Know Your Travel Policies With COVID-19 Testing

Wait! Before booking that holiday flight, do you know if you're even able to fly? What COVID-19 test do you need? When do you need to test?

With regulations that seem to differ with every destination, it’s quite easy to get confused. 

First off, let’s take a look at the most obvious  – masks..

1. Face coverings must be worn at all times

One thing to keep in mind when you are at the airport is that your face covering must be worn at all times when you are both indoors at the airport and in the airplane.

It’s part of U.S. federal law to help keep everyone safe. You may be denied boarding and face penalties if you don’t comply.

However, these don’t apply to children under two or have a qualifying disability that makes you unable to wear a face mask.

Here are a list of acceptable face masks for travel:

• A mask or 2 layered covering that secures snugly over the face and nose
• Face shields with a face mask

And here’s a list that are not acceptable face masks for travel:

• Balaclavas
• Bandanas
• Face covers with vents
• Face covers made of mesh
• Gaiters
• Scarves
• Ski Masks

Be sure to wear the proper masks during travel so you will be able to board the plane to your destination.

2. Airline Policy During Your flight

When you are boarded on the airplane, you also have to remain with a mask on for the duration of the trip except for some activities where you can momentarily put your mask off to the side.

This includes tasks like:

• Eating
• Sleeping
• Drinking
• Taking medicine

Of course, if oxygen masks drop down from the cabinet, then you would want to remove your face covering before you place the oxygen masks over your nose and mouth. This is to ensure that you are getting the oxygen flow directly during times of turbulence.

3. Health And Testing Requirements International Travel

The White House has now announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States starting on November 8, 2021.

You also want to consider the health and testing requirements for international travel. Each country has their own COVID-19 travel guidelines, so be sure to do diligent research for your trip before flying. Sherpa.com is a great resource with traveling restrictions for international destinations by country – which can be accessed here.

For those that are traveling (or returning) to the United States, the CDC requirements are as follows:

If you’re vaccinated:

• A proof of vaccination, AND
• A negative PCR test completed 72 hours before departure time or proof of recovery

If you’re not vaccinated:

• You need a negative PCR test for international travel 24 hours before your flight and proof of recovery if you recently recovered from COVID.

Here are the CDC guidelines that define ‘full vaccination’ status:

• If it has been 2 weeks after your dose of an approved single-dose vaccine
• If it has been 2 weeks after your dose of an approved double-dose vaccine
• If it has been 2 weeks after you received the full series of an active COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
• If it has been 2 weeks after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines that were used at least 17 days apart.

Recommendations For Domestic Travel

Unlike international travel, domestic travel (within the United States) doesn't require strict testing requirements – especially for those who are already vaccinated.

Here you can find a list of recommendations from the CDC that outline requirements based on vaccination status.

For Vaccinated People:

• Wearing a mask is required for any public transportation
• Follow all state and local laws
• Consider wearing a mask in high-crowded areas

For Non-Vaccinated People:

• Get tested within 1-3 days
• Wear a mask and follow all state and local laws
• Consider wearing a mask in high-crowded areas
• After you travel be sure to test yourself again and consider isolating yourself for at least 7 days 
• Self monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms

If you are looking to get tested as an individual or for your organization you can schedule an appointment right here.