What to expect next time you fly – from mandatory masks and no food service to hazmat-wearing flight crew

AIRLINES are already starting to resume flights, with easyJet launching routes by next month and Ryanair to follow suit in July.

However, plane travel will be a very different experience once passengers return.

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Heathrow Airport is trialling temperature checks at Terminal 2, with tripod mounted cameras used on passengers going through immigration.

The screening, which has been trialled in Italy, takes just seconds using infrared sensors. Anyone found with a high temperature may be sent to quarantine but this hasn't been confirmed.

EasyJet, who announced new routes in the UK and Europe from June 15, will be enforcing new rules on both passengers and crew.

Face masks will be mandatory for everyone, and additional screens will be put up at check-in,

Planes will also be disinfected between journeys and food service will be stopped.


Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: "The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains our highest priority which is why we are implementing a number of measures enhancing safety at each part of the journey from disinfecting the aircraft to requiring customers and crew to wear masks."

Some airlines are going further, with Qatar Airways and Emirates making crew wear hazmat suits while working.

Qatar Airways explained in a statement that it would "provide even greater reassurance to customers in addition to enhanced hygienic measures already in place".

Emirates are even giving guests complimentary hygiene kits, containing masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser. Meals and blankets will remain on flights, but sterilised.

Other restrictions being considered by airlines include passengers being forced to ask to go to the bathroom, according to Ryanair, and boarding from the back to the front, if travelling with Delta.

Leaving the middle seat empty has conflicted some airlines.

US airlines such as United and JetBlue have committed to leaving them empty, while Ryanair has called it "idiotic" as it was financially unviable.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) are also against middle seat-blocking, according to their statement, and advise face masks as a better precaution to take.

Airlines could be forced to fly at lower capacity, although with travel restrictions still in place, experts say this is likely to be the case for upcoming months due to a lack of demand.

Joseph Mayfield, who has worked as flight attendant for 17 years and is president of the Transportation Workers Union of America told USA Today: "Flights are leaving with 40 people – and coming back with five or six people."

This may be bad news for travellers as reduced flight sales could lead to more expensive flights as airlines attempt to keep flights profitable.

Experts have already warned of more expensive holidays in the future, with some fearing pricier trips for up to three years.

Thankfully, prices are also expected to return to post-pandemic levels eventually – just not any time soon.

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