What to expect on your next journey
Ensuring the health, safety, and security of the traveling public and airport workers is always an airport’s top priority.
When you’re ready to travel next, your journey through the airport might look a little different than it did before to ensure health, safety and security. Follow these steps to ensure you’re able to move quickly and safely through the airport.
1: Plan Ahead.
When booking your air travel or planning your trip to the airport, plan to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Pack your bags with intention to expedite your trip through the airport. Check in for your flight before you depart your home for the airport.
2: Arrive at the Airport.
Determine how you will arrive at the airport and if you will need to park your vehicle or take a shuttle to the airport terminal. Expect congestion at the curb due to increased drop-offs and pick-ups. Look for airport signage and workers directing traffic. Only ticketed passengers should enter the airport. Plan to arrive early. Wear a face covering and practice physical distancing while at the airport, including when riding on ground transportation, like airport shuttles or buses. Look up, down and around for signage or listen/look for announcements.
3: Check-In for Your Flight.
Wear a face covering when entering the airport terminal. Check in for your flight at home or use your mobile device to reduce your need to touch things in the ticketing area. Be prepared to check your bags and have your travel documents verified. Some airline locations may have changed to allow for physical distancing. Check with your airline on new check-in procedures and health guidelines that might impact your trip.
4: Clear the Security Checkpoint.
Line locations may have changed since your last trip and may appear longer to allow for physical distancing. Instead of putting loose items in bins for screening, put them in your carry-on bag. Lower your face covering when instructed by security officers to verify your identity. Larger bottles of hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes are permitted. Check with TSA or CATSA and look for signage at the checkpoint on new screening procedures and health guidelines.
5: Enjoy the Airport.
After clearing the security checkpoint, be prepared to move through the airport. You’ll be able to take advantage of food and beverage offerings, retail shopping, restrooms, and other airport services. Wear a face covering and practice physical distancing. Restaurants, bars, and retail shops might reduce capacity to allow for physical distancing. Expect to see plastic guards and shields separating you from cashiers or servers. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer at provided dispensers.
6: Board Your Flight.
Limited seating may be available in the boarding area and throughout the airport to encourage physical distancing. Please respect signage and closed areas to ensure your health and safety as well as other passengers. Follow boarding instructions provided by the gate agent.
7: Prepare for Departure.
As you board your flight, follow instructions provided by gate agents and flight crew to ensure orderly boarding and a healthy flight. Check with your airline on new procedures and guidelines.
8: Arrive on Your Flight.
Be prepared to deplane in accordance with flight crew instructions. Before departing the plane, organize your belongings to move through the airport efficiently. Wear a face covering when in the airport.
9: Enjoy the Airport.
On your arrival, be prepared to move through the airport. You’ll be able to take advantage of food and beverage offerings, retail shopping, and restrooms. Wear a face covering and practice physical distancing. Restaurants, bars, and retail shops might reduce capacity to allow for physical distancing. Expect to see plastic guards and shields separating you from cashiers or servers. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer at provided dispensers.
10: Clear Customs.
If arriving from an international destination, be prepared to clear customs. If you’re an eligible traveler, use Mobile Passport (for U.S. arrivals) or CanBorder (for Canadian arrivals) to reduce touchpoints in the customs area. Take advantage of or enroll in a trusted traveler program, like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI for expedited entry.
11: Make Your Connection.
If you’re catching a connecting flight, especially from an international destination, be prepared to move efficiently through the airport, including on people movers, at security checkpoints, and in boarding areas. Wear a face covering throughout the airport, even when enjoying restaurants or shopping. Look for signage and listen/look for announcements when in the airport.
12: Claim Your Bags.
Please respect the steps airports have taken to limit crowding around baggage claim belts. Friends and family picking you up at the airport should stay out of the baggage area. We recommend those meeting you at the airport take advantage of cell phone waiting lots or free parking options until you’re ready to be picked up.
13: Leave the Airport.
Determine how you will depart the airport, either via car, public transit, rental car, or taxi. Wear face coverings when using ground transportation, like airport shuttles or buses. Taxi stands and ride app pick up areas may have changed to promote physical distancing. Look for signage and listen for voice announcements. Local areas may have their own public health restrictions and guidelines in place, so be familiar with any local, state, or provincial health quarantine requirements at your destination.
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