Southwest Minnesota Vacations

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we travel, but it hasn't halted our love of exploring. Here are some tips on how to handle the new challenges of traveling:

• Before you lock in a flight, check if any travel restrictions or bans apply — in both your origin and destination. Stay informed with the latest updates by reviewing government and travel websites.
• Requirements state you must wear a face mask at the airport, even at screening checkpoints. You should be prepared to lower your mask for identification purposes when asked by a TSA employee.
• Do not hand your boarding pass (paper or electronic) directly to a TSA officer. Instead, you should place the pass on the reader and then hold it up to allow 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 hand luggage. This will need to be taken out for X-ray scanning.
• Empty everything from your pocket, like your wallet, phone and small change, and put them in your carry-on instead of into bins. This will minimize handling during screening.
• If you're taking food on the plane with you, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a screening bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to handle your carry-on bag or food container for inspection.

To help reduce contact between travelers and flight crew during the ongoing pandemic, many airlines have taken social distancing and other protective measures to the skies. These carriers include:

• American Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• United Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Delta - this airline is known for electrostatic cleaning and cleaning with disinfectant.