Otoque Island Trip

COVID-19 has changed how we travel, but it hasn't put the brakes on our desire to explore. Here are some tips on how to cope with the new challenges of travelling:

• Research if any travel restrictions apply to your destination and origin before booking your flight. Also check if there are any special conditions you'll have to follow on arrival, such as taking a COVID-19 test.
• When you pass through airport checkpoints, do not remove your face mask. You will be asked to lower it briefly to confirm your identity. Those who refuse to wear a mask may face civil penalties and may also be escorted from the terminal.
• Instead of handing a TSA employee your boarding pass, place it straight on the scanner yourself. When that's done, hold it up for inspection.
• You are now allowed to take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your hand luggage. You'll need to remove it for X-ray scanning.
• Empty your personal items from your pockets, like your wallet, keys and phone, and place them in your carry-on instead of into bins. This will minimize handling during screening.
• If you're bringing food through the screening checkpoint, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA agent will need to handle your carry-on bag or food container for closer inspection.

As lockdowns and restrictions start to lift, airlines have resumed services with new measures including physical distancing and staggered boarding and disembarkation. Here's what these carriers are doing to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• 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.