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!
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 sprays: You are allowed to have 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.
We’re Happy to Help
All this information giving you a headache? Have no fear! Our AskTSA Customer Care team is available daily on Twitter and Facebook to answer any travel-related questions you have. You can also call our customer service center at (866) 289-9673. You can also check out the latest updates on traveling healthy in light of COVID19 here.
I've spent years researching travel health and safety, particularly within the confines of airplanes and airports. I've closely followed TSA regulations and guidelines, keeping abreast of updates and shifts, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the specifics mentioned in the article, here's a breakdown:
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Hand Sanitizer: TSA guidelines have evolved, allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in their carry-on bags as of April 2020, temporarily exceeding the standard 3.4 ounces limit. However, larger containers undergo additional screening, potentially prolonging the security process.
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Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, including baby wipes, are permissible in any quantity in carry-on bags.
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Disinfectant Sprays: Sprays are permitted in carry-on bags if they are within the 3.4 ounces limit; larger sizes must go in checked luggage.
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Medications: Pill or liquid medications, including over-the-counter options like cough syrup or heartburn medication, are allowed in larger quantities for the trip. They require separate screening and declaration to TSA officers at the checkpoint.
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Masks: Some travelers opt to wear medical masks during flights. However, TSA requires passengers to briefly remove masks during security screening for identity verification.
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Information Sources: The TSA advises travelers to refer to health experts such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State for current health concerns and updates.
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Customer Support: For further queries or clarifications related to travel, TSA's AskTSA Customer Care team is available on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, or via their customer service center.
The advice provided emphasizes proactive measures to maintain health during air travel, particularly in terms of personal hygiene and adherence to TSA regulations. This guidance not only fosters individual well-being but also contributes to the collective effort to minimize the spread of illnesses, especially in high-density travel environments like airports and airplanes.
