All you need to know about Level 3 Business Travel
*This article was updated on 30 June 2020 to include the additional airports Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula announced will be open as of 1 July 2020.
With essential business travel now allowed within South Africa under strict regulations, Sure Travel agencies across the country have been flooded with questions from the corporate sector.
Our experts answer the most pressing questions:
Q: Which airports are open?
A: Limited services have resumed at OR Tambo, King Shaka International, Lanseria International and Cape Town International airports.
In addition to the original four airports that are currently operating, the following domestic airports will reopen from 01 July 2020:
• Bram Fischer International Airport • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport • Pietermaritzburg Airport • Port Elizabeth International Airport • Richards Bay Airport • Skukuza Airport • Upington International Airport
Q: Which airlines are operating?
A: The following domestic airlines are operating select services:
Cemair is operating between Johannesburg and Durban and Johannesburg and Cape Town. No flights on a weekend.
Airlink has twice daily flights from Johannesburg to Durban and Johannesburg to Cape Town, and is flying with reduced capacity on weekends.
FlySafair is operating twice daily flights between Johannesburg and Durban and four times a day between Johannesburg and Cape Town, with reduced frequencies on weekends.
Mango is operating two frequencies daily on the routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban on weekdays, with reduced frequencies on weekends.
Q: What are some of the safety precautions airlines are taking?
A: All airlines are required to follow set safety protocols, including:
Aircraft are deep cleaned every night using an aircraft-grade, antibacterial and antiviral cleaning solution.
Between flights, commonly used areas such as lavatories, tray tables, armrests, seat belts, call buttons and overhead bin handles are cleaned with a broad-spectrum disinfectant. Afterwards, cabins are treated using sanitising aerosol foggers.
All staff and customers are required to wear masks for the duration of their journey.
There are no in-flight magazines, so we encourage customers to download digital copies onto their mobile devices before boarding.
No catering is available onboard to prevent touching of shared surfaces.
All crew have their temperature taken before duty, and any person who exhibits a temperature over 38°C will be sent home.
All passengers must have their temperatures taken before boarding – any passenger with a temperature over 38°C will be denied boarding. The crew are also equipped with digital thermometers to monitor passengers’ temperatures during flight.
Q: What will happen at the airport?
A: Passengers will find that the airport environment has changed considerably. New procedures and protocols are expected to take time, and passengers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure.
Airports now have a ‘passenger only’ policy in the terminal buildings.
Many access points have been closed at each airport. If you’ve booked with a Sure Travel agency, your consultant will advise which access points and terminal entrance points should be used.
Upon entry to the terminal, all passengers will undergo a temperature screening and must be wearing a mask.
You will need to produce a business travel permission letter at the entrance to the airport.
Floor markings for social distancing of 1.5 metres will guide passengers through the airport, at check-in counters, security checkpoints and airport lounges.
For hygiene reasons, baggage wrapping is now compulsory for all check-in luggage.
We advise all travellers to use mobile or WhatsApp boarding passes.
Q: What is the check-in process?
A: Essentially, opt for online check-in as check-in counters are limited and will take longer. Take note of the following:
Passengers should therefore check-in online before going to the airport.
Online check-in can also be done at the screens in the terminal building.
If you do opt for a check-in counter, please note there are a limited number of check-in counters open and physical distancing rules apply in these queues.
Boarding passes should be scanned by customers without touching the scanner surfaces, and ID documents should be presented to the team, but not handed to anyone.
Q: What will happen at security checkpoints?
A: Expect an even more arduous security check, including:
Travellers will be asked to remove any metal and electronic items from their person before entering the security queue. This includes mobile devices, watches, jewellery, wallets, keys and so on.
These items must be placed in the tray at the security scanner.
This process will minimise the need for security officers to conduct physical pat downs at the airport.
Q: Will boarding the aircraft be different?
A: Yes, as physical distancing rules will apply for queues to board an aircraft. Boarding will be done in a controlled manner with passengers travelling in the rear seats of the aircraft boarding first. Passengers with tickets for Row A, for example, will board last.
Q: Will the middle seat be empty?
A: There is a lot of debate around the (already dreaded) middle seat in planes. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has rejected the idea of blocking off the middle seat, saying, “the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from one passenger to another passenger on board is very low”.
Research shows that the risk of transmission is cut significantly due to having seat backs as barriers, the use of HEPA filters onboard (of the same standard as those found in hospital theatres and with the same efficacy of 99.97% in removing viruses), minimizing movement around the cabin, and the practice of good hand and surface hygiene. Airlines are therefore permitted to operate at full capacity.
However, if sitting directly next to another traveller is a concern, you can opt to buy an extra seat next to you.
Q: What documents and permits do I need to travel?
A: If you’ve booked with Sure Travel, your expert travel consultant will assist you with obtaining the necessary forms and permits as per below.
Business travellers must have a letter on a company letterhead, signed by a manager, as well as a completed employer permit form.
Movement and travel by air between Provinces: Form 2
Moving to a new place of residence – Form 6
Moving to care for an immediate family member – Form 6
Learners commuting to attend schools or institutions of higher learning – Form 3A / 3B as applicable
Please note: The Department of Health has also issued a domestic screening form.
This form has to be completed in order for travellers to gain access to the terminal building. Airlines have been provided with a copy of this form and have been requested to load it onto their systems. If passengers don’t have the domestic screening form upon arrival at the airport, there will be hard copies available and passengers will be required to complete these forms at the Port Health table located at the entrance to the terminal.
Q: Can I hire a car?
A: Vehicle rental services are operating. Car rental companies are adhering to stringent social distancing and cleaning protocols. All staff will wear masks, and any person entering the premises will undergo temperature screening. Book your car rental here.
Q: Can I book accommodation?
A: When booking via Sure Travel, your consultant will advise you which hotels are open for business travellers. Hotels will request proof that travellers are on permitted business travel as they have been warned that they can expect visitors from inspectors. Some hotels have indicated that they will not accept cash payments.
If you require any assistance with your essential business travel arrangements and booking, contact your nearest Sure Travel agency, or call 0861 47 48 49.
