Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
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s Hong Kong eases coronavirus-related restrictions, I am hopeful that we might come out the other side sooner rather than later, at least locally. But will we ever be able to flit around the world like we used to? Will I need to carry an “immunity” passport? When airlines dust off their fleets, will prices shoot through the roof? Like most eager explorers, questions are swirling around my head about how the virus will impact travel. I am no soothsayer, but I do have a few informed predictions for what the “new normal” might look like once we hit the road again: 1 Slower travel If you’re like me, darting to the airport 1.5 hours before takeoff, you might be in for a shock. It will undoubtedly take much longer to get from Point A to Point B in the short term due to heightened safety protocols, such as thermal screenings and mandatory COVID-19 tests. 2 Touchless tech Widespread touchless technologies may eventually speed things up. Expect to see an influx of auto-document scanning, biometric e-gates, digital IDs, thermographic cameras, virtual queuing, mobile room keys, voice-activated services, robot room services and much more. 3 Hardcore hygiene Understandably, travellers will be hyper-vigilant when it comes to hygiene. Many hotels, airlines and lounges are already adopting medicalgrade cleaning regiments. As one example, HKIA and the AsiaWorld-Expo have recently deployed full-body disinfectant machines, called CLeanTech stations, which are said to zap bacteria in 40 seconds.
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4 COVID-free corridors Since destinations will reopen at staggered rates, we are likely to see the emergence of narrow “safe” travel corridors. So perhaps Hongkongers can visit New Zealand or Vietnam - places where the virus is under control - and vice-versa. If a vaccine becomes available, it’s also possible that some destinations will require a “health record,” certifying your immunity and health history. 5 Cheaper flights (initially) The good news, first: Once the virus clears, many airlines will offer excellent promotions to entice us to fly again. Now the bad: After that initial push, prices may spike due to industry consolidation, ongoing social distancing measures (read: empty seats), and fewer business travellers who usually account for premium ticket sales.
