Air travel may be relatively limited right now, but this looks likely to change quite soon.
A number of airlines have announced when they will be restarting more flights from London’s airports.
Several European countries have also indicated when or whether they are opening up to UK travellers anytime soon.
But this does not mean to say catching a flight will be anywhere near as simple as it was. People are still catching coronavirus everyday, and its effects are not any less dangerous.
There are, therefore, a number of new measures in place.
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Some airports have made it mandatory to wear face masks and gloves. Others have not, but have other screening measures in place.
It is important to keep up-to-date with the latest rules surrounding travel, in order to keep yourself, other passengers and staff as safe as possible.
With this in mind, here are all the latest rules about travelling to and from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports:
Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Heathrow Going to the terminal
Before arriving at the airport, passengers should discuss with their airline and travel insurance provider whether their travel is essential
Only drop off and collect people who live in the same household as you
Do not come into the terminals at Heathrow unless you are travelling, only come in if « absolutely necessary » and not just to say goodbye or hello to a traveller Reasons for entering the terminal include:
– If you are taking a flight yourself
– If you are helping somebody who requires assistance before they are greeted by the care team
Do not arrive any earlier than you normally would for a flight (allow yourself two hours before for European flights and three hours for long haul flights)
All flights now depart from Terminals 2 and 5 Read More Related Articles Social distancing
Adhere to two metre social distancing guidelines in terminals at all times Follow social distancing markers on floors
Look out for signs across all terminals reminding you to stay at least two metres apart passengers
Listen to airport staff who are working to manage queues across terminals and provide more space where possible
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Wash your hands
Make use of over 600 hand sanitiser dispenser locations across the airport
– These are found in all areas, including in the security entrance areas, toilets, and main concourses
Look out for signs across all terminals reminding you to wash your hands
You are welcome to wear your own face covering
Face coverings are also available free of charge to all – prior to check-in for departing passengers and before immigration for arriving passengers
But a statement on Heathrow Airport’s website also states: « If you choose to wear protective clothing, please be mindful that you may be asked to remove it when going through security so that we can safely and efficiently carry out security checks as required by the government for every passenger before their flight. »
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Temperature screening trials
Passengers landing at Terminal 2 Arrivals will take part in a trialling temperature screening, using thermal imaging technology to screen for passengers with raised temperatures No personally identifiable data of passengers or colleagues will be stored or collected Passengers arriving into T2 will see the cameras as they pass through the immigration hall, with a sign informing them when they are entering an area being covered
Speak to a member of staff if you do not wish to travel passed the cameras
No passengers will be stopped, as this is currently just a trial
Passengers may also be asked about their general health or recent travel history. If the information given is a cause for concern, further medical checks may need to be carried out.
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For more information, visit the Heathrow Airport website, or keep up-to-date with the latest Heathrow news here.
Gatwick Arriving at the terminal
Flights now arrive and depart from the South Terminal, and the North Terminal is closed
Before arriving, keep in contact with your airline for the latest flight information about cancellations
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The Gatwick Airport website states four key rules the team would like passengers to abide by as they travel through the airport:
1. Wear a face covering while travelling through Gatwick
2. Maintain social distancing
3. Wash your hands regularly
4. Keep your hands clean on the go by using hand sanitiser
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The Gatwick Airport website reminds you to « please still be mindful to keep your distance from others »
Follow the signs that remind passengers to maintain social distancing and respect others around them
Only travel in lifts with people you are travelling with
Some lifts may have restrictions which limit the number of people in them any one time
Follow signs on staircases which indicate whether they should be used for up or down travel
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Make yourself known to the nearest member of staff if you are experiencing the symptoms of a cough, fever or shortness of breath at the airport For more information, visit the Gatwick Airport website, or keep up-to-date with the latest Gatwick news here.
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Read More Related Articles Hygiene and protective clothing
Passengers must wear a face covering and wear gloves
You are encouraged to bring your own gloves and face coverings or masks
In the early stages of the pilot, passengers arriving without gloves and masks will be provided with these items to be worn while at the airport
According to the airport’s website, face coverings should:
« Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face. Offer coverage above and below the mouth and nose. Allow for breathing without restriction. Be secure. Include multiple layers of fabric. » Gloves should also be « well fitting and the disposable type. »
Driving gloves and ski gloves will not be allowed.
You can take anti-bacterial wipes and a bottle hand sanetiser gel in your hand luggage, but it must be:
– 100ml or less
– In a sealed, clear plastic bag
– The bag must be taken out of your hand luggage and placed in a separate tray
– You can take them in your hold luggage also Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Screening measures
Temperature screening trials
Some limited temperature screening trials are taking place, but these remain in the trial stage, results will not be communicated to customers or used to influence whether they can travel For more information, visit the Stansted Airport website.
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