Travel advice with lung diseases and covid avoidance

[Pjmf]

I’m on holiday in Austria and have to fly back on easyjet. We need to lobby them to sterilise their aircraft more and to let passengers have space between then when waiting to board. We were ‘kettled’ on a staircase for 10 minutes waiting to board on the way out. That would spread viruses like wildfire. My doctor told me to use alcohol wipes and clean the tray table and all around and also sit nearthe back of the plAne.

Any other travellers out there with hints on how to fly safely with this virus around? I’ve tried to contact the airline but can’t get through.

[DaisyEric]

Just back myself from holiday and was also a bit stressed by being so close to so many people.

I should have thought airports and aeroplanes are very worrying places for germs even without this new virus.

Having said that no way are they going to let us change seats and sit at the back are they? I did clean our seats arm rests and trays and the loo door etc when I used it, but it felt very inadequate.

The problem is that we haven't been advised not to travel which means we are doing so at our own risk. At the moment you won't get your money back if you decide not to travel unless maybe...just maybe your GP will say it's not safe for you to travel.

We have a holiday booked to Venice at the end of April...I have no idea yet what to do either.

[HungryHufflepuff]

I have wondered about the hygiene on planes with a quick turnaround, long before this virus. The plane comes in, the people get off, then the next lot get ready for boarding. There cannot be time to even wipe the tray tables or anything. I imagine at most the crew pick out any rubbish from the seat pockets.

Also it seems common practice to make a plane load of passengers wait on a staircase or in a corridor before boarding. My personal fear is the dreaded airport bus, where the entire plane load of passengers and hand luggage are packed into a bus that has a handful of seats and the rest of us are wedged standing among all the other passengers. 😱 I dread those things at the best of times.

[Caspiana in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Huff they don't wipe anything. Bring your own wipes and wipe your seat hand rests, screen, table and if you are by the window, that wall and the window itself. Do not touch that seat pocket in front of you. It is filthy. People put their used tissues, nappies, you name it it's been in there! 😑 xx

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to Caspiana]

🤢 I usually put my bottle of water and magazine in the seat pocket. I won't be doing that now! It hadn't occurred to me people might put used tissues in there. Or nappies 😮 Thanks for the advice.

[Pjmf]

Sounds as if we are all in the same boat. We had a video call with the GP yesterday...he mentioned how in planes to some countries they spray disinfectant but felt these cheap European flights need to start this. I think we should lobby the airlines, write to the press and so on. There is a spray you can buy here to spray on clothing that apparently kills viruses. Maybe masks or just scarves draped over the nose and sprayed with this would help. Let’s all try and make airlines more aware.

[Bkin]

I basically don't do public transport in the bug season, includes, buses, trains, planes. I usually am cautious about this from September end to mid April. I guess for any in the higher risk group, its more of a problem even with taking precautions. You could add wearing the N95 mask if you can get hold of any now. Disposable cotton or vinyl gloves, but be aware of safe procedure for disposal of anything that might be contaminated. Reading about covid19 and public toilets may make you more aware of the dangers too.

[TheBoys]

Take a pack of CIF or any other ones and do everything around your seats.plus of course the toilet plus ghf luggage rack, and your bags.

They ll look at you askance, but a quick retort about their dirty planes should be sufficient.

Some antibacterial spray as well.

[stamford1234 in reply to TheBoys]

There are restrictions on carrying liquids on planes

[Bkin]

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[peege]

I would be getting some latex gloves, clean ones in one pocket and used ones kept separately. Also a Buff or scarf over nose & mouth. There's a little anti viral spray, Vicks Cold & Flu I use before, during & after flights. Dunno if it'll be affective on Corvid.

I think I heard on radio docs talking about self isolating on return from affected areas. Good luck

[Hidden]

I am just not travelling for the forseeable future and am considering not going to my 2 theatre outings the week after next. My theatre friend has flown to Portugal today. I can’t be sure that she won’t be incubating it when she comes back.

[TheBoys]

I think planes are worth avoiding totally now..until the flu season is over and warmer weather comes. I m stopping going to the pub as well.

[Izb1]

The airlines provide cheap tickets because of the quick turnaround and no real cleaning. The thing we have to think about is if we want them to steralise the plane then there will be fewer flights that day and the cost of cleaners will need to be added to your holiday price. I for one would be willing to pay more to have this if I was still holidaying abroad, but doubt the majority of travellers would want this extra expense . In fact I dont think people should be travelling whilst this virus is still around. Just my opinion x

[younginmind]

I fly short haul (approx 3 hours) - for the past few years I always use Vicks First Defence (or Boots equivalent) before I get to the airport, then on the plane, do not touch or use the flap, make sure the ac is switched off, take wipes, used to have a aisle seat but after reading now only have a window seat, wash hands before boarding, wash hands on board (use tissue for touching the door handle then disposing), wash hands on arrival - now I do not read the magazine or anything else in the 'pocket' as could be contaminated - I used to get a cold or whatever every 3 days after I flew but now thank goodness I have been OK - this was all before this virus - all the doctors say face masks are a waste of time - so just be careful. I also take a puff of Bricanyl on take-off & have some sweets for sucking on landing. We people who have lung problems are obviously going to suffer far more if we get the virus, especially like me, being over 70 we have been written off as they will only be saving those who are 50 or under I have had a good life & still enjoy, so just hope the virus doesn't visit me or my friends & family, or any of you lovely people.

[Pjmf]

Useful advice.I do much the same. Just find it hard not touching my face by mistake. I’ve got lots of alcohol wipes and bought a spray here in Austria which is meant to kill this type of virus and can be sprayed on material...so will try it on my buff, scarf, bag etc. I hadn’t thought about the inflight magazines. You’re right. I also suck strong throat lozenges and have a salt breather. Fingers crossed I can get home safely. 70 this year. Does that mean they won’t bother with me?!