I just got the COVID-19 vaccine and am looking forward to flying again. It is May 2021, and nationally, about half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot. Driving past my home airport, I can see it is packed. Nationally, TSA checkpoint traveler throughput volumes are about 65% of May 2019 volumes. In comparison, May 2020 volumes were only 8% of May 2019 .
While it is still advisable to travel only if deemed essential, if you are or thinking of traveling soon, here’s what you need to know:
TSA Rules
As of May 2021, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still requires face masks be worn at airport security checkpoints. This is in effect through September 13, 2021.
The CDC has stated that vaccinated travelers can travel safely and do not need to get tested before/after travel unless their destination requires it, but guidelines still require individuals to wear a face mask, socially distance (6 feet), and wash hands or use a hand sanitizer.
How to Best Get Through the Airport During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you have COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19, do not fly.
Allocate extra time to get through the airport if you are not used to flying. The normal recommended times are 3 hours for international flight and 2 hours for domestic flight. With COVID implementation measures still in place and travelers returning, airports right now will be challenged to keep their airports operating efficiently. It will be important to find the right balance in protecting passengers and accommodating passenger throughput.
Play it safe and get to the airport earlier if you can. You can also try to call the airport/airline or look on their websites to find information about approximate wait times to gauge your arrival timing.
When you go to the airport, wear a mask. You will not be able to fly without it.
Parking – If you do park at the airport, many places offer contactless entry and exit, particularly if you pre-booked online. If you are unsure, inquire with the parking facility you plan to park at. If you have to take a shuttle to the airport, many service providers maintain social distancing measures at the bus shelters and on the shuttle, and have plexiglass screens and hand sanitizer stations on-board. Airports and parking operators also regularly clean and sanitize touchpoints at escalators and elevators.
Check-in – Check in for your flight online or use self-service bag drop kiosks where possible to avoid touching counters. Also sign up for flight text alerts if you have a smartphone. If you have to check in at the counter, many airports have plexiglass screens to minimize contact. All airport staff do wear face masks and are available in the ticketing area to assist you. Pay attention to the social distancing signs and floor decals that you may see.
Disinfectant Cleaning Measures – Improvements in cleaning measures with hospital-grade cleaning agents were one of the first COVID-19 safety measures employed by airports all around the World. The focus was on sanitizing and disinfecting major touchpoints such as escalator railings, elevator buttons, seating areas, iPads, and payment system devices. Most airports now also have hand sanitizer stations and face masks available. Many airports have made their cleaning measures more visible to passengers as well to demonstrate safety is of top priority and to give passengers more peace of mind. Also, be sure to wash your hands often or use the hand sanitizer stations at a minimum when you are in the airport for 20 seconds.
Security Checkpoint – TSA has taken a lot of steps to improve the screening process such as employing officers and implementing touchless technology for passenger protection and can help speed up the process. This includes new Enhanced Advanced Imaging Technology (eAIT) to screen passengers and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines to verify identification documents. You will need to take your mask off temporarily for the TSA agent to verify your identity, but you have the ability to scan your own boarding pass.
Unless you are a TSA PreCheck passenger (no changes apply), take out electronics and everything from your pockets, place items from your pockets and your belts, as well as electronic items on your carry-ons instead of the provided bins. All passengers may bring one hand sanitizer (12 oz.) per person and all other liquid, gels, and aerosols must meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule. The only items that would go in the bins are food items. Airports differ based on what technology has been implemented, so follow whatever the TSA agent instructs you to do, such as if you are asked to be part of secondary screening.
Restaurants – With social distancing measures in place, some restaurants will not be at full capacity if they are open at all. Many restaurants do offer to-go meals that are packaged carefully with COVID-19 in mind. Use the nearby hand sanitizers where you can and wear your mask when not eating or drinking. At many airports as well, restaurants have enabled contactless payment systems. At other airports, you can order from your phone and someone will bring your meal to you. If you are a frequent traveler or have membership, you can also go to a lounge.
Shopping – Airport safety measures include enhanced cleaning processes of shopping baskets and counter areas, social distancing decals, plexiglass screens, and hand sanitizer stations. While I have not seen too many contactless payment systems, the credit card readers I have seen have been regularly cleaned by staff.
Waiting Area to Board Plane – Expect the waiting areas near boarding gates to be quite full. The key is to be prepared and spread out where you can. If you arrived to the airport early, you will be able to get a seat at your gate. If not, make sure you sign up for your airline boarding text alerts and then grab a seat at a nearby gate, lounge, or restaurant. Pack light so you will not have to carry so much around with you.
Required Traveler Form – If flying into some airports, travelers must fill out an online Traveler Form acknowledging they have read, understand, and will abide by the City’s Department of Public Health Travel Requirement and understand the State’s Travel Advisory. Check with your airport if you are required to do this or not.
COVID-19 Testing / Vaccines – The quarantine duration requirements are different if you are vaccinated and unvaccinated, and if you have a negative COVID-19 or positive COVID-19 viral test result. State and local requirements and recommendations differ, but generally unvaccinated travelers are recommended to get tested 1-3 days before a trip, and then afterwards, get tested and self-quarantine from 7-10 days. Many airports offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines on-site for the convenience of passengers now.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING WHILE VACCINATED
Wear a mask
Check-in online at home
Sign up for flight text alerts if you have a smartphone
Pre-book your parking
Arrive at the airport early if you are not used to flying
Only place food in bins, all else on top of our carry-on
Maintain a 6-foot physical distance with others
Use hand sanitizer/wash your hands often
Minimize the time your mask is off while you eat/drink
Pack light
HOW AIRPORTS ARE PROTECTING YOU
Touchless technology to minimize contact points
Improved cleaning processes and of all major touchpoints
Social distancing signs and floor decals
COVID-19 testing and vaccines on-site
Hand sanitizing stations
Airport implements social distancing measures
Plexiglass screens
I hope this article provided some helpful tips for traveling during COVID-19 and provided some insights into what airports are doing to protect passengers.
Happy Flying!