Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: I have to travel by #airplane soon, what can I do to make it as safe as possible? Have any procedures changed?

A: While the @CDCgov still urges individuals to avoid non-essential travel (cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…), here are a few safety precautions you can take:

2/
🚘 If you take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to and from the airport, wear a mask and request that the driver does too (companies are requiring this now: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…). Ride sharing is not permitted and there may be limits on number of riders per car.

3/
😷 Continue to #WearAMask and practice #SocialDistancing at the airport--in line for check-in, going through security, waiting at the gate, AND boarding.

Because of spacing requirements, lines may be longer and take more time, so you may want to arrive earlier than normal.

4/
👮‍♀️Changes are coming to the security process to minimize TSA workers contact with your personal belongings (tsa.gov/news/press/rel…).
First, you may be told to scan your boarding pass and hold out your ID for the #TSA agent to review (instead of handing off documents)

5/ You will also be required to place any carry-on food items into a clear plastic bag, separate from other carry-on items, and place that bag in a bin (similar to toiletries).

Passengers are also being allowed one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger.

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💻 Last, if your bag is identified to contain a prohibited item, or you didn't remove an item that must be separated (even a laptop) you may be asked to remove the items yourself (instead of the agent removing them), to reduce agent contact with customer belongings.

7/
🧻 See tips for using public bathrooms from our prior post (facebook.com/dearpandemic/p…)

🥜 Many airlines are also limiting the snacks and beverages available in-flight, so look up what will be available on your airline and plan ahead! Or better yet, pack your own snacks

8/
💺 Depending on how full the flight is (some airlines are capping seats per flight), the airline may keep middle seats empty and try to seat alternating rows (see Capacity, Mask Use and Seating policies across airlines here: forbes.com/sites/advisor/…).

9/ Some good news is that air is frequently circulated and filtered on airplanes to help prevent spread of #germs.

But you will still be in close contact with any people seated nearby-so keep your mask on (many airlines are requiring this) and choose a window seat if available.

9/
🧼 Once you have been seated, disinfect the surfaces around you such as arm rests, tray tables and window ledge. Travelers can bring individually-packaged alcohol or anti-bacterial wipes in carry-on or checked luggage. Jumbo containers of hand wipes are also allowed.

10/ Airlines have also upped their cleaning and infection control practices (see @Delta airlines info as an example here: startribune.com/to-attract-peo….

Also be aware that your destination may have a health or travel advisory as well as guidelines for self-quarantine after travel.

11/ Consider minimizing close contact (REMEMBER the #StaySMART guidelines) with other household members for 14 days after you fly, particularly if you live with or are visiting someone who is at high-risk of complications from #COVID19

12/ Monitor your symptoms and get tested if you suspect you have #Covid_19. If you are still at your destination when you become ill, you should isolate and wait to travel back home until you have met the CDC criteria for ending isolation (cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…).

13/ Here are some additional resources:

npr.org/sections/goats…

insider.com/what-are-healt…

cntraveler.com/story/flying-d…