Southern Piedmont Alps Vacations

COVID-19 has changed how we travel, but it hasn't dampened our love of exploring. Here are a few tips on how to navigate the new challenges of traveling:

• Before booking anything, find out if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your origin and destination. Get up-to-date information by checking government and airport websites.
• When you pass through airport screening, do not remove your face mask. You will be asked to briefly lower it for ID purposes. Travelers who refuse to wear a mask may be fined and denied boarding.
• Do not hand your boarding pass (paper or electronic) directly to a TSA employee. Rather, place your pass on the scanner and then hold it up for the agent to visually inspect it.
• TSA now permits passengers to take one container of hand sanitizer, up to 12 oz (350 ml) in size, in carry-on bags. This will have to be removed from your bag and presented for screening.
• To minimize handling during the screening process, put items such as your phone, coins and keys into your carry-on instead of into the bins.
• If you're taking food on the plane with you, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a screening bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to handle your carry-on bag or food container for closer inspection.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have rolled out additional steps and actions to help their passengers and crew fly with confidence. Check out what these carriers are doing:

• EasyJet - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
• Air France - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Ryanair - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.