Northeastern New Mexico Holidays

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

• Investigate if any travel restrictions apply to your origin and destination before committing to a flight. Also check if there are any conditions you'll need to follow on arrival, such as mandatory quarantining.
• Requirements state that 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.
• Avoid handing your boarding pass (paper or electronic) directly to a TSA employee. Rather, you should position the pass on the scanner and then hold it up so the agent can inspect it.
• One container of liquid hand sanitizer is now permitted in your carry-on luggage. It must be no larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to take it out of your bag for X-ray screening.
• Place any personal items (like your phone and wallet) in your carry-on rather than a bin to minimize handling during the screening process.
• If you're planning to take food through the security checkpoint, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to handle your carry-on bag or food container for closer inspection.

As lockdowns start to lift, most airlines are back in business with new strategies including social distancing and staggered boarding and disembarkation. Here's what different carriers are doing to help stop 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.