Though airlines across the world have radically reduced operations due to the coronavirus, some people still have to fly for a variety of reasons. To protect passengers and crew as much as possible from the transmission of COVID-19, carriers have instituted numerous safety measures. Here’s a look at what Canada’s major airlines are doing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus during flights.

Air Canada

In response to a directive from Transport Canada, Air Canada has made masks mandatory. This requirement applies to passengers at specified areas in Canadian airports, during the boarding process and during the flight. Travelers must prove they have a suitable face covering prior to boarding. Acceptable masks include a cloth mask, scarf or similar item. See the Public Health Agency of Canada website for more info.

Air Canada notes that it has implemented physical distancing practices wherever possible and is seating passengers as far apart as possible. The airline is also encouraging customers to check-in online or via the Air Canada app rather than at the airport in order to minimize social contact at airport check-in areas.

The airline states that “we continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation very closely, following directions from the WHO, PHAC, Transport Canada and other health agencies. We also ensure that we are 100% compliant with all PHAC and Transport Canada regulations surrounding health measures as pertaining to airline crews, including requirements for self-isolation.”

Air Canada also reports that it is now making N95 masks and protective single-use gowns available to flight crews. The airline is also providing all flight attendants with gloves, antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer.

During flights, modified procedures include:

• For all North American flights: individual bottled water instead of the usual range of beverage offerings, suspension of all food service in Economy and Premium Economy cabins, pre-packaged meal or snack for Business Class,
• For all international flights: individual bottled water instead of a range of beverage items, pre-packaged food for all cabins, and the temporary closure of airport lounges.

For more information on Air Canada’s preventative measures, visit the website.

WestJet

Non-medical face masks are now mandatory. On its blog, the airline states that “…it will be mandatory for WestJet’s guests to wear protective face coverings throughout their travel journey, including at the airport and while in flight…”

WestJet has also introduced seat distancing by leaving the middle seat empty during flights. The airline notes that “moving forward, from now until May 4, 2020, the middle seat on our Boeing 737s and 787 aircraft and every other seat on our Bombardier Q400 will be unavailable to book.” Read more here.

The carrier is also implementing more stringent aircraft cleaning, including aircraft fogging. Check out the details about WestJet’s new cleaning methods here.

Finally, WestJet is asking passengers to adhere to new coronavirus safety guidelines, such as:

• Keeping six feet between guests when boarding
• Use WestJet app to download and display boarding passes
• Using the disinfectant wipes provided to wipe down seats and table trays
• Avoid lining up for the washrooms during flights

You can read more about the airline’s new safety measures on the website.

Swoop

As of April 20, the airline requires that all passengers wear face coverings as much as possible during all parts of their travel journey.

Various other new safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Boarding the aircraft only five rows at a time to limit the number of people waiting to board
• Seat assignments are being staggered throughout the cabin to ensure safe distances between passengers
• Onboard sales and services have been temporarily suspended. Passengers must bring their own refreshments
• Performing more rigorous cleaning of the aircraft. Full details on sanitizing measures can be found here

Read about Swoop’s new safety measures here.

Flair Airlines

In response to the Minister of Transport’s new coronavirus travel requirement that passengers must wear face coverings, Flair is providing complimentary non-medical masks at check-in counters for passengers unable to provide their own.

The airline has introduced other COVID-19 travel safety measures, such as enhanced sanitation practices that include:

• Deep cleaning and disinfecting of all hard touch areas
• Installation of HEPA filters
• Increased availability of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes

Furthermore, in extreme cases, passengers who may be unfit for travel and who may pose a safety risk to others, may be denied boarding. Read more details here.