A return to fuller airplanes. Toronto hotel openings. And a potential return to Europe for Canadians. Here’s my Future of Travel blog for today.
Middle Seat Occupation Returning on Some Airlines
I hope nobody who’s been flying lately was getting used to the space around them. Because you can kiss it goodbye.
For the past few months, many airlines have been blocking off middle seats to enforce social distancing. But with COVID-19 somewhat under control in some places, that is coming to an end.
In Canada, both Air Canada and WestJet say they will no longer block off seats. Ditto for American Airlines in the U.S., despite the fact that cases have spiked in several U.S. states the last few days, including Texas, where American has its headquarters. Yeah, that’s bad optics all right.
The Washington Post reports one Twitter user lambasted American for the move, saying that selling middle seats while the virus rages in the US is “absolutely appalling.”
The International Air Transport Association said some time ago that airlines couldn’t leave so many empty seats on their planes without bumping up air fares, perhaps by as much as 40 or 50 per cent. The association last month said physical distancing rules needed to come to an end, despite the fact that some government agencies still suggest it’s good policy.
Canadian Press reports that Transport Canada listed physical distancing among the “key points” in preventing the spread of the virus as part of a guide issued to the aviation industry in April.
When Air Canada announced it was blocking some seats to increase social/physical distancing, it said the move was guaranteed through the end of June. On Friday, AC officials said they will start trying to sell all seats on their aircraft. WestJet said the same thing.
Some experts say the air on a plane is extremely clean because of high-tech filters that pump fresh air into the cabin every couple minutes. Others, however, say physical distancing is still a good idea on a plane.
The Canadian Press story says that WestJet and Air Canada conduct pre-boarding temperature checks and require masks on board. They have also implemented enhanced aircraft cleaning and scaled back their in-flight service in late March, cutting out hot drinks, hot meals and fresh food.
“The new measures will continue to build on the recommendations of ICAO (the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization) and others that a multi-layered strategy to COVID-19 safety is most effective,” Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said in an email to CP.
WestJet said its online booking will return to normal on Wednesday.
“Moving forward, our cabin crew are able to assist should there be space to accommodate and we encourage guests to discuss seating arrangements with them once onboard,” said spokeswoman Morgan Bell.
Canadians and Europe: Restrictions May Ease This Week
Passau, Germany. JIM BYERS PHOTO
European Union leaders are meeting early this week to discuss which countries will be allowed to send visitors in the next few weeks. Reports suggest the U.S. will not be on the list but that Canada will.
Diplomats are keeping things close to the vest as it’s a very sensitive topic, especially given the guy in the White House and his famous temper. But reports this weekend say a continuation of the ban on U.S. tourists is expected to be approved Monday or Tuesday because of the recent spike in cases south of the border.
Canada’s numbers were less than stellar in the spring, but the numbers of Canadian cases has been steadily dropping the past couple weeks.
The U.S. Travel Association issued a critical press release when it heard the news, calling a ban on U.S. visitors “incredibly disappointing, and a step in the wrong direction as we seek to rebuild our global economy.”
I get that a decision like this would hurt tourism jobs in Italy and France, where they’re somewhat desperate for U.S. tourists, but it also would protect workers from perhaps getting the coronavirus from an American visitor. That’s obviously more important to the EU right now, and I don’t blame them.
I say this as someone who was born and raised in the U.S. and remains a U.S. citizen (and also a Canadian one), but if Americans really want to visit Ireland or Italy this summer I suggest they take COVID-19 a lot more seriously in their own country. CNN reports only two of the 50 U.S. states reported a drop in cases yesterday (June 27).
Toronto Hotels Gearing Up
A room at the Bisha Hotel.
BlogTO reports that Toronto hotels are gearing up to re-open.
The website said the posh Bisha Hotel in downtown Toronto has reopened “with new health and safety measures in place, including detailed signage, PPE, staff temperature checks and a contactless experience for guests.
“Upon arrival, all guests will be asked to have a face covering/mask on, prior to entering the hotel, this is for your safety as well as that of our team members,” reads a statement from Loews Hotels, which owns the Bisha. “In addition to having signage and instructions throughout the hotel, we have added distance markers, for practicing physical distancing, in the lobby and in other high-traffic areas.”
The Hazelton Hotel opened its patio on Thursday of last week and, I was told today, plans to re-open for overnight guests on July 12.
BlogTO reports The Broadview Hotel on Queen Street East will reopen on July 2.
