THE wearing of masks has been a bone of contention in the time of coronavirus, but most air travellers support mask-wearing, believing it is part of onboard safety.
However, a majority are frustrated with the “hassle factor” around Covid-19 protocols, including confusion and uncertainty about travel rules, testing requirements and excessive test costs.
The survey of 4,700 travellers in 11 global markets by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed 85% of the respondents are confident aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, with 65% agreeing the air on an aircraft is as clean as an operating room.
Among those who have travelled since June 2020, 86% felt safe onboard owing to Covid-19 measures, citing well-implemented protective measures (89%) and airline personnel doing a good job in enforcing the measures (90%).
The survey found 83% of air travellers “strongly support” mask-wearing onboard, with 86% in favour of strict enforcement of mask rules. However, a majority also believe the mask requirement should be ended as soon as possible.
Air travellers recognise the safety measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission during air travel, said Willie Walsh (image credit: IATA)
“Air travellers recognise and value the safety measures put in place to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission during air travel. And they support the continuation of these measures as long as necessary, but they also don’t want the measures to become permanent,” commented IATA director general Willie Walsh on the findings.
He added there is also a need to respect the rules and the safety of fellow passengers. “It is unacceptable that unruly passenger incidents have doubled compared to 2019, and the increase in physically abusive behaviour is a particular cause for great concern.”
At the same time, participants admitted they found Covid-related rules and requirements a hassle, impacting their willingness to travel.
More than two-thirds of the respondents (70%) found the rules and the accompanying paperwork were a challenge to understand. Arranging for Covid testing was a hassle among 67%, and 89% concurred governments must standardise vaccinations/testing certifications
“These responses should be a wake-up call to governments that they need to do a better job of preparing for a restart. Almost two thirds of respondents plan to resume travel within a few months of the pandemic being contained (and borders opened). And by the six-month mark almost 85% expect to be back to travel,” said Walsh.
He added that to avoid overwhelming airports and border control authorities, governments have to agree replacing paper-based processes with digital solutions like the IATA Travel Pass for vaccine and testing documentation.
Nine out of 10 respondents like the idea of using a mobile app to store their travel health credentials and 87% support a secure digital system to manage health credentials. However, 75% said they would only use an app if they have full control of their vaccine/test data.
• Featured image credit: intararit/Getty Images
