If it’s your first time traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll notice a range of new restrictions and rules in place. Follow these tips and make your escape to Hainan a smooth one:
- Investigate if any travel restrictions apply to your destination and origin before locking in your flight. Also check if there are any requirements you’ll have to follow on arrival, such as undergoing health assessments.
- When you go through airport screening, keep your face mask on. You will be asked to briefly lower it to confirm your identity. Passengers who refuse to wear a mask may face civil penalties and may also be escorted from the building.
- Avoid handing your boarding pass (electronic or paper) directly to a TSA employee. Instead, you should position the pass on the reader and then hold it up for the agent to visually 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 luggage. This will need to be removed from your bag for X-ray screening.
- To minimize handling during screening, place personal items such as your phone and loose change into your carry-on rather than the bins.
- Transport all food items in a clear plastic bag and also put them in a screening bin. Separating food from your carry-on means it’s less likely a TSA officer will need to open and touch your bag for inspection.