Emirates and Etihad are among the top 20 airlines in the world when it comes to complying with international Covid-19 safety standards, according to airlineratings.com.
The UAE airlines were both awarded the top rating of seven stars by the safety and product-rating website.
A number of criteria were used to assess airlines for their adherence to Covid-19 standards. These include the availability of coronavirus guidance for travellers, social distancing measures, deep cleaning of aircraft, compulsory face masks, PPE for crew, the provision of sanitising kits for travellers and changes to in-flight meal services to cut down on social interaction.
To receive one star, an airline must adhere to at least four of these categories, says the website's editor-in-chief, Geoffrey Thomas. He added that the top 20 list represents the airlines that have been at the forefront of implementing Covid-19 safety policies.
Airlineratings.com was the first site of its kind to introduce airline Covid-19 ratings and monitors 430 carriers on a weekly basis.
“Now 119 airlines achieved the highest rating of seven stars but it is disappointing to see that 117 get a zero for compliance, or have no information for the public on their Covid-19 policies on their website,” said Mr Thomas.
The 20 most Covid-19 safety compliant airlines in the world:
Air Baltic
Air New Zealand
Alaska Airlines
All Nippon Airways
AirAsia
British Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
Delta Air Lines
Emirates
Etihad Airways
Eva Air
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
Lufthansa
Singapore Airlines
Southwest
Qatar Airways
WestJet
Emirates and Etihad's Covid-19 policies
Etihad requires all travellers to show a negative PCR test result at both departure and arrival in Abu Dhabi. The national airline of the UAE has also introduced Etihad Wellness Ambassadors on flights to assist passengers with coronavirus-related questions and advice.
Emirates provides all travellers with a complimentary hygiene kit and has also changed its premium offerings to ensure they are Covid-safe. This includes transforming the on-board bar on its A380 jets into a takeaway service and limiting shower spa services. The airline also offers an entirely comprehensive insurance policy to all travellers.
“Moving forward, airlines are looking at more initiatives, be it better cleaning systems or more flexibility to make changes to bookings," said Mr Thomas.
“Next on the horizon for passengers will be a phone app with vaccination details, a free Covid-19 test and passport all in one."
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances
All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.
Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.
Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.
Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.
Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.
Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
- No need to bag the mask
