There's no way to deny it: the novel Coronavirus has had a major impact all over the world, leaving no area (especially global and local economies) the capacity to proceed as if nothing happened. In a matter of days, everything changed: the way we live, our routines and, most of all, the way we travel (or the way we don't).
All the airlines operating on a global scale were not spared. Most flights were canceled, passengers are now afraid to book new tickets and some airlines have decided to suspend all of their domestic flights. The world has changed because of this pandemic and that is the main reason why it's so different flying in the following airlines nowadays than it was a month ago.
15 Qatar Airways Has Had Better Days
Qatar Airways is worldwide classified as one of the best airlines operating nowadays—if not the best. A month ago, you could book expensive tickets to fly to any country in the world and a lot of people interested in the exclusive Qatar Airways' service.
But the situation has changed, indefinitely...
14 So Long, First Class
Any airline's First Class is the most luxurious one, where you get exclusive service and a crew member always ready to help you. However, the novel Coronavirus does not choose classes and ends up driving all passengers away from booking new flights, for fear of getting infected.
13 From All Seats Taken To "Where's Everyone?"
A month ago, you would find no problem in flying with Singapore Airlines, which normally has no difficulty in booking all seats of a flight. Today, the situation is much different and it's hard to find even ten passengers on board. People are scared!
12 A Month Ago, Even Star Wars Fans Would Want To Board ANA All Nippon Airways
Japanese, right?
Jokes aside, it is true that any person (even Star Wars fans) would try to book a seat with ANA All Nippon Airways, for being such a prestigious company. Nowadays, the situation has changed (a lot) and it's a true challenge to even find someone flying with this company.
11 Cathay Pacific's Flights Before And After Coronavirus
From no worries nor self-protection to masks and gloves all over the place...
Even though operating fewer flights at the moment, Cathay Pacific ensures that its crew is protected and that passengers follow the same guidelines. In fact, it's the only way the airline can (still) operate and pay their workers' salaries.
10 Low Cost Airlines Have Also Adopted Strict Measures
If you thought only the top airlines were facing a hard time, forget about it. Low-cost airlines have also been affected by COVID-19 and have canceled all European flights.
The passengers who still need to fly (to get back to their country of residence) need to wear a mask.
9 Pilots Fly Accompanied Now
Security measures apply to everyone who's flying nowadays, pilots included. They now fly accompanied by masks and protective suits, to ensure they do not end up contaminated with the virus—not to mention they have to disinfect their hands regularly, especially when changing planes (something they do more than once in a single day).
8 Emirates Started From The Bottom And Can't Leave Now
At the moment, Emirates is the only airline that has suspended all domestic flights indefinitely, giving the passengers the chance to use a voucher to change the dates of their trip.
The few crew members who are still working (on cargo flights) need to wear gloves, masks and practice social distancing as regularly as possible.
Related: 20 Photos Taken By Passengers On United Emirates Airlines
7 From Flying With No Worries To Having Your Temperature Measured Before Boarding
Have you ever experienced those times when hundreds of people crowded into airport lines?
Indeed, that was only a month ago... Today, security needs to check for fever before you approach a queue or board a plane. There are some airlines who, besides that, ask passengers to wear masks during the flight, too.
6 A Month Ago, You'd Fly In Peace, But Not Anymore
Nowadays, specialists need to check your health condition more than once, so don't be frightened if you see someone approaching you in a protection suit, a mask on and protection glasses. Today, that is the normal situation and passengers need to respect the rules if they want to travel.
Related: 15 Airlines With The Strictest Flying Rules
5 Nowadays, You Get Sprayed When Leaving A Plane
Besides the measures adopted before boarding a plane, others are implemented when leaving one.
Specialists may spray you when you touch the ground to ensure you enter the airport properly disinfected and don't risk other people's lives. The novel Coronavirus is invisible and spreads quickly.
4 A Month Ago, You Would Be Worrying About Other Kinds Of Masks
Remember all those security instructions given on a plane before every departure? Remember about the oxygen masks that drop off when needed? Well, that was a month ago...
Even though you still need to worry about those, nowadays you should give extra attention to protection masks before boarding.
3 From Flying With No Protection To Wearing Everything You Have
It's true: some people panic quite easily and tend to adopt questionable (and not needed) measures to protect themselves.
You don't need to wrap yourself in a plastic or a "protection case" when flying since that won't do a better job than just wearing a simple mask to protect yourself and others.
Related: Weirdest (Yet Clever) Ways People Are Tackling The Coronavirus Pandemic Around The World
2 Canceled Flights Are The Norm Today
Yes, we know that canceled flights were already in progress one month ago, but the truth is that the situation has escalated quickly.
Don't be surprised if you're about to board a plane and find out it just got canceled. People are having a hard time at airports as borders keep closing without prior notice.
1 A Month Ago, Only The Airline's Crew Would Board Before The Passengers. Well, Not Anymore...
Today, way before the crew enters a plane, specialists come in to ensure every corner of the plane is correctly disinfected. This is a necessary measure that ensures passengers don't end up contaminated, as the virus also spreads through objects, fabrics, and all sorts of materials.
Next: 10 Airlines That Changed Their Rules (In Light Of The Coronavirus)