Shire of Bauhinia Vacations

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

• Know the restrictions and rules in both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so be sure to check before you lock something in.
• When you pass through airport screening, do not remove your face mask. You will be required to lower it briefly to verify your identity. Passengers who refuse to wear a mask may be denied entry or boarding.
• Avoid handing your boarding pass directly to a TSA employee. Instead, position your pass on the scanner and then hold it up for the agent to visually inspect it.
• TSA is now permitting passengers to take one container of hand sanitizer, up to 12 oz (350 ml) in size, in carry-on bags. This will need to be removed from your bag at the X-ray machine for screening.
• Empty everything from your pockets, like your wallet, keys and phone, and put them in your carry-on rather than the bins. This will minimize 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 makes it less likely that a TSA officer will need to touch and open your bag for inspection.

As restrictions ease and people begin traveling again, many airlines have adopted policies such as social distancing to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Below are two good examples:

• Qantas - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Virgin Australia - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.