Best Practices to Reduce Contact During Business Travel
You’re traveling to an important business conference that got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The last thing you want is to get sick or contract the virus when you’re away from home. Not only will it disrupt your trip and itinerary, it may also mean you have to quarantine in a different city.
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With the Delta variant causing a new surge, it is important to take extra precautions during personal or business travel. Contactless travel can be a great option if you are looking to reduce physical contact with others during your next business trip.
Contactless travel means that you can bypass having to use traditional check-in and boarding methods such as scanning or swiping your ticket at a kiosk, providing fingerprints, or being patted down by security personnel. Contactless travelers simply walk up to an unobstructed entry point and pass through – no need for touching anyone else!
Keep these best practices in mind next time you’re traveling:
Save your boarding pass on your own device
Airports were made contactless in order to keep the spread of COVID-19 at bay. With a boarding pass on your phone, you can limit physical contact with kiosks or handing documents back and forth with airport employees and representatives. It’s also much easier to keep track of your work phone rather than a paper boarding pass.
Sign up for TSA PreCheck
Airport security checkpoints are a high traffic area. By signing up for TSA PreCheck or other airport efficiency programs, you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jackets on throughout security. TSA PreCheck lines are also much shorter than standard TSA lines, which can minimize your total airport time. Less time in public spaces means a lower chance of catching any bugs. You can also keep your liquids inside your bag and avoid handling your belongings in public.
Utilize touchless payment methods
If you choose, use contactless payments or wire transfers to take care of your transactions without opening your wallet. Your company may work with a travel management company that can help you get an alternative payment service for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re traveling on your own, do some research on how you can leverage touchless payment systems or a virtual credit card.
Avoid sharing food or drinks
Something else to be mindful of is not sharing dishes with others in your party while traveling. Business trips may consist of group events such as dinners and lunches, and it’s usually normal to share appetizers with your coworkers. However, this creates a risk for illness while traveling during the pandemic.
Use private transportation when possible
While many transportation companies have taken extra safety precautions to ensure each ride is clean and disinfected, it still may be worth looking for alternatives to be on the safe side. If you can, rent a vehicle for yourself, or do some research about restaurants and attractions within walking distance from your hotel.
Wear a mask and maintain social distancing
One of the best ways to keep COVID-19 at bay is by wearing masks and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others. Be sure your mask covers your nose and mouth, and that you also avoid shaking hands with others while traveling. Visit the CDC website for the latest guidelines.
Carry hand sanitizer with you
Sometimes, physical contact isn’t avoidable. When you shake hands, bump arms, or stand close to others in an elevator or plane, the best thing you can do is carry hand sanitizer with you to avoid spreading germs unnecessarily.
COVID-19 has redefined how many people approach their work and personal travels. Combining a few best practices and awareness, you’ll be able to reduce stress during your trip, as well as stay safe and healthy.
