Sapphire Coast Vacations

COVID-19 may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't curbed our lust for exploring. Here are a few tips on how to tackle the new challenges of traveling:

• 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 undergoing health assessments.
• Requirements state you must 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 officer.
• Avoid handing your boarding pass (paper or electronic) directly to a TSA officer. Rather, you should position the pass on the reader and then hold it up for the agent to visually inspect it.
• You are now allowed to take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on luggage. This will need to be removed for X-ray screening.
• Put any personal items (phone, wallet and keys for example) in your carry-on rather than a bin to reduce handling during screening.
• Transport your 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 employee will need to touch and open your bag for inspection.

While flying during a pandemic can be slightly daunting, airlines have gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of passengers and cabin crew. These are some carriers that have introduced changes:

• Qantas - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Rex Regional Express - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Virgin Australia - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.