Lennie Carr of Fairfield is restless. After more than a year of sheltering in place, the AAA member is eager to travel.
“I need to get out and about,” he said and is looking forward to a trip to Greece later this year.
Like other AAA members who have sheltered in place for over a year, Lennie should be aware the travel landscape has changed.
And as Connecticut today relaxes its travel restrictions, AAA Northeast expects the demand for travel to increase nationwide. In fact, for the first time in a year, the TSA reported there were seven consecutive days where more than 1 million airline passengers funneled through security checkpoints.
“Travel will certainly look very different compared to the last time anyone has taken a vacation,” acknowledges Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Before you travel do your due diligence, so your trip is safe and enjoyable.”
Even as vaccines boost consumer confidence, wearing masks and social distancing will remain part of travel routines, Mayko said. “But with some planning and the help of a travel agent, travelers will know what to expect.”
Today CT relaxes its travel mandates. It’s now recommended, no longer
required that travelers entering the state quarantine or have a negative Covid test. For more info, go to portal.ct.gov/ coronavirus/travel.
For their next trip, AAA Northeast recommends travelers should:
- Pack Masks – All forms of transportation require face coverings including travel into, within or outside the US. Pack several in your luggage.
- Travel Smart – Some airlines continue to limit flight capacity or block middle seats. In-flight amenities, such as food and beverage services, may be limited or unavailable. Check with airlines about flight capacities and middle seat restrictions The TSA now allows each passenger to carry on one liquid sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces.
- Know the Quarantine Restrictions – Some US states and many European countries require quarantine periods or proof of vaccination. Check the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel.
- Show Test Results for International Flights – Air passengers entering the US, including US citizens, must show negative COVID test results or documentation of recovery from COVID before boarding a flight.
- Check on Accommodation Requirements – Hotels will have different protocols to protect guests. Prior to a stay, call ahead to ask what those protocols are including guest precautions, capacity reductions, staff mask requirement and available amenities.
- Contact Cruise Lines – Although the CDC has lifted its no-sail order, many cruise lines have voluntarily extended their suspension operations until later this year. Talk to the cruise line or your travel agent before booking a trip, review the ship’s cancellation policy and review expectations.
- Know Interstate Travel Restrictions – Road trips continue to be the preferred way to travel, but even these trips require additional planning and preparation. Check out AAA’s AAA.com/CovidMap and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest state and local travel restrictions.