Baliem Valley Trip

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dramatic changes to the way we travel. If you're flying to Baliem Valley, these tips will help you navigate these new challenges and rules:

• Investigate what, if any, rules or restrictions apply to both your destination and origin. You may not be able to travel depending on local circumstances, so check before you lock something in.
• When you go through airport screening, do not remove your face mask. You will be required to lower it briefly to verify your identity. Anyone refusing to wear a face mask may face civil penalties and may also be escorted from the building.
• Avoid handing your boarding pass (electronic or paper) directly to a TSA officer. Instead, position the pass on the scanner and then hold it up so the agent can inspect it.
• You can now take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on bag. You'll need to remove it for screening.
• To minimize handling during screening, put items such as your phone, wallet and keys into your carry-on instead of into the bins.
• If you're bringing food through the screening checkpoint, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a screening bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer will need to touch your food container or carry-on bag for inspection.

As lockdowns start to lift, airlines have resumed business with new measures including social distancing and increased sanitization. Here's what some carriers are doing to help combat COVID-19:

• Wings Air (Indonesia) - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Garuda Indonesia - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and keeping the middle seat empty.
• Sriwijaya Air - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and conducting passenger temperature checks.