What you need to know when flying summer of 2021 - Information & Tips for pandemic travel
Click Here to view current CDC recommendations regarding travel.
With more and more people flying, here's what you need to know. . .
Arrive at the airport early - With an increase in travel and increased security, the lines are long for both baggage check and security. This week in Atlanta, security waits reached more than 40 minutes at times. The overloaded checkpoints spilled into airline check-in and baggage claim carousels areas.
Allow extra time for parking - Some parking lots remain closed due to the pandemic and other lots have been reaching capacity during busy periods.
Pack patience - Food outlets, SkyClubs and more are severely understaffed.
Expect full planes - This month, all airlines (including Delta) will fill middle seats on their planes.
Plan ahead for parking - Hartsfield-Jackson on Sunday reopened its international park-ride deck, and the domestic side of the airport has a new ATL West deck connected to the terminal via SkyTrain. That’s an option for travelers, particularly when economy lots are full. The airport-run park-ride lots at the domestic terminal have not yet reopened, though airport officials are working on a plan. As with everything else, they are struggling to hire staff.
New liquid rules with disinfectants - travelers can now bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. They will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to the checkpoint experience. Travelers also are permitted to bring individually packaged alcohol or anti-bacterial wipes in their carry-on or checked luggage.
Put smaller items in your carry-on - Throughout security, it’s important to place smaller items, things like change, lip balm or hearing aids, into bags to be screened, instead of leaving them out in a bin.
Mask Up - even though the CDC has changed its recommendations for vaccinated individuals, masks are still required at airports and on airplanes. This is a federal law.
Enroll in TSA Pre-Check - Individuals who are planning to travel this summer should consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck®. The popular expedited screening program allows travelers to leave on their shoes, jackets, belts and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags. Don't forget to let us know your TSA pre-check number so that we can include it with your flight reservations.
No Online Check-in From International Destinations - due to the Covid-19 testing requirement that is still in effect when entering the U.S. from an international destination, you will not be able to check in for your flight back to the United States online as you did in the past. Expect long lines at check-in for your return flight and get to the airport extra early to avoid missing your flight.
Popular destinations Americans can now visit - Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Bermuda, St. Maarten, Jamaica, Mexico, Greece, Panama, Maldives, Turks and Caicos, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, Italy. We can help you to comply with all of the latest entry requirements that differ by destination.
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