4 weeks ago I flew from Melbourne, Australia to Kelowna, Canada. Here is some advice for travellers.

First: for every two hours of travel have a ziplock bag - you can use these to place used masks in.

Wear a lightweight jacket with pockets: these can hold masks, hand sanitiser, and bags for discarded masks.

If travelling with children bring lots of lollipops. If you are travelling during covid there is no need to stick to usual rules about sugar.

Expect missed connections: we missed a connection in Sydney due to new health checks. Ship bags that are unnecessary. If there was ever a time to travel light it is now.

Be patient with airport security and airline staff: the anxiety you feel is a small dose of what they encounter consistently. People are kind. Give them opportunities to show you that.

If you can book fewer stops do so: each layover is an opportunity for your plan to fail. Avoid these if possible.

When in the airport: find a comfortable place and stay put. Avoiding the flow of people minimises risk. If you need food send one person if possible.

Your comfort level will likely depend on your exposure to risk. So take a look at airport maps before flying.

When boarding try to board last if possible. Standing in the isle is the closest you may come to others.

When disembarking again, try to board last and keep distance when on the ramps. The ramp is the scenario when the person behind you is most likely to come within 2m

Be calm: flying is not a fun thing for most of us in normal times. If you can take actions to make it easier now is a good time to do it.

If you are leaving a country of which you are not a citizen you should know your rights. On our way out of Australia some public servants and airline workers questioned our right to leave. Know your rights!

Again: be kind to others. The rules affecting travel are new and those enforcing them are often unsure how to proceed.

Be kind to others for everyone carries a heavy load