Throughout the crisis, I have been praising Qatar for its forward-thinking approach to making passengers feel safe but keeping up service levels. From crew wearing full PPE to almost full service in business class with a couple of tweaks, they have generally been ahead of the pack. You can read about a recent reader experience here. However, Qatar has decided that is not enough. There is good news and bad news….
Qatar Airways has increased its health and safety measures onboard by introducing new personal protective equipment (PPE) for customers and cabin crew. The airline’s additional measures include offering face shields and protective kits to all passengers, in addition to a new protective gown for cabin crew.
The disposable face shield will be available in two standard sizes – one for adults and the other for children. The children’s face shields feature the airline’s Oryx Kids Club mascots as part of their design. Passengers travelling from Hamad International Airport (HIA) will receive their face shields at the check-in counters, whereas at other destinations, the face shields will be distributed at the boarding gates.
Here comes the good news….everyone gets a face shield, but it is not compulsory unless you are in economy. In economy you must wear both the shield and a face mask except when eating or drinking. Also, neither is a face mask mandatory in business class from the wording – Qatar says ” Business Class customers are asked to wear their face shield and mask onboard at their own discretion”. This makes sense to me. I am generally in favour of masks in crowded environments, but when you are in an enclosed QSuite it seems a little pointless. I would wear one for boarding and take off at a minimum, but if I had the door shut and was lying down I would be inclined to take it off. The bad news is that when you get on and off you have to wear both the mask and face shield, in all classes! This does seem pretty over the top, but it is at least putting safety first.
Onboard, all Qatar Airways passengers will be provided with a complimentary protective kit. Inside a ziplock pouch they will find a single-use surgical face mask, large disposable powder-free gloves and an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel. Business Class customers will also be offered an additional 75ml sanitiser gel tube.
Qatar Airways has also introduced new disposable protective gowns for cabin crew that are fitted over their uniforms, in addition to safety glasses, gloves and a mask. The new branded gowns are personalised with Qatar Airways’ logo imprinted on the top left corner. Previously they had a full PPE suit which not only looked awful but must have been very uncomfortable to work in.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the safety of our passengers has been our highest priority. By introducing these additional onboard safety and hygiene measures, our customers can rely on us and our unparalleled expertise to fly them safely to their destination. As the largest international airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have become one of the most experienced in safety and hygiene. We will continue to lead the industry in terms of the services offered to our passengers, so that they can travel with confidence.”
Children under two years of age are not advised to wear face shields and face masks or coverings. During boarding and disembarkation, all passengers will be required to wear their face mask or covering as well as the face shield.
What do you think about the new requirement to wear a face shield on Qatar? Would it put you off flying with them? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.
8 comments
Previously, as the main reason to wearing face coverings was to prevent the wearer from transmitting the disease, and anyone with symptoms was effectively barred from travel, I really thought it was an imposition on symptomless me to have to wear one.
In recent weeks, however, there seems to be a movement in scientific advice suggesting that people with one or two symptoms, or even none at all, can be both carriers and distributors!
And, for this reason, I’m more in favour of compulsory coverings. And less inclined to do anything where they will be required for any lengthy period
I understand the reasoning behind masks, but I can think of nothing more miserable than sitting for hours wearing one. So sorry airlines, you won’t be seeing any of my money for presumably a very long time!
I’m on Qatar in October to SIN. I booked this flight a few months before the outbreak of madness. I’m glad there is no imposition of masks in business. I think this may be my last non-essential flight for a long time.
Does seem to be a bit ‘Belt and Braces’ and probably a lot cheaper than installing perspex screens in the cabins(which may not be workable due to evacuation rules) Like others i didn’t intend flying anywhere for a while as just not worth the risk to my family.
But if i was travelling would rater pick an airline like Qatar taking all the precautions.
Excellent move by Qatar airways excellent air line putting passengers safety first
I think it’s an excellent idea in economy, the face visors are not that uncomfortable to wear and provide you with more protection
I won’t be flying for a while if you have to wear masks on a journey of 11 or 12 hours, very unhealthy.
I should point out that surgeons regularly wear masks all day during surgery every day they are at work. Dentists also wear masks most of the day. The key to wearing a mask for a long period of time is to change it regularly – about every 4 hours is recommended. It may not be pleasant but I challenge that it is unhealthy.
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