The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives completely, and not just for the short-term. There are many things that likely will have changed for good. This includes how we travel and the locations that we are travelling to. We thought we should discuss the most important need-to-know items for domestic and international travel, post COVID-19, so you can travel safely and with more peace of mind.

Airlines are providing specific COVID-19 instructions for travellers, so please check with your airline prior to travelling. We recommend you arrive at the airport early (give yourself an extra hour than normal), as COVID-19 has drastically affected the time needed for going through security screening and getting your bags checked. This will ensure you can get to your departure gate on time for boarding.

You will not be permitted to board if you show any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19. This also applies to travellers arriving from outside Canada.

The Essentials for Business Travel with the Coronavirus:

  • If you are sick, even just mildly, do not travel. Please stay at home and self-isolate.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds or more before and after going through security, and again after disembarking the plane. Use hand sanitizer once you’re seated on the plane. For an added safety measure, we recommend you wipe down your immediate area with travel-sized Lysol wipes.
  • Wear a face mask in the airport and on the airplane. Most airlines are stating that this is mandatory for all flights, both domestic and international.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your sleeve.
  • On return from your travel, you will need to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Updated TSA Security Procedures and the Coronavirus:

  • TSA is no longer handling travellers boarding passes. Instead of handing these to the TSA officer, travellers will need to place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves. Once scanned, hold your pass toward the TSA officer so they can visually inspect it.
  • Food should be in a clear plastic bag and placed in a separate bin. As food often triggers an alarm during screening, this lessens the changes of the TSA needing to open the bag for inspection.
  • Keep 2 metres apart while in queue for physical distancing. There will be signs up to remind you of this.
  • TSA is now allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags.

For more information on TSA security procedures, please click the link provided.

International Business Travel and the Coronavirus:

  • Please review and observe the current entry requirements (including quarantine restrictions) for your destination, as well as the regulations at the departure and destination airports.
  • If passing through other countries or airports to your destination, you will need to check their respective regulations to ensure your smooth travel.

Cruise Ships and the Coronavirus:

We hope this clears things up. If you have any other questions, we’re happy to help.

 

To book your business or leisure travel contact a Worldgo Travel Specialist at 1-888-236-1566. Read our testimonials here.

 

Written By: Holly Atkins
June 16th, 2020

Holly Atkins has been working in tourism for many years as a travel manager, tour guide and on the front desk in a couple of hotels. An Australian Canadian citizen that now permanently resides in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Holly can’t think of a better place to call home with the vast mountains and her oceanfront dwelling. Touring on motorcycles for the past 14 years has allowed her to see places that few discover, and get off the beaten path to experience all that the open roads have to offer. Visiting a vast amount of the Oceania region, trekking around Europe, discovering BC and most recently travelling to Jordan and Egypt, she’s always looking forward to the next adventure!