Planning has always been important to those who love to travel. It’s pretty common for these people to make checklists to follow before the date of the trip; however, as we face a new world in which constant changes in regulations for travelers are being made depending on the destination, now is the perfect time to update that checklist.

Below we share some points you should consider if you are going to travel in these times. As always, we recommend that before your trip, you contact the airline for updated information.

1. Know the status of COVID-19 infections in the destination you plan to visit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that before traveling, you verify the status of infections in the country you are going to visit. To do so, make sure to access the CDC’s webpage.

2. Check the travel requirements of the country you are planning to visit

Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, countries have constantly modified the requirements for arriving travelers from other destinations. At least one or two weeks before traveling, it’s important that you check the official website of the country or city you are going to visit to see what restrictions they have. If you travel to the United States, the CDC has a tool to inform you of the restrictions and Covid status in the states and territories.

3. Check the items that you are going to take and make sure they comply with the regulations

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) establishes regulations regarding what we can carry in our handbags or checked luggage. Before traveling, we recommend reviewing the TSA baggage regulations. Due to the pandemic, they have made some adjustments to the requirements, so it is important to confirm before your trip to make sure your luggage complies.

4. Have a Plan B in case of contagion

In an interview with SJU Insider, Miriam Ramos, epidemiologist of the Health Department in charge of the Airport Epidemiological Surveillance System, stated that the system personnel has identified flights with potential contagion, and travelers have been instructed to stay longer in the destination that they are until they have taken a COVID-19 PCR test. Many times, we don’t plan for this type of situation. Still, it is important that you have a plan in place in case the country where you are, or the federal government of Puerto Rico’s regulations causes you to extend your stay for a period of time due to contagion or suspected contagion.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Due to the pandemic, the availability of protective equipment — such as masks, gloves, disinfectants, and others — has been intermittent. Before traveling, you must make sure you have several masks, disinfectants, and other personal protection items that may be scarce at the destination you are going to.

6. Consider purchasing travel insurance

Another consequence of the pandemic in the travel industry is unforeseen changes and how airlines and travel agencies handle these types of situations. Although some companies are relaxing regulations regarding cancellations and itinerary adjustments, you should consider purchasing travel insurance that would cover certain expenses just in case.

7. Arrive at the airport terminal on time

We generally recommend that travelers arrive about two hours before their flight departure so that they can complete the boarding process smoothly. Currently, pandemic prevention protocols may mean an additional delay in this process. Therefore, we continue to urge our airport community to arrive at least two hours before the flight. If the airline allows you to check in electronically, do so.

For us at the SJU Airport, it’s important that your visit to our facilities is as safe, pleasant, and satisfactory as possible. Therefore, we stand by our commitment to keeping our community informed about the processes and protocols that have been emplaced. Even so, it’s important that prior to the flight, you contact your airline or travel agency to clarify any additional questions and/or obtain updated information about your trip.