Barro Colorado Island Trip

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't curbed our lust for exploring. Here are a few tips on how to deal with travel's new challenges:

• Research if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before locking in a flight. Also check if there are any conditions you'll have to follow on arrival, such as health testing.
• When you pass through airport checkpoints, keep your face mask on. You will be asked to briefly lower it to verify your identity. Travellers who refuse to wear a mask may be denied entry or boarding.
• You're no longer required to hand your boarding pass (paper or electronic) directly to a TSA officer. Rather, place your pass on the reader and then hold it up for inspection.
• One container of liquid hand sanitizer is now permitted in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to take it out of your bag for X-ray scanning.
• Place any personal items (phone, wallet and keys) in your carry-on rather than a bin to reduce handling during the screening process.
• If you're taking food through security screening, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA agent will need to touch your carry-on bag or food container for closer inspection.

While travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic can be an anxious experience, airlines are doing their utmost to protect the well-being of their passengers and staff. Here are a few carriers that have introduced changes:

• Copa Airlines - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and electrostatic cleaning.
• United Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• American Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.