Over the summer, I flew with both Ryanair and Easyjet for my summer job in Italy.  Upon arrival at Stansted, signs immediately told all entering to put on a face mask; you couldn’t enter without one, but you could purchase a face covering from a vending machine inside.  At bag drop, there were stickers on the floor to help people maintain social distancing, yet some individuals blatantly ignored them.  Furthermore, these markings were only present at bag drop and on seating around the airport so at security people clumped together like normal.  However, the airport had closed off every other aisle to limit contact.  At the gates, people were as desperate to get onboard as ever, if not more so.  Some even removed their masks whilst seated, an action against Ryanair’s rules for passengers onboard.

Beyond security, Stansted Airport has closed most shops and restaurants to reduce the spread of the virus. Additionally, all ATM’s were closed and touchless sinks were implemented in the bathrooms.  Unfortunately, despite Stansted Airport offering hand sanitiser throughout the airport, the bottles were almost always empty.

Over this period, there has been discussion of aircrafts implementing irregular seating patterns onboard to maintain social distancing.  However, this is not cost-effective so on both flights almost every seat was occupied.  Furthermore, despite EasyJet clearly instructing passengers to depart one row at a time, many did not listen and stood up despite repeated instructions.  

At both Stansted Airport and Ciampino Airport masks had to be removed for face checks at border control.  However, the glass separating the booths where people stand enhanced feelings of safety.  Furthermore, entrance to Ciampino airport was only granted if your temperature was scanned and below 37°C.  Finally, paperwork had to be completed at both arrivals, but only upon arrival in London was it checked.  Even then, they only asked for it to be flashed at them, without really looking at all.

Overall, airlines do seem to have taken measures to support those traveling during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  However, standardised measures across airports should be introduced, and Stansted Airport is now trialling new technology for temperature screening.  Finally, I would advocate reopening restaurants and shops to return staff to their jobs, but adding glass screens between tables and more harshly enforcing social distancing.

For more about travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic:

A Staycation in the South-West

Travel Editors: Reminiscing on My Last Holiday