At the Airport
USE TOUCHLESS CHECK-IN OPTIONS
- Avoid waiting in line to use the check-in kiosks at the airport:
- Use your smartphone to check in to your flight on your airline’s mobile app in advance
- Save your boarding pass straight to your phone.
- Check in via the airline’s website and print your boarding pass at home.
- If you have bags to check, consider using the skycap outside to avoid lines (if they’re open at your airport), but don’t forget to tip a couple of dollars per bag.
- To further decrease touch points as you check in and get through security for your flight, consider bringing a zip-lock bag to put your ID in until you have a chance to disinfect it after it’s been handled by airport or TSA personnel.
DITCH THE BINS AT TSA CHECKPOINTS
- Put personal items such as cellphones, keys, lip balm and tissues in carry-on bags instead of in a bin to avoid cross-contamination as recommended by The Transportation Security Administration.
- The TSA has implemented procedures to increase social distancing and reduce direct contact between travelers and agents as illustrated on the next page.
WAIT FOR YOUR FLIGHT AT AN EMPTY GATE
- If you arrive in the concourse with time before boarding starts, scout out a nearby empty gate and wait there until close to the start of boarding time.
- Some airlines’ smartphone apps notify you when boarding is starting so you can make your way to your departure gate then.
KEEP DISTANCE WHILE BOARDING
- Most airlines have changed their boarding procedures to minimize the number of passengers who pass by others who are already seated.
- Boarding is now typically from the back of the plane, five rows at a time.
- Do not crowd into the door to the jetway until your row is called and maintain 6 feet of distance from those not in your party while in the jetway and in the aisle as you reach your seat.
AT BAGGAGE CLAIM
- Maintain 6 feet social distance when claiming your bag.
- It might be prudent to wait until most other passengers have claimed their baggage before removing yours from the belt so you can avoid the crowds.
Onboard your Flight
FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED
- Bring a face mask or face covering and wear it at the airport and on the plane.
- All major U.S. airlines require passengers to wear them.
- Some airlines, including American, Delta and United will ban passengers who refuse to wear them.
- You can take off your face covering for a short period while you eat or drink. But make sure to put it back on when you’re done. And continue to wear it inside the airport upon arrival.
- Forget a mask? Many airlines and airports hand them out to travelers, and they are for sale at airport shops and in some places, vending machines.
SANITIZE SURFACES
- Wipe down your seat, tray table, armrest and other areas around you.
- If you have to use the bathroom on your flight, wipe down the door handle and other surfaces you may touch inside the lavatory.
WINDOW OR AISLE SEAT?
- Sit by the window. Selecting the window seat reduces the number of people sitting around you, and you’re farther from people who may walk by in the aisle.
- Furthermore, if you can stay seated the entire flight that reduces your risk.
OPEN THE AIR VENT
- Most airborne viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how airplanes circulate and filter air.20
- Most planes have filters that remove 99.9% of particles from the air while bringing in outside air.
- Keep the air vents above your seat open to improve the flow of fresh air from outside.
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