Ten Thousand Islands Trip

COVID-19 has ushered in substantial changes to the way we travel. If you plan to visit Ten Thousand Islands, the following tips will help you navigate the "new normal:"

• Before you book a flight, see if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your destination and origin. Keep informed with the latest updates by reviewing official government websites.
• Requirements state that you must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at security checkpoints. Be ready to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked by a TSA officer.
• Rather than handing a TSA officer your boarding pass, position it straight on the reader yourself. When that's done, hold it up for inspection.
• You're allowed 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 X-ray scanning.
• Put any personal items (e.g, keys, phone and wallet) in your carry-on instead of a bin to minimize handling during the screening process.
• Transport any food items in a clear plastic bag and also put them in a screening bin. Keeping your food separate from your carry-on makes it less likely that a TSA officer will need to open your bag for inspection.

As travel restrictions begin to lift, most airlines are back in action with new strategies including physical distancing and an increased supply of sanitizer and face masks. Here's what a few carriers are doing to help lessen the spread of COVID-19:

• Southwest 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.
• United Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.