Getting Back to Business Travel

Planning your next trip in a Post Covid-19 World:

For many companies, travel remains an important function of business. For people who still need to travel, it’s important to consider how COVID-19 will change your travel experience and what you can do to maximize your safety while you travel.

CI Azumano Business Travel counselors can provide timely and relevant information as they help you plan and book your business trip. We’ve also prepared some additional information that you can keep in your back pocket as you get back to business travel.

Before your business trip:

• Research your destination to see what new regulations may be in place for incoming travelers. We’ve curated a set of updated information sources, including the US State department’s updated information.

• Make sure to take any COVID-19 tests required by your destination within their mandated policies. Follow state, local, and territorial travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state and local health department where you are, along your route, and where you are going. Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.

• Prepare a COVID-19 travel kit. The latest suggestions include at least two face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, thermometer, and travel-sized laundry detergent. (Source: Travel Pulse, May 2020)

• Maintain a safe distance between yourself and others throughout your journey

Traveling by Air:

• Know your airline’s updated COVID-19 Policies:

• Take the time to learn about how your airline is updating its cleanliness policies. Follow this link to see a curated list of airlines and their policies. (Source: Forbes, August 2020)

Checking in at the Airport:

• Plan to spend more time during the check-in process. Wait times for processing may be longer than before. Travelers can find information including crowd-sourced airport security wait times with the My TSA mobile application.  With this app, you will be able to check and post airport delays reported by fellow travelers in real-time, confirm what items you can bring through security, and review other tips for travelers from TSA.

• Check-in online with the airline to note any changes to the flight or the airline’s policies.

• Check ahead of time for any confirmed COVID-19 cases at your originating and destination airports by visiting TSA.gov.

In the Airport terminal:

• Be prepared to prove you are healthy enough to travel. You may be required to prove your health status to different airport and airline officials.

• Your airline may have changed their boarding procedures, so listen carefully to any announcements.

• Sanitize baggage handles after picking them up at the baggage claim.

On the Plane:

• Carry your own pen in case you’re required to fill out any health declarations or other forms.

• Bring a snack and drink if the airline policy permits it. There may be limited service, or no service at all during your flight.

• If you can, select a window seat instead of an aisle to reduce contact with other passengers and crew

• Clean all surfaces, seat belts, buckles, armrests, and seat-back tables with a sanitized wipe.

Traveling by Car:

• Many car-rental companies have published their enhanced cleanliness initiatives online. Follow this link to see how suppliers are doing to keep their cars sanitized and their clients safe. (Source: Conde Nast Traveler May 2020)

• If you can download the rental car company’s app to reserve your car and check-in ahead of time.

• If you’re taking a shuttle from the airport to your rental car, maintain your distance from passengers and personnel and wear your facemask. My TSA mobile application

Staying at a Hotel

• Many hotels have now published their hotel cleanliness initiatives online. Follow this link for a list of some of the larger chains and what they are doing to keep their properties sanitized. (Source: Skift May 2020)

• If you can download the hotel’s app for the latest information, and to see if you’re able to check-in remotely and ahead of your arrival.

• Wear your facemask until you’re in your room.

• Be prepared to carry your bags up to your room, or if hotel staff does that for you, make sure you’re sanitizing the bag handles.

• You may be required to have your temperature checked and present documentation certifying you have been tested and are healthy. 

• It’s always helpful to provide feedback to the hotel

Dining Out:

• Check out this guide from the CDC outlining the precautions to take if you plan on dining out.

• Make sure to call ahead for a reservation. You will want to understand the restaurant’s cleanliness policy and requirements for masks. Also, note that dining space may be limited.

• Be prepared to wear a facemask as you enter the restaurant and until you are seated.

• Check online for reviews to see how other diners are rating their experience with the restaurant.

Conclusion:

Being prepared and having a plan can be an effective way to stay ahead of changes and stay healthy. Reach out to CI Azumano Business Travel today to learn more about how we can help your travelers prepare for the return to travel.

CI Azumano Business Travel has conducted careful research to provide you with the latest information on preparing for your return to business travel. We do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information. CI Azumano Business Travel does not accept any liability for any damage or loss as a result of the information contained herein.