Here are some facts I picked up from trusted sites.
The Wall Street Journal reported that all travelers, including US citizens, will need to provide proof of a negative coronavirus test. This will happen on January 26, most likely. This is a directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Airlines must confirm the negative test for passengers prior to boarding. Those with the correct documentation will be allowed to board. If you do not have this, you will be denied boarding flights to the US.
This test must be within three days of the departure date.
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you will need documentation of that.
The CDC also recommends travelers get tested again three to five days after returning home, as well as quarantine for seven days after travel.
Of course, this does not eliminate all risk. It is one more step combined with staying at home, wearing masks, and social distancing.
When it’s time to fly again…here are some helpful reminders from the TSA.
Medications and Prescriptions Are Allowed
It is still a good idea to pack your medication in the original bottle. The TSA allows your to bring as much as you need in your checked or carry-on luggage as long as it goes through proper screening. For a liquid medication, separate it into a bottle of 3.4 ounces and notify an officer at the checkpoint of your liquid prescription. It’s important to note that some states have laws requiring prescription labels on medication, so check with your state before traveling.
Solid Foods Are Permitted in Carry-Ons
The TSA permits solid food in carry-on bags. Any non-solid foods must be put in a sealed container and then into a quart-sized bag to follow the liquid requirements.
Eating Utensils Are Permitted in Carry-Ons
You may bring round-bladed butter knives and forks on the plane.
Creams and Lotions Are Considered Liquids
According to the TSA, anything that you can pour, pump, spread, squeeze, smear, spray, or spill is considered to be a liquid and must follow the 3.4 ounces or less rule. Keep this in mind when buying souvenirs or a new lotion you want to try. Even items like nut butter, sunscreen, face creams, and perfumes must be under 3.4 ounces. This is true even if they are factory-sealed and unopened. If you must travel with such an item, place it in a sealed bag in your checked luggage instead.
Expensive Jewelry Must Stay On
For travelers who like to dress up, we have good news. The TSA actually prefers you leave your diamonds on at the security checkpoint. This prevents costly items from being stolen from the bin or lost during the screening process.
You Can Bring Plants on the Plane
As long as your plant fits neatly into the overhead bin or underneath your seat, the TSA says you can fly with it. Do check your state regulations to make sure you aren’t bringing a prohibited plant across state borders.
All Undeveloped Film Must Be Inspected
If you are traveling with a traditional film camera, you need to know about this rule. If you are worried about your film being ruined, ask for a physical inspection of the film at the beginning of the screening process. This is before your bags go on the belt to be screened.
Do you enjoy having a glass of wine or a cocktail when you fly?
Have you read that airlines are no longer serving alcohol on flights? Not a big deal to some. To others, it may be.
Since some flyers really enjoy it, they have wondered whether it’s okay to bring their own drinks, cocktails, etc. on the flight. Is it okay to buy a small bottle in the airport once you’re through security and open it on the plane? Is it okay to buy a cocktail in an airport bar and then bring it with you in a plastic cup? Are there any instances where you can drink on the plane?
According to the FAA you may not do that. Why? The serving entity has to be the one holding the liquor license. So, no alcoholic beverages on the plane unless the certificate holder operating the aircraft has served that beverage to the passenger.
Keep in mind, this is for drinking only. Other rules apply to what you have in your carryon or checked luggage.
Maybe in time, rules will change and airlines will go back to serving alcohol. Until then…no wine on the plane.
You board the airplane for your flight, looking for your
seat. As you walk down the aisle, you discover it may be less than ideal.
In fact, it looks like you may have just about the worst seat on the plane. Is it in the back row, stuck by the lavatory, with no window? Does your seat recline? Is this a long flight?
Is the plane full or can you ask to sit somewhere else? If not, you may want to think about where your seat is before you purchase that ticket next time you want to fly.
Here are a few suggestions and things to think about before
you book your LAX to CDG flight. After all, 10 hours in the air can feel like
several days if you have a terrible seat.
Before you pack your bags, do a thorough check of the plane
and its seats. When you are on the airline’s site, see if there is a map of
open seats. In addition, check SeatGuru to see what they have to say about
specific seats. They will show you where windows are, where the lavatories are
located, and which seats may have reduced width.
If you are flying on an airline where you can pick your seat
as you reserve your flight, check out the seats in advance. Then, book your
flight and book your seat.
Even though you do that, keep in mind things could change. Why?
Airlines sometimes need to rearrange seating due to issues we don’t know about.
One time we saw a complete row taped off. When we asked, we were told there
were some problems with the seat fasteners in that section. That meant 15
people had to be reseated.
If that happens and the airline notifies you when you are at
the gate, ask the gate agent what seats are available. There may be something
they can do. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Be polite…
Another reason you may lose your seat is if you show up late
for your flight. The airline may have already booked someone else into that
seat. This is especially true if you did not check in online 24 hours in
advance. Moral of the story…check in in advance and arrive early!
Next time you are getting ready to book, think about seats
as well as days and times.
