The new-look of travel after the COVID-19 pandemic may seem overwhelming. However, with a little pre-planning, a positive attitude, and a modified approach, you can adapt and keep both you and your family safe while travelling. Although every traveller has their own preference when it comes to preparing for a flight. It is important for everyone to follow safety regulations to ensure protection while in transit.
Not sure what to bring other than your passport, mask, and sanitizer? Here are some basic items you need to pack, and a few you may not have considered.
See also: 5 of the Most Breathtaking Airbnb’s Across Canada >>>
Pre-boarding Passes And Important Documents
While travelling, minimize contact wherever possible. If your airline permits print your boarding pass in advance or digitally download your boarding information on your smartphone. This will reduce contact between you and airline staff possibly peed up your check-in process.
When packing your hand luggage, make sure to include any vaccination, treatment results, or documentation pertaining to quarantine, or PCR tests. And of course, make sure you have the ArriveCAN App downloaded on your phone. The country you are leaving, or your destination, will ask you to show proof of any tests, quarantine or isolation periods you’ve completed. Without the required documents, you will not be allowed to enter or leave the country or fly.
Masks And Other Face Coverings
Wearing masks in public places is the new normal. While travelling this essential rule still applies in the airport and during the airplane ride. Face masks should cover your nose and mouth and fit comfortably over your chin, with no open gaps on the sides. Not all airlines mandate face shields which are clear plastic shields that wrap around the sides of the face and fully cover the chin.
For this reason, it is important for travellers to bring extra masks or wear both a face shield with a mask. Travels need to be familiar with the rules, regulations, and guidelines of your destination. Always bring extra masks, certain areas only permit people who have masks on.
Hand Sanitizer
No journey is complete without a pouch-sized hand sanitizer. Make sure your sanitizer tags along for every step of your trip. Throw it in your handbag or hand luggage since it is the most effective way to keep your hands clean. Be sure to pack only 100 millilitres or less bottles in your carry-on to abide by liquid limits in the airport. Keep all liquids in a clear, sealable plastic bag so they will not be confiscated during security screenings.
Disinfectant Wipes And Spray
When travelling, you tend to move around a lot where germs can be found. It’s useful to carry a bottle of disinfecting wipes or spray when on the go. Travellers often use wipes and sprays to clean their hands and handbags, as well as electronic devices and earbuds. These cleaning supplies are additionally used to clean seats on airplanes, screens, and used to ensure the doorknobs and toilet seats of public restrooms are clean. Pack some in your hand luggage and some in your suitcase, and will come in handy.
Gloves
Latex gloves are a great addition when in the airport, anywhere you have little access to soap and water, or disinfectant in high-touch areas. However, travellers must remember to remove their gloves properly to avoid the spread of more germs. Also, wearing gloves is not an alternative to hand washing. Gloves can also get dirty, we recommend changing them frequently if you do decide to get them as an extra precaution.
Reusable Water Bottle
It is important to stay hydrated! Although you can’t take a water bottle through the checkpoint, you can bring an empty reusable bottle through and then fill it up once you’re through security. Be sure to bring an empty bag to keep you company and hydrated during your flight.
Things To Add To Your Carry On
A carry-on is a small travel bag that holds small items for entertainment. Bring all the medications you might need on your trip in a plastic carry-on, and have your doctor write a prescription for anything that might require a prescription at your destination. Also bring some headphones, a table, or a book to keep you entertained for the flight. Also, it would not hurt to bring a few snacks for the flight. Be sure to pack snacks that don’t need refrigeration like crackers, nuts, dried fruits and sandwiches are top choices.
FEATURE IMAGE: Iwan Shimko
