Covid-19: Domestic flights set to return May 1st - but its flying with a virus twist

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Covid-19: Domestic flights set to return May 1st - but its flying with a virus twist

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News reported that Thailand is set to return to the skies on May 1st when many domestic airlines will resume operations.

 

But it will be flying for a new age - the age of the virus, and the age of coming out of lock down. 

 

Around 20 airlines have discussed stringent measures that they must have in place for the resumption.

 

The CAAT - Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand - are demanding that all flights have empty seats so that social distancing can be accomplished. 

 

No food or drink will be served and passengers cannot bring their own snacks. 

 

Every passenger must wear their own face mask.

 

Cabin crews will need to be suited and booted in masks, gowns and face shields.

 

On flights over 90 minute duration there must be an entire row left empty at the back in case someone displays suspicious symptoms. 

 

Social distancing will begin at the airport with strict rules at check-in. 

 

The measures were contained in a letter from CCCT chief Chula Sukmanop ahead of a meeting with the airlines. 

 

Source: Daily News

 

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2020-04-24

 

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Domestic flights may resume on May 1, but under strict conditions

By The Nation

 

 

If provinces where tourist destinations are located start lifting their restrictions next month, then airlines will be allowed to resume domestic flight services but only under strict conditions.

 

Chula Sukmanop, director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), said on Thursday (April 23) that he has met with representatives of both local and international airlines to discuss the option of allowing domestic flights to start operating from May 1.

 

“Though the Covid-19 outbreak appears to be subsiding and carriers are preparing to resume operations, every airline is required to strictly follow every disease prevention rule,” he said. 

 

It is mandatory for airlines to observe the following rules once they resume services: 

 

• The province of the destination should have eased restrictions.

 

• Passengers can only occupy every other seat.

 

• Social distancing must be strictly observed at check-in counters and during embarking and disembarking.

• No food or drink can be served on the flight.

 

• Special seats must be reserved for risky passengers for routes longer than 90 minutes.

 

• Crew members must wear masks, face shields and gloves. 

 

• Passengers are required to always wear a mask.

 

Passengers need to have their own mask and are not allowed to bring food on the plane. For flights that are longer than 90 minutes, airlines must reserve seats at the back of the plane for passengers who show symptoms of Covid-19, he said. 

 

Chula added that travellers will have to check flights and timetables with the airlines directly as not all routes will be open. They can also monitor the latest updates about Covid-19 cases at the CAAT website, www.caat.or.th/corona.

 

So far, Air Asia is the only airline that has indicated it will resume flights on May 1, while Lion Air has said it will wait for the government’s decision on whether or not to extend the state of emergency. Some government officials have signalled that a few restrictions may be eased though the state of emergency may be extended beyond April 30.

 

Source: http://www.nationthailand.com/business/30386650

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-04-24

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

 

[lujanit]

If these requirements are followed by the airlines the planes will be half empty.  Airlines are not knowingly going to operate flights that produce huge losses.  So the questions becomes how expensive will a seat be.

[kotsak]

6 minutes ago, lujanit said:

If these requirements are followed by the airlines the planes will be half empty.  Airlines are not knowingly going to operate flights that produce huge losses.  So the questions becomes how expensive will a seat be.

Double price unless there is a subsidy.

[Somtamnication]

Can't wait for the govt. to demand a health passport prior to boarding.

[JoeMc]

One might argue that social distancing is a European thing where masks are not worn ..full masked then debatable about having 'empty' seats .. guess they will also temperature check before boarding..

[mauGR1]

It sounds not very attractive at all.

[JoePai]

18 minutes ago, lujanit said:

If these requirements are followed by the airlines the planes will be half empty.  Airlines are not knowingly going to operate flights that produce huge losses.  So the questions becomes how expensive will a seat be.

Domestic fares are not expensive so even doubling the price will not affect those who need to fly

[473geo]

Be interesting to see the controls when the minivans and coaches start running again

[spidermike007]

So much bad information out there. How does bringing your own food endanger anyone? If I eat a sandwich, I will spread a disease, which I do not have to begin with? There is an astonishing degree of insanity happening, and a real zombie apocalypse mentality setting in. 

 

The social distancing on planes will be an absolute delight. 

[Phuketshrew]

The Arab guy in the picture looks like he has everything covered but his face.

[mancub]

The graphic conveniently shows a business class seating arrangement....and good luck with topping the mad scramble to unbuckle and scramble to disembark !

[alyx]

19 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Domestic fares are not expensive so even doubling the price will not affect those who need to fly

Well, really not sure about this one as some travellers couldn’t afford to pay more than the fare asked and quite a few more will not be able to fly after the economic burden imposed worldwide 

[Rookiescot]

I would add that nitrile gloves should be worn too.

You know all the surfaces that everyone touches when getting on and off. Armrests and stuff like that.

[toofarnorth]

So if I was flying from Chiang Rai to Nan with my wife we would have to sit apart eh.  A bit like K bank the other day , my wife thought the middle seat was broken , no just not allowed to sit there.

[baansgr]

17 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

So much bad information out there. How does bringing your own food endanger anyone? If I eat a sandwich, I will spread a disease, which I do not have to begin with? There is an astonishing degree of insanity happening, and a real zombie apocalypse mentality setting in. 

 

The social distancing on planes will be an absolute delight. 

Probably because you have to remove your mask to eat, and as wearing a mask is compulsory....does anyone really need to eat on a max 90 minute flight anyway.

[19DL86]

51 minutes ago, lujanit said:

If these requirements are followed by the airlines the planes will be half empty.  Airlines are not knowingly going to operate flights that produce huge losses.  So the questions becomes how expensive will a seat be.

I would say much less than half capacity - try 30-40% of the seating. Given the budget carriers like Airasia have a row of 3 seats in 2 meters what is classed as safe social distancing.  To ensure this safe minus distance they shall need to reconfigure the seating layout on all single aisle aircraft.
 

[kotsak]

18 minutes ago, Phuketshrew said:

The Arab guy in the picture looks like he has everything covered but his face.

I think he is wearing a mask but the graphic designer placed his beard on top of his mask ????

 

[Captain Monday]

Might as well insist everyone rent a private business jet. 

[madmitch]

26 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

So much bad information out there. How does bringing your own food endanger anyone? If I eat a sandwich, I will spread a disease, which I do not have to begin with? There is an astonishing degree of insanity happening, and a real zombie apocalypse mentality setting in. 

 

The social distancing on planes will be an absolute delight. 

Have you tried eating a sandwich wearing a mask?

 

 

[Rookiescot]

5 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Might as well insist everyone rent a private business jet. 

More work for you then ????.

 

Given my limited budget can I ask if you are rated for a Sopwith Camel?

[Moonlover]

1 hour ago, lujanit said:

If these requirements are followed by the airlines the planes will be half empty.  Airlines are not knowingly going to operate flights that produce huge losses.  So the questions becomes how expensive will a seat be.

Aircraft sat on the ground doing nothing also cost huge amounts of money. So all airlines will be keen to get their fleets into the air again. I reckon they'll do what takes to attract passengers, not deter them

[jimmjam]

No food or drinks? ????

[Captain Monday]

9 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

More work for you then ????.

 

Given my limited budget can I ask if you are rated for a Sopwith Camel?

No taildragger time! Social distancing on aircraft is a nonstarter. Only working in USA now as there is about 15 percent load factor on domestic flights even though most of the schedule already cut. Up to 90 percent on the major airlines. 

[garrya]

Just wait and see what other funny rules andin regulations are comning in.

Get your popcorn ready for the best comedy "movie" of the year. 

[eyup]

45 minutes ago, toofarnorth said:

So if I was flying from Chiang Rai to Nan with my wife we would have to sit apart eh.  A bit like K bank the other day , my wife thought the middle seat was broken , no just not allowed to sit there.

Not really a big deal is it?  I know many who would love to be seated apart for much longer periods than a domestic flight in Thailand. lol

[Muzzique]

1 hour ago, kotsak said:

Double price unless there is a subsidy.

Airfares are way to low anyway which is the main reason this Global virus spread. I think doubling all airfares is a great idea. I'd be happy paying twice the price for a seat with good social distancing.

 

Looks like this will be the future. No more cattle like economy seating; premium economy and business class only from now on.

 

Air travel should be for those who can afford it, not for the masses. 

[ThailandRyan]

58 minutes ago, Captain Monday said:

Might as well insist everyone rent a private business jet. 

Your hired as my pilot, just let me swap this 24 pack of Toilet paper and a case of whisky for that G6, and we are off to fantasy land.....

[pookiki]

1 hour ago, 19DL86 said:

I would say much less than half capacity - try 30-40% of the seating. Given the budget carriers like Airasia have a row of 3 seats in 2 meters what is classed as safe social distancing.  To ensure this safe minus distance they shall need to reconfigure the seating layout on all single aisle aircraft.
 

Based on the diagram it would appear that you would have 2 passengers per aisle in alternate window and aisle seats.  So, this would mean that the aircraft would have one-third or less the former capacity with one aisle reserved for those with possible health issues. Will ticket prices triple?  What about families with infants or small children? Impossible to travel now? For me, airports were stressful enough pre-COVID-19. Who would want to travel for leisure under these conditions? I find it very difficult to be that the budget airlines that have sprouted over the years can be profitable under these conditions. Time will tell. What is clear is that the world has changed and will remain changed until there is a vaccine - and maybe even after that!

Edited April 24, 2020 by pookiki
grammar

[Eibot]

I was half expecting them to advise to keep a window open for "fresh air".