QANTAS and Jetstar say social distancing is not practical on board, but the carriers will introduce a range of safety and sanitation measures under a “Fly Well” program from 12 June.

The program will see a higher level of disinfection and sanitation & reduced contact, but Qantas Group Medical Director, Dr Ian Hosegood said social distancing on an aircraft was not practical.

“Given the low transmission risk on board, we don’t believe it’s necessary in order to be safe,” he said, emphasising the risk of catching coronavirus on an aircraft was extremely low due to the cabin air filtration system, people not sitting face-to-face and the high backs of aircraft seats acting as a physical barrier.

The program will see all passengers provided with masks and sanitising wipes, asked to limit movement around the cabin, enhanced cleaning of aircraft, simplified service and catering and sequenced boarding and disembarkation to reduce crowding.

Pre-flight initiatives include contactless check-in and self-serve bag drop use being strongly encouraged, physical distancing and increased disinfection of Qantas Lounges, installation of hygiene screens wherever practical, and hand sanitising stations made available at departure gates.

The airlines have also revised their booking policies in preparation for easing of domestic travel restrictions.

Customers who wish to change an existing Qantas or Jetstar international booking (excluding trans-Tasman) for travel between 01 Aug-31 Oct will be able to request a flight credit by 30 June.

These credits can be used to re-book travel across domestic and international services by 31 Dec 2021, with Jetstar credit vouchers to allow up to two years to travel from issue date.

Qantas and Jetstar will waive the change fee one time for travellers who book a domestic flight between 21 May and 30 June, for travel between 12 June and 31 Oct.

If a flight is cancelled by the airline, customers will be rebooked on the next available flight at no additional cost, or they can choose a flight credit or a refund.

1. Your Name and when did you start at BTW?
Matt Mufic - 4 years ago.
2. How did you get started in the travel industry?
By accident. My family has been in the travel industry for years mainly providing European experiences.
3. What excites you about working in the Travel Industry?
 It’s always challenging.
4. What three things do you never travel without?
 My Wallet, Passport, and Family.
5. Favourite TV show you are watching now?
The Last Dance.
6. Tell us about your best holiday experience.
Disneyland at the age of 6. It made a lasting impression.
7. What is one positive that has come about in the current travel industry environment?
Travel Agents are showing resilience and a commitment to service, despite no Income coming into their businesses.
8. If you could go on your dream holiday right now, where would you go and why ?
Croatia - Adriatic because no-one else is there at the moment.
9 What did you learn from your worst travel experience?
Exit Row seats on United Airlines have locked in arm rests.
10. Tell us something that we would not know about you.
I'm actually quite nice sometimes.

1. Your Name and when did you start at BTW?
Keiran Cromie - 21 years ago.
2. How did you get started in the travel industry?
My first career was managing Information Technology at councils such as Glen Eira, Bayside, Brimbank and others. However I started transitioning across to Travel between 1999-2011 after purchasing the business with Julie Avery. 
3. What excites you about working in the Travel Industry?
Even though my role is everything 'non-consulting', I love hearing about the amazing experiences we plan for our clients.
4. What three things do you never travel without?
 Travel Insurance, a spare Credit card and Paper Docs. I don't fully rely on Technology even though I worked in I.T. for 36 years.
5. Favourite TV show you are watching now?
Nothing in particular - I'm a shocking Channel surfer.
6. Tell us about your best holiday experience.
Eqypt last year - such amazing history, and the other one would be cruising into Venice 15 Decks up, on a cruise ship.
7. What is one positive that has come about in the current travel industry environment?
Almost all clients being kind to the staff, and understanding that we have almost no control over how long it will take for a supplier to refund.
8. If you could go on your dream holiday right now, where would you go and why ?
Antarctica - It looks unreal and any travel agent that I talk to that's been, places it at the top of their travel experiences.
9 What did you learn from your worst travel experience?
Carry some spare clothes in your 'carry-on' luggage. I had to give a presentation to an International conference in South Carolina, and 'everything' went wrong. Including my bags being lost, and having to do my presentation, in just a conference T-Shirt.
10. Tell us a couple of things that we would not know about you.
I babysit (mostly solo) 2 days a week for two of my four grandchildren. A 4 month old and 3 year old. You'll often see me walking the streets of Bayside. See Picture above!!
And my wife Anne taught at Brighton Beach Primary School for over 20 years, and regularly comes across children of our clients.