Eastern Townships Trip

COVID-19 may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't done away with our zeal for exploring. Here are some tips on how to deal with travel's new challenges:

• Before you lock in a flight, find out if any travel restrictions apply — in both your origin and destination. Get up-to-date information by checking government travel advisories.
• Requirements state you must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at security checkpoints. You should be prepared to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked by a TSA officer.
• To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, place your boarding pass on the reader yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your boarding pass directly to a TSA officer.
• One container of liquid hand sanitizer is now allowed in your carry-on bag. It must be no larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag for screening.
• Place any personal items (e.g, keys, phone and wallet) in your carry-on instead of a bin to reduce handling during screening.
• Transport your food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Separating food from your carry-on means it's less likely a TSA officer will need to open your bag for inspection.

In response to the current pandemic, airlines have introduced extra rules and standards to help passengers take to the skies again. Check out what these carriers are doing:

• JetBlue - this airline is known for keeping the middle seat empty and capped capacity flights.
• Delta - this airline is known for electrostatic cleaning and cleaning with disinfectant.
• Air Canada - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.