With new COVID-19 safety guidelines to adhere to, travel looks a little different in this day and age. Here are some useful things to know before you pack your suitcase for North America:
- Find out if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before booking your flight. Also check if there are any requirements you’ll need to follow on arrival, such as taking a COVID-19 test.
- When you pass through airport checkpoints, do not remove your face mask. You will be required to briefly lower it for ID purposes. Those who refuse to wear a face mask may be fined and denied boarding.
- To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the reader yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA agent.
- One liquid hand sanitizer container is now allowed in your carry-on luggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you’ll need to take it out of your bag at the X-ray machine for scanning.
- Remove personal items from your pockets, like your keys, phone and wallet, and put them in your carry-on rather than the bins. This will minimize handling during screening.
- Transport all food items in a clear plastic bag and also put them in a screening bin. Separating food from your carry-on makes it less likely that a TSA officer will need to open your bag for inspection.