If it’s your first time traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll notice a few more rules and standards in place. Follow these tips and make your escape to Sri Lanka go off without a hitch:
- Before booking your flight, see if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Get the latest updates by checking government travel advisories.
- Requirements state that you must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at security checkpoints. Be prepared to lower your mask for ID purposes when asked by a TSA employee.
- You’re no longer required to hand your boarding pass (electronic or paper) directly to a TSA employee. Rather, you should place the pass on the reader and then hold it up so the agent can inspect it.
- TSA is now allowing passengers to take one container of hand sanitizer, up to 12 oz (350 ml) in size, in carry-on bags. This will need to be removed from your bag at the X-ray machine for screening.
- To reduce handling during screening, put items such as your loose change and phone into your carry-on instead of into the bins.
- If you’re taking food on the plane, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA agent will need to touch your food container or carry-on bag for inspection.