109 days Later...

Introduction

On Thursday 5th March 2020, I boarded a plane from ALC to BHX for just another routine visit to the UK for work purposes. Thanks to the Coronavirus, this trip has been far from normal and the idea of this post is to share the experience of today's journey, so that it will hopefully help others who are to travel to Spain in the next few weeks. 

I am by no means Bill Bryson but I will make every effort to post the key information and experiences as my journey goes along. 

So finally after having left Spain 109 days ago, here goes!...

 01:00 in the UK

I set the alarm for 02:30, knowing that I had a journey to the airport of about 30 mins. I also have to return a hire car to a rental village which is a good 20 minute walk from the terminal (there will likely not be any courtesy buses running at 03:30). Typically I would arrive at check in 2 hours before my flight was due to depart, this ordonarily allows me more than enough time. Today's trip will be far from ordinary though and I have allowed myself some extra time at the airport, noting that I have had no indication from the airline (Ryanair) as to what time allowances I should actually consider, but to be fair, the first flight out to ALC was late yesterday afternoon, so I am sure the airlines will advise as they learn more themselves. 

My booking included one case in the hold, one carry on case for the overhead locker and my laptop bag for underneath the seat in front of me. It will be interesting to see what the arrangements actually are for my carry on luggage? Government advice is to place it all in the hold, yet this is currently not demanded. It has been muted that Ryanair believe it's better to not check in carry on items as this will reduce the overall number of people handling the luggage. I will of course post an update on this point. 

I have checked the airport departure board online and the flight is still showing as 'on time' so for now, everything appears good to go!

Edit - Manchester Airport 03:30

All gone to plan in terms of the car return and arrival at the check in desks. The airport is eerily quiet but there are only 6 flights this morning,  as per the photo. 

Check in is a little chaotic but a little patience is all that is required. The queue for check in appears long but this is exaggerated by the social distancing requirements. The process is the typical check in process and timescale. 

Before entry into security you are stopped and a thermal image camera is used to observe your temperature. It's a matter of seconds before you are allowed to proceed. 

The security process is exactly the same and timescales appeared quicker but this is likely to be down to the fact there are so few flights and therefore not so many people. Nearer July, I would expect more people are likely to book and I would advise you do allow extra time from arrival until you pass through security. 

Very notable that duty free and all the shops are closed. I enquired as to whether this is CV related or the early time in the day. It is because of CV and there are notices on some outlet doors advising of their closure. 

NOTE - Boots are open 06:00 - 16:00

Other than Boots, there are no food or drink outlets opened! This includes all the coffee outlets etc. This is something you should take into consideration. Specifically could be an issue for people travelling with children or those with medical conditions. I expect this situation may change as the social distance is reduced. 

There are some vending machines dotted about and that appears to be the only source for food or drink items. Payment is a mixture between card or cash but I have not seen a hot drink vending machine that takes card payment. A bottle of water is £2 and hot drinks as per the photo. 

Edit - 05:30 Sat on the Plane

So far so good. Boarding process was simple enough and staff were friendly. The flight is about 60% full and there is a constant reminder that face coverings are required at all times. I think the reminder is for the people with short memories who continue to remove their coverings!

Edit - on the plane

Update on the food and drink situation on board, remembering this was my Ryanair experience and I dont know if it will be the same for other airlines?

There was the usual food offering and cold drinks, alcohol and duty free. Note there are no hot drinks as they have to be handled too much by the crew, cup, lids, milk, stirrers etc. 

Quite annoying the way many people chose to remove their mask or drop them from over their nose, to the point where the captain made it very clear that your mouth AND nose must remain covered unless eating and drinking. 

Edit - Alicante Airport

You will need to be patient in the airport! 

We disembarked the plane as normal but the CNP have set up a manual passport control station, still with computers, but a one at a time service x2 desks. 

You are instructed to queue well before the escalator down to the baggage hall where passports are checked. The queue was very long as you can imagine. Noting 1.5m not 2m for social distancing in Spain

Having cleared passport control you are met with health officials offering you a contact form and asking if you have any symptoms. This stage was a little confusing. 

I answered No to symptoms,  as I have none, then I was not asked to complete a contact form. 

Social distancing markers on the floor for the baggage carousel and usual wait times for bags. 

You move further along toward the exit and you then have your temperature scanned by digital thermometer and after a couple of seconds you are cleared to pass!

There is a marked increase in the visibility of Guardia Civil around the baggage and customs exit, I imagine in case it gets a little rowdy! They are, rightly, quite strict on the distancing and masks. 

Passing through the final set of glass doors into the airport terminal has never felt so good!

One final note is that the lifts in the car park have marking to indicate 3 people only per lift, so again, in busy periods, this may take some time to travel up and down. 

I appreciate I may not have covered everything so if there are any questions please feel free to post and I will reply. 

I have no doubt that as more flights and passengers travel the length of the queues and processing time will naturally increase. I urge you to remain patient, courteous and considerate of the officials and other travellers. This is a time for compromise and understanding. 

Safe travels to anyone else who takes a journey, but for me and my 109 day saga... this is...

The End!