How soon are we going to be allowed to travel freely after COVID-19 is over and what will it look like?
Those are the questions everyone is asking in every corner of the globe.
We love to travel, it’s in our genes and no what the obstacle, we have always found a way to move about.
But now, closed borders and 14-days quarantine have killed off all but the most desperate trips.
And politicians messaging is confused and contradictory when we need calm thoughtful facts or at least realistic forecasts and hope!
And some of the media are not helping looking for the most dramatic headlines.
What may occur is that states and or countries that have beaten COVID-19 and whose health policies and systems are aligned may open their borders.
One such example may be down-under in Western Australia and New Zealand. The western state of Australia (WA) is leading the way on COVID-19 and New Zealand is the most advanced country in the western world in combating the virus as it shutdown very early.
If WA and New Zealand can agree policies international travel could be re-opened between them as a trial.
Then possibly other Australian states, such as South Australia, could follow.
What is needed across the world are clear guidelines from WHO on the criteria for “beating the virus.”
We may find that some countries are isolated well into 2021.
But one thing is for sure all international borders will not suddenly open – it will be a country by country or state by state process.
And when we do get back in the air, particularly for international travel, what is it going to look like?
Cheap fares alone will not get the majority back into the air. They will need to be convinced that their fellow passengers are COVID-19 free.
The only guaranteed way to achieve that is for airport testing to be introduced. A new test that takes 15 minutes may be required but it will be very costly and time consuming.
SEE: Qantas Airways making flying safer
Perhaps a COVID-19 free certificate within 5-days of travel may be the answer plus temperature checks at the airport.
Onboard, flight attendants with masks and gloves and possibly the passengers the same may be the new face of air travel.
And onboard meal delivery may look very different with flair giving way to packaged product in the premium classes.
Airlines may need to disinfect their aircraft after every flight not just once a day.
The issues are complex and challenging.
Price, health and confidence will all play a role in getting the world flying again.
