Whidbey Island Vacations

COVID-19 may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't deterred our enthusiasm for exploring. Here are some tips on how to handle the new challenges of traveling:

• Before you book a flight, check if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Stay informed with the latest updates by checking official government websites.
• When you go through airport checkpoints, keep your face mask on. You will be required to briefly lower it to confirm your identity. Anyone refusing to wear a face mask may be denied entry or boarding.
• To reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination, position your boarding pass on the scanner yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your pass directly to a TSA officer.
• One container of liquid hand sanitizer is now allowed in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to remove it from your bag for X-ray screening.
• Remove items from your pockets, like your keys, phone and wallet, and place them in your carry-on instead of the bins. This will minimize handling during the screening process.
• Transport any food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Keeping your food separate from your carry-on makes it less likely that a TSA employee will need to open and touch your bag for inspection.

As countries begin to lift travel restrictions, airlines have resumed services with new strategies including social distancing and an increased supply of face masks, gloves and sanitizer. Here's what some carriers are doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Alaska 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.
• Southwest Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.