All the latest guidance for anyone flying including new baggage rules

New guidance has been released by The Department of Transport for passengers and airports to allow for safe travel, including checking in hand luggage.

The Department for Transport has published new aviation advice for passengers on how to safely travel. 

The guidance has been produced by the government’s International Aviation Taskforce in collaboration with the industry and will provide passengers with vital information on how to practise social distancing at each stage of their journey. 

The advice includes wearing face coverings when in the airport, washing hands after touching any surfaces checking in all baggage – including hand luggage – and remaining seated as much as possible during the flight.

Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said: “The government’s advice currently remains to avoid all non-essential travel, but today we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a framework is in place for the aviation industry to bounce back when it is safe for restrictions on travel to be lifted.”

Tim Hawkins, chief strategy officer at Manchester Airports Group, added: “This new guidance provides the basis for the restart and recovery of the UK aviation industry – it offers clear information for us, our passengers and our airlines on the steps needed to create a safe travel experience.

“The guidance is the result of strong collaboration between government and the aviation industry, drawing on advice from independent medical and scientific experts who have looked specifically at what safety measures are needed at each stage of the travel process.

“With similar protocols being adopted in other countries, and a targeted approach to reopening travel to low-risk countries, we will have the elements in place to get our economy moving again and protect jobs throughout the whole aviation supply chain.”

People are advised to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly or use hand sanitiser where washing facilities are not available.

People are also urged to not touch their face and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Face coverings should be worn in airports and onboard aircraft. You should take your own face covering and bring spares for longer journeys – some airlines will stop you from boarding if you don’t have one. 

You will need to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers or police staff for purposes of identification. Some airports are taking temperatures before boarding. 

There is also new guidance to operators which includes supporting staff with safe practises and workplaces. There should be extensive cleaning of aircraft, and increased availability of handwashing and hand sanitising facilities.

It also says to reduce face-to-face interactions with passengers. 

Passengers are urged to avoid the busiest routes and times and to keep their distance throughout their travelling. 

Travel solo unless travelling with your household, avoid walking around the airport and mixing with people you don’t normally meet. Non-passengers should only enter the airport where needed, for instance picking up a passenger who requires assistance.

You should not travel if you have experienced coronavirus symptoms within the past two weeks, are self-isolating or share a household with someone experiencing symptoms. 

If you, or anyone in your household, are showing symptoms of coronavirus your household should isolate and arrange for tests.

Before planning a trip, understand the public health requirements and restrictions of your destination country, and when re-entering the UK.

See the full passenger guidance here.