Traveling internationally looks a lot different these days. Masks, negative Covid tests, and attestation statements can all make travel feel overwhelming. These are just a few tips I hope will ease your concerns.
Know Your Requirements.
Every destination now has different entry requirements, and those requirements change as often as the status of the pandemic. Some destinations like Mexico and the Dominican Republic do not require a negative Covid test. That is a rarity, as most destinations do require proof of a negative Covid test. Some destinations do not allow certain tests like rapid or antigen. It’s essential to read, understand, and get this part right. The airport staff will check your documentation, and you will not be allowed to board if you haven’t met the requirements.
The Timing.
If a destination says you need to take a test 72 hours or less before travel, that is precisely what they mean. Some destinations are very strict about this. Do not take your test 73 hours before your trip.
Example
You leave for Aruba on Friday at 2 pm.
You take your Covid test on Wednesday at 11 am
This is 75 hours before your trip, not 72. You may not be allowed to board in this case.
Coming Home.
Although some destinations like Mexico and the Dominican Republic don’t currently have testing requirements, the same is not true for the United States. Anyone flying into the United States must show proof of a negative Covid test taken three days before they travel. The testing requirement applies to returning US residents. Many resorts have made this as easy as possible by setting up testing facilities on site.
You will need to allow extra time at the airport to have your test validated and go through a few additional customs steps. The process of coming home is as long as it is departing. Again, leave plenty of time.
Pack Your Patience
Not only should you pack your patience, but you should also allow for extra time at the airport. Coming and Going!
- Remember when we could go to the self-service kiosks, check ourselves in, and then head over to the security line?
- Remember when the recommendation was to arrive 2 hours before your trip?
- Remember when airports were fully staffed with TSA and customer service personnel?
Well….. That’s not really a thing anymore.
Now you have to wait in the customer service line to check-in. This is the case for all international trips. The counter rep now checks you in and verifies your Covid test if applicable. These lines are long and slow-moving.
- Expect to see people fumbling around trying to find their passports, credit cards, and Covid tests.
- Expect to see reps called away from their counter because someone has demanded to speak with someone else.
- Expect to see someone in tears pleading their case because they’ve been denied boarding (They probably didn’t know their requirements or timing).
All of this will take time and cause the line to move verrrryyyyyyyyy slowly! And after all that, you still have to go through security. We already know how slow that can be when TSA is fully staffed….
*The bottom line, get to the airport early and BREATHE!
Know How to Make the Process Easier
There’s no way around it; you’ll be at the airport for a very long time. Here are some things you can do to make the process smoother:
- Have your passport and test result open and ready before you reach the counter.
- Check-in and pay for baggage online before you reach the airport.
- Use airline provided options for verifying test results (Veri-fly, Fly ready, etc)
- Enroll in TSA pre-check (85.00 for five years) to get through security in just a few minutes.
- Enroll in Global entry (100.00 for five years and includes pre-check) to pretty much walk to the front of the customs line.
It sounds like a lot, right? Once you get past the airport part and make it to your resort, you will forget all about the airport experience!
