So far, there hasn’t been a single, foolproof way to provide safety by Airlines to their flight passengers. Therefore, I have taken liberty to devise some concrete WIN-WIN solutions that Airlines can adopt, to protect passengers, and avoid financial losses. Let’s talk about the major risk factors first-
The Biggest risk factors are-
Using the lavatory
Unless you have a strong bladder, avoiding lavatory is impossible, especially during long haul flights.
Lavatories are closed, wet, confined, and above all, used by most passengers. So even though you might have an entire row all by yourself, it will not mean much of a safety net if you have to use the lavatory.
Ensuring everyone wears a “mask” at all times.
It’s important to prevent droplets from falling out from one’s mouth in a confined tube with circulating air. And the only effective way so far is — to wear a mask.
Since the narrative is divided between two groups of people, one who believes in wearing the mask and the others who don’t. But don’t worry- there is a solution for that as well. Read on.
Impossible to guarantee that every passenger is free of COVID.
Let’s say that every precaution is taken to avert the risks of exposure, but then again, how would airlines be able to decide that every passenger is free of COVID?
There is an effective solution for that as well.
Some other risks-
The moist air ducts can easily carry over the virus from the previous fight on to the next one. Which can easily make flights a breeding ground for the virus.
So the question arises, what should we do about it?
— — — — — — — — — -SOLUTIONS — — — — — — — — —
For lavatories-
the lavatories should be equipped with a “disinfectant mist spray”, which automatically engages itself after each use.
There should be a waiting period of at least 5 minutes allowing the mist to reach every corner between each use, to let the disinfectant neutralize the virus completely. From air to surface.
How to ensure that air ducts are free from the virus?
Well, there are a few ways. One could be similar to the lavatory. After each flight, ducts could be sprayed with disinfectant.
A study suggests that the COVID-19 dies in minutes if exposed to 35° C. So, turning up the heat all the way and let the air circulate within the cabin for an appropriate amount of time between the flights will also eliminate the virus from ducts.
How about ensuring that everyone is wearing a mask?
As I have mentioned earlier — the census is divided about wearing the mask, but that does not mean that passengers who are wearing the mask should have to sit along with ones who might not wear the mask.
But don’t worry…there is a solution for that as well.
First, the reasons one might have to take off the mask?
The only reason for taking off the mask would be is to eat and drink. Unless one has a condition in which case, they have to take off the mask. We will also discuss this further.
Few rules must be implemented to resolve this —
It depends on how long is the flight. It’s feasible to “avoid eating” on a flight which is “6 hours or less”. Although, some people have certain conditions in which they have to eat. So, how do we resolve that? (Also read further on how I came up with a 6-hour rule)
Unfortunately, regardless of the reason, taking off the mask puts the person in the same category as someone not wearing a mask.
To resolve that — Flight reservations must be “by category.”
There must be an agreement before the flight is booked, which will ask passengers if they are willing to abide by the safety rules paced in the wake of COVID. One of which is to wear the mask at all times during the flight.
Note- Denying the agreement will not make a passenger ineligible to fly. Read on.
The entire purpose of this procedure is to distinguish between the type of passengers — to make sure that the flight is safe for everyone.
— One who can and would follow all the safety guidelines, and the other ones — who can’t or won’t follow the safety guidelines.
Now, you must be thinking that not eating might be ok, but not having a drink could be a problem?
In a six-hour flight, it’s easy to assume that one should be fine drinking water around 3 times.
So, It can be done by taking a drink to the lavatory or using a flat straw that could slide under the mask.
Incentivize people who are committed to keeping a safe flight experience
After all, its an inconvenience for the passengers, even though its the right thing. Therefore this practice must be “incentivized” to reward people doing the right thing, to help airlines earn, and to motivate other people.
So there are a few steps involved in this. Please read on for possible incentives.
But first, let’s devise a way for the people who cannot or won’t agree to the agreement.
New Algorithm for flight reservation.
A simple change in the flight reservation Algorithm can allow scheduling of the flights according to the category.
As there are 2 categories of passengers now, the flights can also be of two categories. Flights For — who agree to the “agreement” and the flights for the ones who “don’t or can’t.”
The algorithm would be able to schedule the number of flights according to the demand, keeping the airline’s profits in check.
That would also prevent conflict between people who are not willing to partake in wearing a mask and the ones who do. And also — not penalize people(risking) who are willing to wear a mask during the entire flight and follow all safety procedures to keep others and themselves safe.
Now, what about the safety of the flight crew who are flying with the passengers who don’t agree to the agreement?
— I would not want anyone to fly without agreeing to the safety policies. Although, if airlines do decide to adopt this way, I strongly believe that the flight crew must be compensated generously. It should also be voluntary.
Incentives for people who agree to safety policies-
It’s a temporary situation, and what actions we take today, will impact our tomorrow. Therefore, airlines must invent new programs for passengers to incentivize their right deeds. It’s also fair since it will keep airlines in the business.
Upgrades
Passengers should be given opportunities for free upgrades in current and future flights.
Airport food and drink coupons
After not eating for so long, it’s the least, that airlines must provide food coupons to their passengers.
Future flight discounts
Passengers must be given options with guaranteed incentives. A discount for future flights is one of them.
How did I come up with a 6-hour rule?
In California, an employer can make an employee work for 6 hours without a meal break. If it’s over 5 hours and less than 6 hours, then only, there must be written consent. So, if the hourly employees can work without a meal for 6 hours regularly, I think airline passengers can survive for 6 hours without eating.
5-day, test rule — Mandatory COVID test
Any passenger willing to board a flight must present COVID test results within the last 5 days. Although it will not guarantee that the person is free from COVID, it will at least be a strong safeguarding measure.
However, it does not mean skipping the “temperature check” right before the boarding.
Airlines can also recommend passengers to stay away from public places at least 4–5 days before flying to minimize the contract risk.
After all, it’s about everyone’s safety and we are all in this together. So, everything must be done together. It’s up to us in many ways to keep each other safe.
Some extra precautions to take-
Sanitizer dispenser next to every lavatory.
Avoid touching any surface unless you really have to.
Try not to talk during the flight, which would reduce that amount of droplets falling out of mouth.
My best wishes to everyone. Be safe!!
