New safety protocols you can expect when flying with Air Canada, WestJet, Transat and Sunwing.
By redtag.caAugust 10, 2020 Posted in:Travel InspirationTravel Tips
The travel industry is constantly changing to protect travellers from COVID-19. Airlines in Canada, and all over the world, have introduced new protocols through every step of travel to ensure safety and to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread. Universal changes include using hospital quality HEPA filters every 2-3 minutes in the cabin to ensure fresh air. This product cleans approximately 99% of airborne particles and germs throughout the flight.
It is also required that all staff and passengers (above the age of 2) must wear a mask.
We’ve summarized several changes made by four leading Canadian airlines. Read below to see just some of the things Air Canada, WestJet, Transat and Sunwing are doing to help you travel safely.
*Note: last updated August 10, 2020.
Flying with Air Canada
Canadian airline Air Canada has introduced its Clean Care+ program as a further safety measure. Some of the changes are as follows:
Pre-Boarding and Boarding
- Limited contact including TouchFree Bag Check and Bag Drop.
- Guests to remain seated and distanced until boarding zone is called.
- Board the plane from back to front and from window seat to aisle.
In-Flight
- A pillow, duvet, and mattress cover, packaged together in a plastic bag, will be waiting on your seat.
- You will get a Customer Care Kit containing a mask, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves, water bottle, and a snack, plus an amenity kit, and earbud headsets.
- In addition to the two antiseptic wipes provided in the Customer Care Kit, additional wipes will be provided with meals.
If your upcoming flight is near capacity, travellers may be notified before travel time. Should you feel you need more distanced space onboard, Air Canada will allow you to select another flight at no charge departing within three days of your original flight. In some instances, you can rebook to another flight without a change fee within 24 months.
Flying with West Jet
Pre-Boarding and Boarding
- Travellers can check in at the kiosk or check-in counter and the WestJet team will be wiping surfaces between guests.
- WestJet has enhanced screening at boarding. The team will ask health-related questions, take your temperature without contact and ensure you have a mask to wear on the flight.
In-Flight
- WestJet has added Clorox wipes and spray for lavatories, door handles, tray tables, seating, overhead bins and more.
- Guests will find a water bottle, snack, wipes and hand sanitizer prepackaged at their seat once boarded.
Flying with Transat
Pre-Boarding and Boarding
- Travellers can check in online. At arrival, you will be asked a few health-related questions and have your temperature taken.
- All check-in counters and self-service kiosks are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers can be found around Transat’s check-in counters and self-service kiosks
- You can use the self-service baggage drop-off.
- Passengers at the back of the aircraft will be asked to board first.
In-Flight
- You will get a free Traveller Care Kit, which includes a face covering, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
- Lavatories will be cleaned regularly throughout the flight with a disinfectant.
- Only one passenger at a time will be allowed to wait outside the lavatories.
Flying with Sunwing
Pre-Boarding and Boarding
- Self-service check-in and passenger processing has been implemented where possible.
- Physical distancing guidelines are enforced at the check-in area and gate.
- Sunwing’s check-in terminals, counters and other surface areas are consistently cleaned and disinfected.
In-Flight
- Majority of printed materials, including the ones found in seat pockets, have been removed.
- The aircraft is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each flight.
- All staff, crew members and travellers are required to wear face coverings for the duration of the flight.
Please remember that this is only a summary of what these airlines are doing to ensure cleanliness and safety. If you would like to learn more, please speak to one of our travel professionals. 1-866-573-3824
