Since the end of May, the airline SAS has gradually increased the number of aircraft in operation. The plan is to go from 15 to 40 by the end of July. But traffic is still low - about 70 percent lower than usual. 

Picture from one of SAS's domestic flights on June 22, 2020. The airline has introduced a requirement for oral protection to prevent the spread of infection. Photo: SVT News

In order to reduce the risk of infection, the company has introduced, among other things, new cleaning routines, new routines at the airport so that travelers can keep their distance to each other and abandoned boarding. But there is no restriction on the sale of tickets for the different departures.

Requirements for mouth protection

Instead, mandatory use of mouthguards has been introduced.

"Even in flights that are not fully booked, it is difficult to maintain the social distance," says Freja Annamatz, press officer at SAS.

She emphasizes the personal responsibility of not traveling if you are ill.

Have you considered booking fewer people per flight?

- This is a discussion that has taken place both within the EU and globally. We follow the guidelines of EASA (European Union Agency for Air Safety, ed.) And where it has been concluded that the introduction of oral protection gives the best results, says Freja Annamatz.

It is up to the traveler himself to bring a mouthguard. Only genuine mouthguards apply - shawls or self-made mouthguards are not accepted, which is checked upon boarding. No traveler is currently denied due to deficiencies in the mouth guard.

Professor: That's problematic

Åsa Melhus, professor of clinical bacteriology, does not believe that oral protection is a sufficient measure.

- They try to make the best of a difficult situation. But it is problematic to sit so tight and breathe the same air, she says.

- And some mouthguards are not worth the name. As soon as it gets wet, all bacteria and viruses pass through, which can happen after five minutes. Then you are cradled in false security.

What could help, and then on shorter flights, would be a respirator of at least FFP2 class that is properly seated.

- But if SAS leaves the choice of mouthguard to the travelers, they pose problems, says Åsa Melhus.