These are strange times we live in, and the travel industry has had to adapt quickly, changing the way we travel. Very few people are flying long haul at the moment, especially to Australia where there are tough border restrictions. But recently I had to make this journey, so I’ll share my story with all you curious travelers.
If you missed the part one about why and how I planned this trip, you can check it out here:
Traveling to Australia During Coronavirus
If you want more tips, advice or stories about my journey and quarantine experience, follow JoinMyTrip on TikTok.
Packing your carry-on
Of course you will pack all your regular items for flying long haul, but you may want a couple extra things.
Hand sanitiser
Preferably without a ‘Flammable’ symbol, as I mention a bit later
Disinfectant wipes
They should provide you with one on the plane, but you may want more for around the airport or bathrooms
Masks
Anything with a vent or valve will not be allowed.
KN95 or N95 is best, but I’ve been told people with asthma will have issues wearing these for longer than 2 hours. This might be an issue to some who are planning on flying long haul. I wore mine around the airport, but I swapped to a disposable medical mask after the food service.
Masks that tie up behind the head will be more comfortable. Otherwise, find a clip for the ear straps to stop them from rubbing behind your ears for 22 hours.
And of course, always remember the correct mask etiquette.
Checking in to your flight
When traveling to Australia, you need to have a negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before your first flight departs. Make sure to double-check the requirements of the country you’re traveling to. I recommend leaving enough time to print out your results, airports love to have printed proof of everything.
You can check-in online, but you’ll still need to go to the check-in desk when arriving at the airport. They will check your PCR test, and mark your boarding pass with a ‘transit’ stamp. Hold onto this, as they won’t accept digital boarding passes when boarding.
Security processes are the same as always, except I was quite worried about my hand disinfectant. Most effective hand sanitizers have a little ‘Flammable’ symbol on them, meaning you shouldn’t take them on flights. Luckily I found one without the symbol, despite a high level of alcohol. Regardless, the security team seemed unfazed by any sanitizer bottles. Just be honest to security, and aware of the risk it could be taken off you.
Boarding your flight
I suggest walking around before you board, as you won’t be able to wander around the plane as much as usual.
They called people up in small groups to board, so there wasn’t the usual long line stretching through the airport. Present your paper boarding pass, as they need to see it has been stamped when checking in. Then they’ll take your temperature quickly and let you through.
Economy passengers can grab their “care package” on the way, otherwise, it will be waiting at your seat. For Singapore Airlines this included one surgical mask, a disinfectant wipe, and a small hand sanitizer. Wipe down your own seat and area to be safe, focusing on the things you’ll be touching throughout the flight.
Staying safe during the flight
You have to keep your mask on for the entire time your flying long haul, except when eating or drinking. This is why I suggested the comfortable mask earlier.
They didn’t say anything about wandering around during the flight, but I suggest you keep it to a minimum. Your fellow passengers may be stressed enough already. That being said, there are very few people on flights at the moment, especially to Australia.
The airlines try to keep people separated in the plane, so you shouldn’t have anyone directly in your row or in the nearby seats. I got up a few times to stretch and move but remained directly next to my seat.
Most airlines have also installed hand sanitiser pumps outside of the bathroom, so make use of these when needed.
How to get to your connecting flight
My stopover was in Singapore. When we arrived, they asked all passengers who are ending their journey in Singapore to disembark first. After that, everyone with ‘Transit’ stamped on their boarding pass could disembark.
We lined up, received a green wristband, and then walked in a single file line through the airport. The journey included taking the airport train, and then we arrived at a holding area. They checked our passport, crossed our name off a paper list, and then we were set free.
It was a bit confusing at first as we were given no further instructions, but as the other passengers wandered off, so did I. There were a couple of small food stands, but also a desk where you could order other food or even shop for items from around the airport.
When it was time to board the next flight, they called us up to the assembly area near the entrance. Checking our passports again, we were escorted out in another single-file line, back onto the train, and towards our gate. After passing through a security check, we sat near the gate for only a couple of minutes before starting to board.
Coming soon: Arriving in Australia
Keep an eye out for the next blog in the series!
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Craving some more travel inspiration? Check out our other blogs:
- Traveling to Australia During Coronavirus
- List of The Best Travel Movies and Books
- Travel Podcast – Making The JoinMyTrip Podcast (S.2, Ep.12)
- Coronavirus: 10 Things to do Under Lockdown
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