5 things to prepare for domestic travelling by air in a new normal

In the current situation or it is also called a new normal situation, the ways we plan and prepare for travelling will change and have some adjustments to apply.  As much as I want to travel but I have to be conscious on my own health and safety obviously as well as the health and safety of others.

If you already show a concern and an empathy on the situation surroundings you during this pandemic, this is good, otherwise, do start now. Showing a concern and an empathy will translate on how much you care towards people, environment, atmosphere and wish that everything will soon turn into better situation.

I had an opportunity to travel to some cities in Indonesia during this new normal, obviously not during lock down situation when travel restrictions are strongly implemented.  This travelling for me is more because of work, not for leisure.  From my opinion, travel for leisure can wait until the situation get much better, but if travel for work cannot be postponed too then it is important to pay attention to the health protocol to follow.

I notice that proper planning and well preparation is highly required prior to travelling nowadays.  In this writing, I want to elaborate on 5 important things to prepare before travelling by air to city destination in Indonesia.

1. Get familiar with the city destination

Do some research and find out on what the city destination’s regulations are being implemented.  Are there any new regulations applied on the periods of your travelling date?  Are there any procedures you will need to follow when entering the city, for example, health certificate, work paper from your company, etc.

Check the news regularly before your departure date just in case there are some changes on the city destination’s regulations so you can be well prepared and have a smooth trip.

2. Book the flight

Your first option is obviously your preferred airline to check the seat availability and price before doing the booking.  Check the airline official website and read through any procedures and regulations implemented so you can plan and prepare well in advance.

Most airlines will allow the customers to check in online and choose your preferred seat within 24 hours or 48 hours or even earlier prior to your departure time.  This is a good option which allow you to speed up the check in process at the airport, such as, only need to drop your luggage and avoid any crowd.

3. Check the policy and procedure prior to departure date

In the current situation, to have a valid health certificate is one of the documents required as part of travel terms.  Find out from your selected airline on what health certificate will be required to show that you are in a good health and fit to travel.

This terms and conditions might change time to time depending on the progress of the situation in the city destination and therefore, you will need to stay update with what’s happening and get the latest information.

4. Well preparation on the day of departure

Arrive at the airport a few hours in advance before your departure time, although this is for domestic flight to fly to a city in Indonesia.  First, you will need to validate your health certificate and other required documents depending on the airline and airport policy and procedures.

Then, you will need to do an online check in, if you haven’t done it earlier, before queuing to drop your luggage.  Once you receive your boarding pass, do complete the information needed in the required application, such as, eHac so you will be well prepared when arriving in the city destination.

The process mentioned seem to be simple and quite straight forward, but you will never know how many people plan to travel at that day and how long the queuing will be. Hence, it is better to arrive few hours earlier prior to your travel time allowing enough time for you to breath and relax in the waiting room before boarding.

5. Remain alert

Wear a proper mask as recommended by the health department and always have a spare new mask in your bag for precaution in case you need to replace it.  Talk less, only when necessary.  Think of protecting yourself and so, you can also protect others.

Bring sufficient hand sanitizer with you, enough to use during the trip.  I know that you can also buy hand sanitizer in the airport, but it’s always better to come well prepared, isn’t it?  Use hand sanitizer too often can also make your hand dry, hence, wash your hand regularly to ensure your hand is clean.

Maintain a good social distance with others when queuing and also in the seating area.  Avoid crowd whenever and wherever possible and try to find an area with lesser people while waiting for your scheduled flight to boarding.

I would choose to stay alert and remain conscious with the situation and environment because I care for myself as well as other people.

Stay safe and stay healthy.