Chilcotin Trip

If it's your first time travelling during COVID-19, you'll no doubt notice a few more standards and rules in place. Take note of these tips and make your getaway to Chilcotin go off without a hitch:

• Research if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before booking your flight. Also check if there are any conditions you'll need to follow on arrival, such as health testing.
• You must wear a face mask at the airport, including at screening checkpoints. Be ready to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked.
• Rather than handing a TSA agent your boarding pass, position it straight on the reader yourself. Once that's done, hold it up for inspection.
• You are now permitted to take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on bag. You'll have to remove it for screening.
• Put any personal items (phone, wallet and keys) in your carry-on rather than a bin to minimize handling during the screening process.
• Separate any food you're carrying for screening. Food items often set off the alarm. Placing them in a clear plastic bag and into a bin reduces the need for a TSA officer to handle and inspect your belongings.

As lockdowns and restrictions start to lift, airlines are back in action with new strategies including social distancing and an increased supply of face masks, gloves and sanitizer. Here's what different carriers are doing to help lessen the spread of COVID-19:

• Air Canada - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• WestJet - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and electrostatic cleaning.
• Pacific Coastal Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.