Southeast Illinois Vacations

The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in big changes to the way we travel. If you're planning a vacation in Southeast Illinois, the following tips will help you navigate these new challenges:

• Investigate if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before booking. Also check if there are any conditions you'll have to follow on arrival, such as installing a contact tracing app.
• You're required to wear a face mask at the airport, including at screening checkpoints. You should be prepared to lower your mask for ID purposes when asked by a TSA employee.
• To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, place your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your boarding pass directly to a TSA officer.
• One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on luggage. It must be no larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag for screening.
• Put any personal items (keys, wallet and phone) in your carry-on rather than a bin to reduce handling during the screening process.
• Transport your food items in a clear plastic bag and also put them in a screening bin. Keeping food separate from your carry-on means it's less likely a TSA agent will need to open your bag for inspection.

Physical distancing is just the beginning of new travel strategies to ease the spread of COVID-19. From the check-in desk to arrival, these airlines will whisk you away to your destination with comfort and confidence:

• United Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• American Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Delta - this airline is known for electrostatic cleaning and cleaning with disinfectant.