Business class on international flights.

Several other airlines such as Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines are also taking measures in keeping the middle seat empty and from being purchased by customers.

Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines has introduced additional safety measures to protect you during this unprecedented time. Here's what you can expect to ensure a safe, healthy and clean environment on your next flight with them!

Point Of Booking

• Social distancing measures will be in place, all ticket offices will have thermal scanners and transparent barriers will be installed at the counters.
• Philippine Airlines service personnel will now wear face masks and gloves.
• Philippine Airlines will impose a no-mask-no-entry policy in their ticket offices.

Before The Flight

During The Flight

• Cabin crew will now wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will practice a simplified inflight service approach that limits frequent contact.
• Philippine Airlines will continue to adhere strictly to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures when preparing inflight meals. Meals and snacks will continue to be in sanitized containers or secure packaging.
• Social distancing cabin seating options will be enforced.

At The Airport

• Thermal scanners at airport entrances.
• Enforcing social distancing measures while passengers are waiting, in-queue, or inside Philippine Airlines shuttle buses.
• Philippine Airlines staffs will be wearing face masks and gloves.
• Sanitizers will be available at designated areas and other security checks.
• Passengers are required to fill up locator forms.

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounges

• Sanitizing floor mats will be placed at the entry points.
• Meals will be served in sealed packaging, while beverages will be served upon request.
• Hand sanitizers will be available and all lounge staff will also be wearing protective gear.

Inside The Aircraft

• Philippine Airlines aircraft will continue to go through extensive cabin cleaning and disinfection.
• All point of contract surfaces will be clean thoroughly with stronger cleaning agents and their HEPA filters will be maintain regularly.