Home to airport to destination: All the new domestic flying rules you need to know – India Today

The government has issued detailed guidelines for airlines, airports, passengers and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights from May 25.

While the ministry said it will prescribe lower and upper limit on air fares, it asked passengers to report at airport two hours prior to their flight’s scheduled departure time. The Civil Aviation Ministry added that only those who have done web check-in will be allowed to enter the terminal building.

Here is a detailed list of rules announced by the aviation ministry

From Origin to Airport

• Familiarise yourself with the new procedures, especially about norms of social distancing, minimum touch, luggage limitations, Covid-I9 declaration, digital payments
• Don’t travel if you stay in a containment zone
• Register on Aarogya Setu app.
• Avoid last minute reaching the airport. Report two hours in advance of flight time
• Ensure web check-in, obtain boarding pass
• Print the baggage tag and affix it on the bag at a prominent place. In case you are unable to take a print, write the PNR and the name of the passenger on a piece of paper and paste it on the bag
• Download baggage tag with an identification number
• During transit to airport, take all precautions to prevent infection

NOTE: In the initial stage, a passenger can carry only one hand baggage and one check-in. Carry minimum baggage as use of trolleys will be permitted sparingly

Permission to travel only after a declaration is made by the passenger. In case of a PNR having more than one passenger, declaration will be for all passengers mentioned in the PNR

When You Reach The Airport

• Before entering the terminal, ensure you are wearing protective gear.
• Mask is compulsory throughout the journey
• Walk towards thermal screening facility near the entry gate.
• Get yourself checked for temperature. Get status of your health checked through the Aarogya Setu app or a self-declaration form
• Children below 14 years of age will be exempted
• Once screened, move to the CISF counter at the entry checkpoint. Display identity card, boarding pass/e-boarding pass
• Proceed to baggage drop counter
• At the baggage drop counter, display PNR and identification to the staff. After checking baggage tag, the staff will accept it. An electronic slip will be sent via SMS
• Complete check-in procedure and baggage drop-off at least 60 minutes before departure

Security check:

• Arrangements made at airports to guide passengers to walk through the pre-embarkation security screening.
• Security staff will practice ‘minimum touch’ concept to reduce physical contact with passengers.
• While waiting in the security hold area, maintain social distancing and sanitisation protocols. Chairs marked ‘not for use’ should not be occupied
• Before boarding, collect your safety kit (three- layered surgical mask, face shield and a sanitiser) near the boarding gate
• Boarding for a flight will commence 60 minutes before departure and boarding gate will be closed 20 minutes before departure.
• Self-scan your boarding pass
• Again show your ID card to the airline staff at the boarding gate

BOARDED? What next

• Maintain hygiene and sanitation. Face to face interaction to be minimised.
• Minimise use of lavatory and avoid any nonessential movement
• Only one companion for children and elderly to be allowed
• No meal services in the aircraft. Water bottle will be made available in the gallery area or on seats
• You will not be permitted to consume any eatables inside the aircraft during the flight
• No paper/magazine will be available in the aircraft
• No on-board sale of any item
• lf you feel uncomfortable, fatigued or have cough, notify the crew

From Airport to destination

• Follow instructions and don’t rush to exit gate
• Social distance/sanitation should be maintained at arrival gate
• Wait near the baggage hold area till your luggage arrives
• Transit passenger will not be allowed to come out of the transit area

How to exit airport

• Use the authorised taxi maintaining the prescribed hygiene protocols
• Follow social distancing and hygiene while travelling back to your destination

Once you have arrived, adhere to health protocols as are prescribed by the destination state or UT.