Upper Ottawa Valley Vacations

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't stifled our desire to explore. Here are a few tips on how to navigate travel's new challenges:

• Before you lock in a flight, see if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Keep informed with the latest updates by reviewing government and travel websites.
• You must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at screening checkpoints. Be prepared to adjust your mask for ID purposes when asked by a TSA employee.
• Instead of handing a TSA officer your boarding pass, position it straight on the reader yourself. After that, hold it up for inspection.
• One liquid hand sanitizer container is now permitted in your carry-on bag. It must not be larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to remove it from your bag for screening.
• Remove personal items from your pocket, like your small change and phone, and place them in your carry-on instead of into bins. This will reduce handling during screening.
• If you're taking food on the plane, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to handle your food container or carry-on bag for closer inspection.

As passengers start traveling again, most reputable airlines have implemented physical distancing and other precautionary measures to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Here are just a few:

• Air Canada - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• WestJet - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and electrostatic cleaning.
• Delta - this airline is known for electrostatic cleaning and cleaning with disinfectant.