From touchless check-in kiosks to empty middle seats, air travel post-COVID will look very different. Whether you’re flying domestically or going on a long-haul trip, we understand that even the most frequent flyer will have questions and want to know what to expect.

You may be wondering what TSA, CATSA and airport vendors are doing to encourage health and safety for transiting passengers. Here is a handy FAQ that may help guide what you can anticipate when at the airport.

What TSA and CATSA are doing in response to COVID-19
  • WHAT IS THE TSA DOING IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19? 

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TSA has made some changes to its screening checkpoints for the health and safety of is employees and for those travelling. These changes include:

    Passenger Volume: With reduced flights and passenger volumes, TSA is consolidating its screening operations and closing checkpoints as a result.

    Social Distancing: Procedures have been implemented to increase social distancing and reduce direct contact. This includes metering passengers to increase distance between individuals, placing visual reminders of the appropriate spacing on the floor and staggering the use of lanes where possible.

    Cleaning and Disinfecting: Guidance has been given to frontline employees regarding routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and security screening equipment at TSA checkpoints.

    Increased Liquid Allowance for Hand Sanitizer: Passengers can carry one liquid hand sanitizer container with up to 12 ounces of liquid in their carry-on bags until further notice. This will need to be screened separately from other liquids. Keep in mind that all other liquids, gels and aerosols still need to be limited to 3.4 ounces or 100 ml carried in one-quart size bag.

    Expired Driver’s License and Real ID Extension: TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued IDS a for up to a year after expiration if it expired on or after March 1. 2020 and you were unable to renew it. DHS also announced an extension of time to obtain a REAL ID compliant divers license to October 1, 2021.

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  • WHAT IS CATSA DOING IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19?

    As the airport environment has experienced rapid change, CATSA is monitoring the situation and adapting its mandates as needed. Currently, these are these changes being made by CATSA to safeguard the well-being of screening officers and travellers in Canadian airports:

    • Those exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to leave the checkpoint
    • Social distancing of 2 meters must be maintained throughout the screening process
    • You must hold your own documents, printed or scanned
    • One bottle of hand sanitizer of up to 355 ml is allowed in addition to the 100 ml bottles to be places in a 1 L clear resealable bag.
    • Officers now wear gloves at all positions and where a mask if close-contact screening is required.
    • Explosive trace detection swabs are changed after each use.
    • The frequency of bin-cleaning has increased and strong anti-viral cleaning products are used on the bins as well as on other surfaces around the checkpoint
    • All passengers must wear a face covering
    • Other protocols vary per airport

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Airport security
  • What can I expect at check-in?

    This is a process that varies by airport and airline. Some protocols include:

    • Touchless kiosks using technology such as biometric screening
    • Frequent cleaning of kiosks and counters
    • Plexiglass barriers between check-in staff and the public
    • Defined spacing in lines in order to keep social distancing while queuing
  • What is the airport like past security?

    Each airport is handling cleaning protocols within their airports, these includes items such as additional cleaning staff hours, additional hand sanitizer stations, regular disinfecting of all hard surfaces, enhanced disinfection of washrooms etc. To find out more, visit the website of the airport you will be departing from and arriving at.

  • Do I need to wear a mask while at the airport?

    This depends on the guidelines in place at the airport you are traveling to and from – these can change by city, state, province, country and airline. Currently, it is necessary to wear a mask at all North American airports.

  • Are restaurants and shops open at the airport?

    This varies by airport. As travel picks up, more and more locations are open. More information can be found on the website of the airport you will be traveling through.

  • Are social distancing measures in place at the gate and during boarding?

    This is something that varies by airline and airport. You can reference our page on airlines to see what protocol your specific airline has in place.

  • Will I still be able to access the airport lounges?

    Many lounges closed due to COVID-19. While many have reopened, some are still closed. These lounges include:

    • Most United Polaris Lounges
    • American Airlines Flagship lounges and Flagship First Dining
    • Nearly every foreign airline lounge in North America