Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling today comes with a few additional challenges. Cast your eye over these useful tips before jumping on your plane to Costa Rica:
- Before you lock in a flight, see if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your origin and destination. Keep informed with the latest updates by checking government websites.
- Requirements state that you must wear a face mask at the airport, even at screening checkpoints. Be prepared to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked by a TSA officer.
- Rather than handing a TSA employee your boarding pass, place it directly on the reader yourself. After that, hold it up for inspection.
- You can take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on baggage. You’ll need to remove it for X-ray scanning.
- Remove personal items from your pocket, such as your wallet, keys and phone, and place them in your carry-on rather than into bins. This will minimize handling during the screening process.
- If you’re bringing food through the security checkpoint, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to handle your carry-on bag or food container for inspection.