Skyscanner provides a step-by-step guide to traveling through an airport: from arrival to departure

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Oct 02, 2020, 10:01 ET

LONDON, Oct. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- There's no doubt that travel is just plain different now, and Skyscanner has been keeping travellers up-to-date with the latest information to ensure they can make the most informed decision about when and where they can book a trip. Skyscanner's US traveller expert Mark Crossey answers common questions about what the airport experience looks like right now so you know what to expect when you take your next trip. 

Before planning your next flight, Skyscanner strongly recommends reading the coronavirus travel advice from your local authorities and governments — such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Department of State — as well as the guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), a reliable and trusted source of global news and information.

Wherever you're going, you'll find the latest detailed advice from Skyscanner on their coronavirus advice pages.

How can I prepare and pack for my flight?
"Before you start packing, consider whether you want to take just a carry-on or check a bag. It's recommended to travel light to help reduce the number of people who handle your luggage as well as your time in public spaces (i.e. waiting at baggage claim).  Some airlines don't allow carry-on luggage, so make sure to double check the airline baggage terms."

"Our deep dive of the 12 most important things to pack tells you what to consider bringing as an add-on to your usual travel checklist. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning passengers to strictly adhere to its packing specifications. Otherwise, you may be required to exit the security line to remove prohibited items, and then wait to re-enter for a second screening. This helps TSA reduce the number of times its officers need to touch passengers' belongings.

"Leading up to your departure, you should check airport websites for details regarding process changes or COVID-19 requirements. This includes your departure, connecting and arrival airports."

What's the best way to check in for my flight?
"Airports and airlines alike are working to make the travel experience as contactless as possible. In some cases, face-to-face contact at check-in desks is very limited, so you should plan to digitize the experience on your end as much as possible. That means checking-in online, installing the airline's app, and then downloading the e-pass to your smartphone. If you're unable to save a digital version, then you should print your boarding pass at home."

When should I arrive at the airport?
"To get to the airport, it's best to drive yourself or have someone you've been isolating with drop you off, if possible. While hourly and daily parking is still open, some airports have reduced or closed long-term parking facilities, so be sure to check the details for your departure airport.

"Airports are less crowded and have also adjusted to the "new normal" that we've all become accustomed to. You'll find signs encouraging social distancing, placards mandating mask-wearing, and plenty of hand sanitizing stations throughout the terminals.

"While TSA are reporting decreased traveller volume, this doesn't automatically mean shorter wait times as their staffing has been affected too. That in itself may add time to your pre-flight experience. 

"In general, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 3 hours prior to departure for an international flight. These guidelines vary by airport. Larger, busier airports may suggest arriving even earlier."

What is it like to go through an airport now?
"Measures vary by airport when it comes to enforcing safety and hygienic measures. In general, travelers are required to wear a mask and asked to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others. These protocols begin from the time you enter the airport and continue at the check-in desk, as you go through security, wait at the gate and board the plane. 

"How will you know if these are mandates? Airports are promoting mask-wearing and social distancing measures in a variety of ways, such as on placards, digital displays, floor markings, and notices on chairs saying that they are closed off for seating.

"Some airports installed hand sanitizer dispensers for public use. It's recommended to bring your own bottle, too. TSA amended its list of prohibited items so travelers can bring personal hand sanitizer in their carry-on bag."

What should I expect at airport security?
"As a result of airport staffing reductions, fewer baggage screeners and body scanners are in operation. These changes sometimes equate to longer wait times at airport security. Though, depending on when you travel and which airport you use, the overall reduced volume of passengers may make your journey through the security line quicker than expected.

"Temperature checks aren't being widely conducted at security checkpoints in US airports during coronavirus. Travelers are asked to maintain social distancing in the security line, indicated by placards, digital signs, and stickers on the floor. TSA officers may ask passengers to scan their own boarding pass at the security desk to avoid contact. Some baggage screening areas have dividers along the conveyor belt to help encourage separation between travelers."

What is it like once I am through security? What is boarding like?
"We did a deep dive on what to expect on the plane and in the airport during coronavirus. The main takeaways are that many airport shops, restaurants, and facilities are temporarily closed or have reduced hours of operation. Others have limited offerings, such as takeaway food instead of sit-down dining. Travelers should consider bringing their own water bottle and snacks to hold them over during their journey. 

"As for boarding the airplane, you can expect to maintain social distancing while you're in the boarding queue, as well as on the jetway. Airline staff may ask you to scan your own boarding pass to reduce contact. Depending on your final destination, you may be required to show a recent negative COVID test to even board the airplane. Check your destination's requirements as well as the airline's website to ensure you bring the proper paperwork.

"For those who want to travel with a pet, some airlines have implemented temporary restrictions. In general, passengers can bring their pet into the cabin. However, some pet cargo programs have been temporarily suspended since they cannot be conducted safely during the pandemic. Check with your specific airline to see what its current policies are.

"Once you arrive at your destination, it's possible that you may undergo a thermal scan or temperature screening. These are not widely in use in the United States, though some international airports abroad have employed the technology. Depending on your destination, you may need to show a recent negative COVID test to avoid a 14-day quarantine. This is destination-specific, so be sure to check the details of the local city, state, or country government website at least a week before you depart. Some require test results that are no older than 48 or 72 hours."

Notes to editors
Full article available here: https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/airport-experience-arrival-to-departure

The world is slowly reopening to travelers. Read Skyscanner's latest coronavirus updates:

Coronavirus travel advice: From state-by-state travel restrictions to airline policies
Food and drink on flights: Everything you need to know
Wellness travel: why it's the post-coronavirus stress-buster you need

About Skyscanner    
Founded in 2003, Skyscanner is a leading travel company dedicated to putting travelers first by making booking trips as simple as possible. Skyscanner helps millions of people in 52 countries and over 30 languages find the best travel options for flights, hotels and car hire every month. Skyscanner is available on desktop, mobile web and its highly rated app has 110 million downloads. Working with 1200 travel partners, Skyscanner's mission is to lead the global transformation to modern and sustainable travel.     

For more information, visit: https://www.skyscanner.com/about-us  

SOURCE Skyscanner