We have seen the videos of people doing unusual things on airplanes (like clipping their nails or putting their bare feet EVERYWHERE). They reminded us that we could all do more to stay healthy the next time we find ourselves in the airport or on an airplane.
No matter what time of year, it’s always a good idea to take precautions to stay healthy and avoid the spread of illness while flying. Here’s some information to help keep you healthy during your next trip!
Germs Be Gone
Planning on traveling with disinfectants to help keep things clean? Here are a few common items that you may have in your bag:
- Hand sanitizer: This is good to go in your carry-on bag in quantities under 3.4 oz.
- Note: In concert with guidance from public health officials regarding community health situations, as of April 2020 TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 oz permitted through a checkpoint will need to be screened separately, which will add time to their checkpoint screening experience.
- Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, in any quantity, can be carried on. This includes baby wipes!
- Disinfectant aerosol sprays: You are allowed to have aerosol sprays in your carry-on bag as long as they do not exceed 3.4 oz. Pack larger sizes in your checked luggage.
Staying Healthy
Medications in pill or other forms must undergo security screening. TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. This includes over the counter medications such as cough syrup or heartburn medication.
If you’re bringing liquid medication, be sure to remove it from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You are not required to place your liquid medication in a plastic zip-top bag.
Is It Me You’re Looking For?
Some travelers choose to wear medical masks when flying to avoid the spread or contraction of illnesses. Should you decide to wear a medical mask during security screening, you will be asked to remove the mask when you arrive at the checkpoint so the TSA officer can verify your identity.
Stay Informed
While we can tell you what will be allowed in your carry-on or checked baggage, we too refer to the health experts for information about current health concerns in the U.S. and around the world. Find the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State.
*Article from the Transportation Security Administration, posted on Thursday, May 21, 2020.
