Emirates introduces social distancing aboard their flights

Social distancing in the air continues to be a thing, with Emirates introducing it aboard their flights.

It’s part of a package of evolving safety measures the airline is taking as it adopts life with COVID-19.

Onboard Emirates flights, seats are pre-allocated with vacant seats placed between individual passengers or family groups in observance of physical distancing protocols.

In addition, all cabin crew, boarding agents and ground staff in direct contact with passengers will now don personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes a protective disposable gown over their uniforms, and a safety visor, in addition to masks and gloves.

This follows on from other steps. For example, at Dubai International Airport, gloves and masks are mandatory for all customers and employees. The airport also uses Thermal scanners to monitor the temperatures of all passengers and employees stepping into the airport. When you’re inside the airport physical distancing indicators have been placed on the ground.

Meanwhile, the airport team has also installed protective barriers at each check-in desk to provide additional safety reassurance to passengers and employees during interactions over the counter.

Remember, that Emirates will not accept cabin baggage for flight. The only carry on items allowed includes Carry-on items allowed in the cabin are limited to laptop, handbag, briefcase or baby items. All other items have to be checked in, and Emirates will add the cabin baggage allowance to customers’ check-in baggage allowance

Whilst you’re aboard the aircraft, the in-flight service has been streamlined, with Emirates offering food and beverages in the form of bento-styled boxes to reduce contact between the crew and customers during meal service, and minimise the risk of interaction. The personal boxes provide customers with sandwiches, beverages, snacks and desserts.

You will also have to wear masks and gloves throughout their journey from check-in until they disembark.

A new seating reality

To allow for social distancing, airlines are having to sacrifice precious seats now to give the distance they need to give passengers. Whilst in the short term, getting people from A to B is the important thing (and ensure they’re getting home), but in the longer term – Emirates will have to rethink their seating strategy – currently built on dense models (remember the 7 across business class and 10 across economy class).

Clearly – a rethink maybe needed.

And for some airlines who depend on high seat densities… that could spell bad news in the medium term…

All Images – Emirates

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