Northeast Coast Vacations

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 getaway to Northeast Coast a smooth one:

• Research if any travel restrictions apply to your destination and origin before committing to a flight. Also check if there are any requirements you'll need to follow on arrival, such as mandatory quarantining.
• When you go through airport checkpoints, keep your face mask on. You will be required to lower it briefly to verify your identity. Travelers who refuse to wear a face mask may be fined and denied entry.
• To avoid cross-contamination, place your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA agent.
• 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 screening.
• Empty your personal items from your pockets, like your wallet, coins and keys, and put them in your carry-on rather than into bins. This will minimize handling during the screening process.
• Transport any food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Keeping food separate from your carry-on means it's less likely a TSA agent will need to open and touch your bag for inspection.

As countries begin to open their borders, airlines are back in the skies with new measures including social distancing and an increased supply of face masks, gloves and sanitizer. Here's what different carriers are doing to help combat COVID-19:

• EVA Air - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Cathay Pacific - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• China Airlines - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.