Travel and tourism organizations and individual travel suppliers have recently begun to release information describing the steps they have started -- or will start -- to take to address health, hygiene and safety concerns once travel restrictions are relaxed. We highlight a number of them below.

1. Airlines - Face Masks:
   • The largest airline carriers -- Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and Southwest -- announced that passengers will be required to wear masks or other face coverings during flights.
   • Some are also requiring masks and face coverings for flight attendants and other employees as well.
   • We reported on previous procedures by the airlines in this blog post


2. Airlines - Delta:
   • Delta has also announced face coverings will be required at Delta Sky Clubs, boarding gate areas, and jet bridges. Customers are encouraged to bring their own, but masks will be available at each location for customers who need them.
   • Delta's new standard of clean also includes expanding electrostatic sanitizing spray, blocking middle seats, boarding all flights from back-to-front to reduce customers needing to pass by one another, continuous wipe-downs of kiosks, ticket counters, gate areas, jet bridges and baggage claim areas with disinfectant.


3. Airports - TSA: The TSA has made some adjustments at the security checkpoints under the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
   • Procedures to increase social distancing and reduce direct contact between TSA employees and travelers when possible.
   • Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and equipment are being conducted.
   • One liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passengers, is allowed in carry-on bags until further notice.
   • An extension for the time to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license has been granted with the new deadline of October 2, 2021.


4. Car Rentals: Hertz has implemented a "Gold Standard Clean" policy.
   • Before they rent any vehicle, it is cleaned and disinfected to follow CDC guidelines with Hertz's 15-point cleaning process.
   • They use their Hertz Total Disinfectant and then seal the vehicle for customers' protection.


5. River Cruises: Several river cruise lines are starting to reveal their plans to ensure health and safety when they begin operating again. This includes Uniworld Boutique River Cruises which has released the following plans.
   • Passenger health screenings prior to embarkation
   • Contactless payment options
   • Removal of all coffee table books, magazines and brochures from public use (reading materials will be available via a complimentary app)
   • Self-serve treats such as fruit, cookies, chips and nuts will be distributed on an individual basis
   • Disinfectant wipes will be readily available throughout each vessel, including coffee stations and public restrooms
   • The biggest change will be around the dining arrangements. Meals onboard will have reserved seating with guests seated at the same table, with the same people and the same waitstaff for the entire cruise, and shared items like bread and butter will be offered individually to each passenger instead of shared among the table
   • Excursions will hold a smaller number of people, and face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer will be provided to all passengers upon request
   • All crew members will receive regular health screenings, are expected to adhere to social distancing requirements, quarters will be sanitized regularly and meals will be no longer be buffet style


6. Ocean Cruises: The ocean cruise liners have not yet released their safety protocols, but Princess Cruises has revealed some actions they are taking.
   • Proactive itinerary planning - monitoring the world health map and modifying itineraries to impacted areas
   • Enhanced health screenings at embarkation, including thermal scanning to check temperatures. Guests and crew with symptoms of illness will be denied boarding. Terminals will be sanitized before and after each embarkation
   • Supplementary sanitation and cleaning measures on board. More frequent sanitization of frequently hand-touched surfaces, with hospital-grade disinfectants
   • Actively enforcing hand-washing and the use of hand sanitizer at the entrance of all guest and crew dining venues
   • Additional hand sanitizer dispensers in high-traffic areas around the ship
   • Raising crew awareness of how to maintain a healthy environment on board, helping them recognize the symptoms of COVID-19, and implementing a process to report any signs of guest or crew illness


7. Hotels: We reported on what specific hotel chains were doing previously in this blog post


8. Tour Companies - Trafalgar, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki and Costsaver: these brands have put in place enhanced COVID-19 related protocols and hygiene standards once travel resumes.
   • Expertly trained travel directors will be trained in the new hygiene and physical distancing procedures, and will have new preventative measures in place.
   • Full team of support 24/7 behind the scenes will be in contact with the travel directors.
   • Stringent on the road protocols such as sanitized motorcoaches, cleaned and disinfected surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis. Guests will be asked to follow specific hygiene practices, hand sanitizer will be freely available on board. Guests will be asked to bring their own washable face mask and gloves, and additional equipment will be readily available for unexpected circumstances during the trip.
   • Use of selected hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that adhere to the same standards.
   • Adaption of the group sizes based on government distancing requirements.
   • Smaller group sizes with more personal space on board the motorcoaches.

While this pandemic may be changing the way we approach travel, it will never take away our wanderlust and the benefits of visiting all different areas of the world. These measures are intended to instill confidence that the travel industry is doing everything it can to make travel safer and minimize your risk when you travel. As the information and scientific findings change, these safety measures may change as well, so before you travel be sure to contact your AAA Travel Consultant to get the most up-to-date information.

We can't wait to see you again!