Southeast Iowa Holidays

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed how the world works in ways big and small, including how we travel. The following tips will help you understand these new challenges and prepare you for your holiday in Southeast Iowa:

• Know what, if any, restrictions or rules apply to both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so be sure to check government advisories before booking.
• When you go through airport checkpoints, do not remove your face mask. You will be required to lower it briefly for ID purposes. Travellers who refuse to wear a face mask may be fined and denied entry.
• Avoid handing your boarding pass directly to a TSA officer. 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 allowed in your carry-on baggage. It must be no bigger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll need to take it out of your bag at the X-ray machine for scanning.
• To minimize handling during screening, place items such as your phone, coins and keys into your carry-on rather than the bins.
• Transport your food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Keeping food separate from your carry-on means it's less likely a TSA employee will need to touch and open your bag for inspection.

As travel bans start to lift, most airlines have resumed business with new measures including social distancing and an increased supply of face masks, gloves and sanitizer. Here's what a number of carriers are doing to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• 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.
• Delta - this airline is known for electrostatic cleaning and cleaning with disinfectant.