25th May 2020, the Government of India eased restrictions on Air Travel. Although the restrictions were eased travelers have been worried, confused & anxious on how the travel is during the COVID19 situation still around. Also there are a lot of questions which people have been asking all over the internet.
This blog post will aim to attempt and answer those questions which will help everyone who plans to travel during this time by Air.
Question 1: What has changed at the Airport?
Answer 1: The Airport now has a much deserted look compared to earlier. Also now you cannot directly get inside the Terminal. You have to wait outside till the Airlines representative calls out for passengers to enter.
The authorities have made arrangements to ensure social distancing on how people should queue up. The flower marks helps you where you need to stand. Please make sure you abide by it. It is for your own safety. 
Question 2: How is the crowd? Is social distancing being followed religiously?
Answer 2: Everyone is scared, everyone needs to take care of themselves. It was a good sight to see people following social distancing and not racing to be ahead of each other. 
Question 3: How do I get know which Airline is from which gate?
Answer 3: Check your boarding pass it should have the gate number allotted.
For Mumbai International Airport, we have different gates for each airline and the boards corresponding to those will help you find which terminal to enter. 
Question 4: How is the process once we are called to get into the terminal?
Answer 4: Everyone gets into the Queue and follows the marks on the floor to maintain social distance. 
Next you approach for Thermal screening (Temperature check). At this point they will also check your Aarogya Setu App. Did you notice the person has face shield to protect himself. 
Once you get cleared from here. You will proceed to the entry gate to flash your boarding pass and show your ID. This happens across a glass shield and no contact with anyone. 
Question 5: What do I do in case I do not have the Aarogya Setu App?
Answer 5: There is nothing to worry in that case. Outside the terminal there is a kiosk where you are supposed to fill the Self Declaration form. The staff there also will help you. But to make it seamless, if possible, have the Setu app installed and your status updated. 
Question 6: Is baggage tag needed to enter the terminal? Where can I get the baggage tag?
Answer 6: No, baggage tag is not mandatory to enter the terminal. Once you enter the terminal, use the self service kiosk to print your baggage tag. It is the same kiosk you used to use for printing boarding pass.
Question 7: How is it inside the terminal? Are shops open? Do we get food?
Answer 7: Inside the terminal they have placed standies and banners to talk about precautions to be taken. 
Also across different points hand sanitizers are placed. I would still recommend to carry your own. 
Shops are opens but food outlets are closed. It is better to carry your own food. 
Question 8: I have an early morning flight. Where can I get food?
Answer 8: Either you can pick some snacks & juices from the vending machine. Make sure you sanitize your hands after this. 
Or else you can take it from pick up and go outlet. 
Question 9: How is the waiting areas inside the terminal?
Answer 9: Chairs are marked to ensure social distancing. Please follow the same. 
If you ask me which is the safest chair to pick? I would recommend, first row corner seat in front of a TV screen. That is the safest to sit.
Question 10: Is there restriction on carrying sanitizer? How is the security check?
Answer 10: Yes, to some extent. 350 ml is the limit for sanitizer. 100ml for any other liquid. You cannot even carry a large bottle with 100 ml liquid in it. The bottle also should be 100ml.
The security check is as usual. Just one small change, unless it beeps they are not going to scan you.
P.S: I have put up the mask and sanitizer links on the right from Amazon. You can order those.
Question 11: What precautions are taken before entering the plane?
Answer 11: The airlines is mandated to give you hand sanitizer, face mask and face shield. 
The sticker that you see on the face shield will come off along with the plastic layer that you peel off. Many people were confused how to remove that sticker. Just remove the plastic layer from the shield. Wear it just before you are about to board. 
As this is a brand new face shield. The band behind your head will be really tight and might give you headache. Do not worry about it. Keep it on for your own and others safety.
Question 12: What is the process of boarding? Same as before?
Answer 12: The way you board remains the same. A few things have been added. Before you board, again thermal screening would be done. 
Boarding happens from the end row, in slots of 5 rows. Hence, 25 to 30 will board first and so on. Social distancing is maintained right upto the entry of the plane.
Question 13: How is it inside the plane? Is social distancing followed?
Answer 13: Social distancing ends at the door of the plane. Inside the plane all seats are taken.
I would recommend while doing web checkin, take the window seat.
The air hostesses are now covered in PPE kits.
Question 14: What happens after landing?
Answer 14: I landed in Lucknow.
Your baggage will arrive at the belt as usual. But this time your baggage would had been sanitized and given to you. 
The UP Govt has made it mandatory to do registration on a website before you exit the airport. 
Finally just before you exit the airport, there will be a thermal screening done again. 
Question 15: Is home quarantine mandatory?
Answer 15: Mandatory or not. As a responsible citizen please make sure that you home quarantine for your own safety & safety of others.
Question 16: What is the process of home quarantine? How do the authorities check if we are doing home quarantine?
Answer 16: To start with Home Quarantine is the responsibility of the citizen. As a responsible citizen please make sure that you home quarantine on your own irrespective of whether the authorities check on or not.
Here is how I am doing home quarantine:
1. Have a separate room for yourself even before you reach your destination. Ask your parents or roommate to keep it ready.
2. No one enters this room and you do not come out of the room for 14 days.
3. If it has an attached bathroom it is great, else have provision on how will you sanitize the washroom for others after you use it.
4. Outside your room should be a table with 2 different sanitizers – Hand & Surface. Yes I also came to know both are different.
5. Any exchange with you has to happen through this table and sanitized after you return it.
6. Better to have a laptop with you to help you kill your time in case you are not working from home.
7. 14 days will pass by easily. Else play PUBG 🙂
Miscellaneous:
1. Do web check as soon as possible to get your desired seat.
2. Have the aarogya setu app downloaded and your status updated.
3. Do check for baggage information. Each airlines has their own set of rules
4. Listen to the staff and authorities.
5. Wear mask and use sanitizers regularly.
6. Be safe and keep others also safe.
7. Make sure to home quarantine once you land.
Wish you all safe & happy journey. Remember that this is a pandemic time. Be safe and keep others also safe. Follow all rules and regulations sincerely and listen to the authorities. 