[Samurai]

Wow, there isn't a single post since 10 months. Aren't BHPians flying these days?

How is the flying experience in the covid era? I am thinking of taking a short flight. What is the protocol these days, how early we have to show up at the airport?

[JMaruru]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Aren't BHPians flying these days?

I see everyday on CNBC some or the other saying that flying is safest as the air circulation and HEPA filters keep the virus out. Also, middle seats are kept vacant and masks are compulsory. Domestic flights are enforcing web check-in and baggage drops.

Even, I have to fly back to India, by end of the year. I am waiting for easing of quarantine restrictions in India.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by JMaruru

I see everyday on CNBC some or the other saying that flying is safest as the air circulation and HEPA filters keep the virus out. Also, middle seats are kept vacant and masks are compulsory.

I'm a little bit doubtful. How can we be sure that airflow goes from another person's lungs to the AC intake without passing us on the way? Can't say that it might not be a safer alternative to, say, an AC railway carriage, but, personally, I don't fancy either for some weeks or even months ahead.

[JMaruru]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

I'm a little bit doubtful. How can we be sure that airflow goes from another person's lungs to the AC intake without passing us on the way? Can't say that it might not be a safer alternative to, say, an AC railway carriage, but, personally, I don't fancy either for some weeks or even months ahead.

Good question. With what I know, the airlines are operating by checking for negative report on Covid19 at the check-in here in US. Also, masks are compulsory on board. I would NOT know what is the SOP in Indian airports.

[JMaruru]

What are the options for traveling from US into India now?
I was under the assumption ONLY 'Air-India'(Vande Bharat) is the carrier for flying into India. But now, I am hearing some folks traveling from US to India through 'British Airways' and also 'Emirates'.

Has any flown into India, recently. Could you please share your experience for the benefit of others.

[Samurai]

Well, tomorrow I am taking a flight for the first time since March. How early should I arrive at the airport (BIAL) considering the additional delays caused by the pandemic checks?

[Gannu_1]

Originally Posted by Samurai

How early should I arrive at the airport (BIAL) considering the additional delays caused by the pandemic checks?

Arrive at your usual time which is maybe 2 hours before departure? There’s a temperature check done at the entry before the departure gate and that’s pretty much it. I’ve been flying every month to Ahmedabad from Chennai and back.

I love the fact that I don’t have to take a printout of the boarding pass or ticket now. Just the one on the smartphone is sufficient. Baggage tags for check-in baggage require a printout.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Arrive at your usual time which is maybe 2 hours before departure? There’s a temperature check done at the entry before the departure gate and that’s pretty much it.

Thanks, I usually show-up just 60 minutes ahead of my flight. So, lines are not longer due to social distancing, etc.? Security guys still frisk, using PPE?

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

I love the fact that I don’t have to take a printout of the boarding pass or ticket now. Just the one on the smartphone is sufficient. Baggage tags for check-in baggage require a printout.

I haven't printed the ticket in many years now. I just use the kiosk to print the boarding pass. But you are saying even boarding pass need not be printed if I have no check-in luggage? I can enter the flight just waving the smartphone?

[Gannu_1]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Thanks, I usually show-up just 60 minutes ahead of my flight. So, lines are not longer due to social distancing, etc.? Security guys still frisk, using PPE?

Yep the CISF guys frisk as usual, wearing a complete cover over their head and the scanning tool fixed to a baton.

Originally Posted by Samurai

But you are saying even boarding pass need not be printed if I have no check-in luggage? I can enter the flight just waving the smartphone?

Yep.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Yep the CISF guys frisk as usual, wearing a complete cover over their head and the scanning tool fixed to a baton.

Yep.

Wow, so there is no security seal on the boarding pass after security check, which is usually checked 3 times before we board. Lots of changes to look forward to...

[Gannu_1]

Samurai, I forgot to mention. All the passengers have to wear a face shield and the ones sitting on seats B and E have to wear the PPE gown. Although there were many who didn’t.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Samurai, I forgot to mention. All the passengers have to wear a face shield and the ones sitting on seats B and E have to wear the PPE gown. Although there were many who didn’t.

Wait, who provides that? I didn't get any notification from the airline about face shield and PPE. I was planning to go just with a N-95 mask. I am on D seat though.

[blackwasp]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Wait, who provides that?

The Airline will provide it at no extra charge. On a recent flight, I had the misfortune of middle seat. Had to wear an overall.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

The Airline will provide it at no extra charge. On a recent flight, I had the misfortune of middle seat. Had to wear an overall.

Ok, I think the PPE thing has gone away. Everyone was only given face shield + mask + 4 sachets of sanitizer. This was Spicejet. No one in the aisle seat was wearing PPE.

Almost everyone in the security line had a printout, so I was wondering whether I should run back to get a printout. But it was not required.

[bblost]

Originally Posted by Samurai

Wow, so there is no security seal on the boarding pass after security check, which is usually checked 3 times before we board. Lots of changes to look forward to...

Hyderabad airport had done away with this a long time back.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/64594339.cms