Terceira Island Holidays

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we travel, but it hasn't shut down our appetite for exploring. Here are some tips on how to tackle travel's new challenges:

• Before booking your flight, find out if any travel restrictions or bans apply — in both your origin and destination. Keep informed with the latest updates by reviewing government travel advisories.
• Requirements state that you must wear a face mask at the airport, even at screening checkpoints. You should be prepared to lower your mask to verify your identity when asked.
• Do not hand your boarding pass (electronic or paper) directly to a TSA officer. Instead, place your pass on the scanner and then hold it up for the agent to visually inspect it.
• TSA now allows passengers to take one container of hand sanitizer, up to 12 oz (350 ml) in size, in carry-on luggage. This will need to be removed from your bag at the X-ray machine for scanning.
• Place any personal items (keys, wallet and phone) in your carry-on instead of a bin to reduce handling during screening.
• Transport all food items in a clear plastic bag and also place them in a screening bin. Separating food from your carry-on makes it less likely that a TSA agent will need to open and touch your bag for inspection.

As travel bans start to lift, airlines are back in the skies with new strategies including social distancing and increased sanitization. Here's what numerous carriers are doing to help limit the spread of COVID-19:

• SATA Air Acores - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
• Azores Airlines - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and capped capacity flights.
• TAP Air Portugal - this airline is known for conducting passenger temperature checks and cleaning with disinfectant.