It’s time to fly. Yes, even during the pandemic.
On April 25, 2021, more than 1.5 million people went through an American airport. That’s down from the same day in 2020 when 2.5 million people traveled through an airport.
But air travel is coming back. If you are a business person who flies for work a lot, you can expect to fly again sometime soon.
You may have some concerns, which is understandable. Many people don’t know about airport safety and how airlines are keeping travelers safe.
Get the facts you need, and you can start traveling during COVID. Here is your quick guide to travel safety.
How to Prepare
In the days before your flight, do some research into the airports you are flying into. Visit their websites to find out what their safety protocols are.
You should also look at the local news to see if there are any stories about safety violations. If there are, you should consider finding another airport.
Some states have quarantine guidelines, requiring visitors to stay by themselves for two weeks after arriving. This is the case for nearly all international flights as well. Make a schedule that accommodates this.
New variants are spreading and may result in sudden border closures. Make preparations in case you are stranded in another country. Have the contact information of the American embassy on hand and leave copies of your passport at home.
If you are flying internationally, check to see that your passport is valid. Domestic flyers must have a valid identification card. It can be a passport, driver’s license, or photo ID issued from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The day before your flight, print out your boarding pass and other necessary information. Print out multiple copies and store them in different places.
What to Pack
Pack your luggage the night before your flight. In your checked luggage, pack all the clothes you’ll need plus an additional set. You can include a bottle of hand sanitizer, a packet of latex gloves, and a package of face masks.
In your carry-on luggage, you can back a bottle of 100 milliliters of hand sanitizer. You must include it in a quart-size plastic bag that a TSA agent can see through.
You should include anti-bacterial wet wipes in your front pocket. Make sure you can grab them without having to touch too many things in your bag.
Pack at least one spare mask in another pocket. Pick one that is disposable and contains multiple layers.
You can bring a face shield. If you want to be more comfortable, you can wear safety glasses instead. Glasses cover your eyes and the top of your face while keeping your cheeks and forehead cool.
Pack a reusable water bottle and food if you are going during mealtime. You can buy food there, but packing your own will minimize your contact with other people.
When You Arrive
Most airlines recommend that you arrive at least two hours before domestic flights. You should follow this guideline, even if it means spending time in the airport. There may be a line at airport security, or there may be a change in which gate your flight leaves from.
All airports require you to wear a mask. Put it on before walking into the airport.
If you are worried about getting sick, wear two masks. Put on an N95 mask, then place a cloth or disposable mask over top. Fit the masks tightly over your nose, cheeks, and jaw.
Follow the instructions of the airport employees. Stand at the markers that they ask you to stand at. Try to keep your conversations short so you don’t spray saliva as you speak.
Sanitize your hands after you touch anything. Do not touch your face or another object you have with you until you clean your hands.
All airports have massive air circulation systems with filters designed to remove particles. You need to wear a mask, but you should be comfortable. Don’t panic if you hear someone coughing.
While You Are At the Airport
Check to see which gate your flight is at and head there. If there are not too many people there, you can stay at your gate. If the gate is packed, wait across the aisle for boarding to begin.
Do not enter into stores or small spaces like lounges. They have ventilation systems, but air circulation is limited. Remain in larger spaces like gates or waiting rooms.
If you must eat or drink, be quick. Leave your mask on in between bites and sips, and keep it in your hand when it is off.
Try to avoid walking as much as possible. If you exert yourself, you will need to take more breaths, which increases your chance of contracting COVID. Remain still and keep yourself busy while you wait to board.
While You Are On the Airplane
As soon as you get to your seat, take out a wet wipe and wipe down all surfaces. This includes your tray table, seatbelt, and armrests.
Airplanes have strong circulation systems, and the risk of you contracting COVID is not high. But you should still keep your mask on and avoid touching surfaces. Avoid ordering drinks or eating.
If you must take your mask off, turn away from people while doing so. Do not take your mask off in the bathroom, where the space is very confined.
Try to relax as much as possible. The flight attendants are doing everything they can so you are safe flying during COVID.
The Essentials of Airport Safety During COVID
Traveling during COVID is scary, but the travel tips you need to follow are simple. Check to see what your airports’ safety protocols are. Make sure your identification is valid.
Pack wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and extra masks in your carry-on. Wear two masks at the airport. Follow social distancing and avoid touching things.
Do not remove your masks or take too many breaths in the airport or airplane. Avoid eating and drinking as much as possible.
Airport safety is essential yet easy to achieve. Get the safety information you need by following our coverage.
