SCHIPHOL – The corona measures on board KLM flights between New York and Schiphol will be further tightened. This is reported by the Association of Dutch Cabin Personnel (VNC). Every passenger is obliged to wear a mouth mask and before departure the temperature is measured for everyone.
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By aviation reporter Doron Sajet
The cabin crew actually wanted KLM to operate the flight between Schiphol and New York’s JFK Airport completely stopped, “because of the greatly increased likelihood of carrying passengers with corona, exposing cabin crew to an unexplained risk.” There are more than 70,000 corona cases in New York State alone, of which more than 40,000 in New York City itself.
Compromise
Because of the cargo that comes along every day, KLM does not want to discontinue the daily flight to New York. Ultimately, the cabin association and society have reached a compromise for the time being. Economy class aisle seats, for example, are no longer sold to ensure a greater distance between cabin crew and passengers. Moreover, according to the union, many travelers do not show up and the flights are at most half full.
Two masks
The temperature of passengers boarding in New York is first measured. Those who are allowed on board will receive two mouth masks that must be kept on for the entire journey, except when eating. During that meal, passengers do not have to imagine much, it is ready in their seat when boarding. During the flight, the flight attendants do not come by for a drink or snack.
If a crew member gets the symptoms of corona on the way to New York, he or she will return to Amsterdam on the same flight. KLM also guarantees that a hospital bed in New York is available for them in an emergency. The crew is not allowed to go to the city on arrival, but will sleep in an airport hotel.
Screening at Schiphol
KLM reports that passengers on other flights are also screened first. Passengers are physically observed for flights to Canada, Singapore and South Korea. Travelers flying to Singapore and South Korea also first get a temperature reading. This is done at Schiphol by KLM ground staff in collaboration with KLM Health Services and Airport Medical Services.
KLM is investigating whether the temperature check can be expanded to more destinations, both at Schiphol and at the outstations.
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