MacGillycuddy's Reeks Holidays

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed the way we travel, but it hasn't dampened our lust for exploring. Here are some tips on how to cope with travel's new challenges:

• Before locking in your flight, find out if any travel bans or restrictions apply — in both your origin and destination. Get up-to-date information by reviewing government travel advisories.
• Requirements state you must wear a face mask throughout your travel experience, including at screening checkpoints. Be ready to lower your mask for ID verification when asked by a TSA employee.
• To reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, place your boarding pass on the reader yourself and then hold it up for inspection. Do not hand your boarding pass directly to a TSA employee.
• One container of liquid hand sanitizer is now permitted in your carry-on bag. It must be no larger than 12 oz (350 ml), and you'll have to remove it from your bag for X-ray screening.
• To minimize handling during screening, place personal items such as your phone, keys and wallet into your carry-on instead of into the bins.
• If you want to take food on the plane, place it in a clear plastic bag and then into a screening bin. This reduces the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to touch your carry-on bag or food container for closer inspection.

While travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, airlines have been working hard to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. These are a few carriers that have introduced changes:

• Ryanair - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
• Aer Lingus - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• KLM - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.