Now on the plane? Here's what you can expect

First things first: avoid unnecessary travel. But what if you have already booked your vacation? What if that country has a yellow code? What can you take into account? Flying during a pandemic is certainly different and therefore: six flight questions answered.

First things first. Is it safe to fly?
Yes. Airlines and airports have implemented a whole bunch of new measures to protect travelers during their flight. It is recommended to also bring sufficient protective equipment on board to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus while flying.

Do you have to wear a face mask at Schiphol?
Yep. At Schiphol, wearing a (non-medical) face mask is mandatory during check-in and at security. You must also wear the face mask throughout the entire flight. You need to bring this yourself. Replace the face mask after each use, if it is moist, or after a maximum of three hours.

But how clean is the air you breathe in on a plane?
Almost certainly cleaner than the air you breathe indoors. It may not be as pure as in nature, but it is better than the air you breathe in cafes, cinemas, or supermarkets. And that is thanks to the air circulation systems and filters used on most commercial flights.

And what about the food?
In many cases, airlines still serve food or drinks on the plane. It also depends a bit on which airline you fly with and in which class. In economy, you generally receive individually packaged snacks and a limited selection of canned drinks, along with a bottle of water upon boarding.

And on long flights? Do you still get a hot meal?
If you fly economy with KLM to Curaçao, for example, you will receive a hot meal an hour after takeoff. Previously, you had a choice, but now you don't, and therefore vegetarian pasta is often chosen. Halfway through the journey, you will receive a bag of snacks (such as pretzels, a banana, a piece of cheese, or crackers) and just before landing, a hot snack in the form of a pizza bread or wrap. It is not possible to order special meals.

Do you have to stay in your seat the whole journey?
In principle, it is not intended for you to walk around unnecessarily during your flight. About 1.5 meters is difficult in the plane, but you will see that not all flights are full. Where possible, as much space as possible is calculated between passengers, and apart from a toilet visit, you are asked to stay in your seat as much as possible.