​​​​COVID-19 air travel tips for New York City travelers

As the world opens up again, travel restrictions will soon be lifted and people will be able to travel from one country to another. However, the world is no longer the way it used to be. Every individual must keep in mind that traveling involves health and safety precautions.

This article highlights some important travel recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for you to keep in mind before, during, and after international travel. It is important to take note of these rules and follow them strictly.

Guidelines for fully vaccinated travelers

Getting vaccinated doesn’t mean that you are fully protected from the Coronavirus. Although it’ll help protect you and minimize infection, you’ll still have to follow travel guidelines and health protocols no matter where you travel within the United States or around the world.

Before your travel:

• You have to make sure that you check the requirements for the airline and destination of your choice. Take note that some airlines require not only PCR test results but also other documentation, such as your vaccination certificate or card. 
• You need to monitor the rules and regulations implemented, as well as the current COVID-19 situation in your destination country. 
• Once you’ve accomplished the planning and counter-checking stage, make sure to book your PCR test for travel appointment at an urgent care center for a safe, smooth, and fast PCR testing process.

While traveling:

• People traveling to the United States from another country, from state to state, or out of the U.S. are mandated to wear a mask over their noses and mouths when on airplanes, trains, buses, and other modes of public transportation. 
• Face masks are also required at U.S. transit hubs like airports and stations, even if they have ventilation or air conditioning units. 
• In outdoor areas of a conveyance, travelers don’t have to wear face masks. Open areas include an open deck of a ferry or an uncovered top deck of a bus since the air can flow freely.
• Always remember to observe social distancing and follow the demands that your destination country is endorsing. 

When returning to the United States:

• All travelers must secure a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within three days before the travel date or present a document that shows full COVID-19 recovery 3 months before the scheduled flight or travel. This is mandatory for tourists and U.S. citizens, whether fully vaccinated or not, even if full compliance with international travel restrictions was done.
• The U.S. also implements viral testing after three to five days of your travel from abroad. 
• If COVID-19 symptoms have manifested, you need to isolate and get tested immediately. 
• Lastly, follow the safety protocols performed in all local and state public health sectors after your trip from outside the United States.

Guidelines for unvaccinated travelers      

Ideally, unvaccinated people should avoid traveling to and out of the United States. The US Government restricts travel from certain countries. However, if an individual must travel, this person should strictly follow regulations to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. 

Prior to traveling

• Make sure to follow and prepare the requirements needed by the airline of your choice. 
• You must check the details of your destination’s health and safety protocols. Failure to follow these protocols can lead to denied entry and required to return to the U.S.
• In your target country, you should also keep an eye on the legislation and regulations in place and the current COVID-19 status. 
• Once you’ve completed the planning and counter-checking stages, make an appointment for a PCR test for travel at an urgent care center for a safe, easy, and quick PCR testing experience.

While traveling

• As CDC recommends, all unvaccinated travelers should keep their masks on and observe social distancing at all times.
• People traveling into the United States, to a different state, or going out of the country, must wear a face mask over their noses and mouths when on flights and while riding buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. 
• Face masks are required in US transit hubs like airports and stations.
• In outdoor conveyance areas, passengers don’t have to wear face masks on the open deck areas of a ferry or when seated at the uncovered top deck of a bus.

Before heading back to the United States:

• Get a PCR test three days before your travel schedule and secure proof that the results are negative for the COVID-19 virus. 
• If you contracted the virus during your travel, you must first recover from it and have proper documentation that you have fully recovered from COVID-19 in the past three months right before boarding a flight to the United States.

Upon arrival to the US from your trip overseas:

You are required to self-quarantine at home for seven days and make sure to get tested after three to five days of your arrival to the US. In case you test positive for the COVID-19 virus, you have to self-isolate to protect others from getting infected. Getting in touch with your local health center for proper monitoring and contact tracing whether you experience Coronavirus symptoms is imperative.

If you didn’t get tested for COVID-19, you’d have to self-quarantine and stay home for 10 days after the trip to monitor any possible symptoms and prevent spreading the virus.

Because of increased risks, it’s mandated by the government that anyone who travels abroad shouldn’t be around people with comorbidities and immunocompromised health conditions for 14 days regardless if you get tested or not. 

Lastly, follow the safety protocols performed in all local and state public health sectors after your international travel.

Stay informed about COVID-19 airline travel restrictions

Always check the CDC guidelines before traveling, as recommendations may change anytime. Get the latest coronavirus travel restrictions, announcements, and updates by visiting the websites of your state and local health departments. If you need access to COVID-19 vaccines or get tested for the Coronavirus, you can walk in or book an appointment at an urgent care center in New York. 

Remember, traveling responsibly is essential for you to enjoy your trip without compromising your health, compromising the health of others, and helping prevent the possible spread of the COVID-19 virus.