Ortygia Holidays

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed how we travel, but it hasn't done away with our enthusiasm for exploring. Here are some tips on how to tackle the new challenges of travelling:

• Look into the restrictions and rules in both your origin and destination. It may not be possible to travel depending on local circumstances, so be sure to check in advance.
• When you pass through airport checkpoints, do not remove your face mask. You will be asked to lower it briefly to verify your identity. Anyone refusing to wear a face mask may face civil penalties and may also be escorted from the terminal.
• Rather than handing a TSA agent your boarding pass, place it straight on the scanner yourself. When that's done, hold it up for inspection.
• You can take one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 oz (350 ml) in your carry-on luggage. You'll have to remove it for screening.
• Put any personal items (phone, wallet and keys for example) in your carry-on instead of a bin to reduce handling during the screening process.
• If you want to take food on the plane with you, put it in a clear plastic bag and then into a scanning bin. This lessens the likelihood that a TSA employee will need to touch your food container or carry-on bag for closer inspection.

To help limit contact between travellers and cabin crew during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines have taken physical distancing and other precautionary measures to the skies. They include:

• Ryanair - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.
• Alitalia - this airline is known for providing passenger masks and cleaning with disinfectant.
• EasyJet - this airline is known for cleaning with disinfectant and providing passenger masks.