CDC Updates Requirements for International Travel to US

The CDC’s updated COVID-19 testing requirement for international travel to the U.S. go into effect Monday, November 8 …

Statement
On October 25, 2021 CDC amended its January 25, 2021 Order, titled, “Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States.” This amendment updates COVID-19 testing requirements for air passengers 2 years or older boarding a flight to the United States, depending on COVID-19 vaccination status.

Effective November 8, 2021 at 12:01am EST (5:01am GMT), before boarding a flight to the US from a foreign country, all air passengers- 2 years or older – are required to present a negative COVID-19 viral test result, within a time period based on their vaccination status (see table below), or present documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days. Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true.

Time Period for Testing for Air Passengers to Obtain a Negative COVID-19 Viral Test

Type of Air Passenger (2 years or older)	Number of Days to get a COVID-19 Viral Test Before a Flight’s Departure to the US
Fully vaccinated	No more than 3 days
Not fully vaccinated	No more than 1 day

For the full list of requirements and exemptions, please review the language in the Order.

Resources

• CDC COVID-19 International Travel
• Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination For Air Passengers
• Travel Assessment
• International Travel Information for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Residents and Immigrants
• Non-U.S. citizen, Non-U.S. immigrants: Air Travel to the United States

 

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Preparing for Air Travel

Are You Ready to Take to the Friendly Skies Once Again? 

These tips will help guide you through the process. We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have as well.  Be sure to watch the video from Alaska Airlines as they do their safety dance.

But First - Is Air Travel Safe?

We recognize that before you decide to travel, you need to address your health and safety concerns.  Latest research indicates that the risks of air travel may be significantly lower than those in your daily life, due to the health and safety measures which have been put in place by the travel industry.

Highlights of Health & Safety Measures:

• Frequent Air Exchanges in airports and onboard
• Implementation of HEPA Filtration
• Forward-facing seas create transmission barriers
• Use of masks

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Top Travel Preparation Tips

• Travel only if feeling well
• Keep contact information updated with your travel professional & airline
• Complete Flight check-in via app or online
• Use self-service kiosks at airport
• Arrive early
• Minimize carry-on luggage
• Bring food for flight if desired
• Bring extra hand sanitizer (can be up to 12 oz)
• Pack extra masks

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Expect Changes at Airport & Terminals

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Don't Forget Your Masks

At the time of writing, there seems to be some confusion on which mask offers the best protection.  There has recently been some suggestions of doubling your masks with a surgical mask first and a cloth mask on top.  Follow recommended CDC guidelines at the time of your travel.   Be sure to note the types of masks which are not allowed (see graphic).   Wear your masks properly !

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Life Onboard Your Flight Will be Different

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And Now - Let's do the Safety Dance with Alaska Airlines

 

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Qantas Resumes Flights After Court Action

Qantas Airline Grounded 

Entire Fleet

 Disrupting Air Travel 

Across the Globe 

Causing Woes 

For Cruise Passengers

A surprise grounding of all Qantas flights on Saturday caused a nearly 48 hour disruption of service in Australia, Los Angeles, and elsewhere. Flights resumed after an Australian court ruled on the bitter labor dispute which prompted the walk-out.

The Australian government called an emergency court hearing on Saturday night to end the work bans for the sake of the national economy.  There had been no advance warning of the labor action.

Qantas is the largest of Australia's four national domestic airlines, and the grounding affected 108 planes in 22 countries. About 70,000 passengers fly Qantas daily, and would-be fliers this weekend were stuck at home, hotels or airports, or even had to suddenly deplane when Qantas suspended operations. More than 60 flights were in the air at the time but continued to their destinations, and Qantas was paying for passengers to book other flights according to the airline.

Cruise Passengers Scrambling

Royal Caribbean, Princess and Holland America all have ships sailing in the region and are evaluating the situation. Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas is scheduled to sail from Perth, Australia, on Monday evening, meaning that many passengers are likely scrambling to make alternate travel arrangements. 

It will be 24 to 48 hours before Qantas returns to normal.  See the following link for Latest information about resumption of scheduled Qantas services.

Top 10 Reason For Trip Insurance

This airline strike is unfortunately another example of an unexpected situation that can cause your vacation plans to go awry. We always highly recommend you purchase travel insurance for these unexpected events. We want you to have a worry free vacation, so the small cost of the insurance should be reason enough for peace of mind. The priceless component is that there is someone you can turn to should an emergency situation occur.

This weekend alone, insurance companies, like Travel Guard, were helping stranded passengers due to Tropical Storm Rina, the snowstorms on the East Coast, and this Qantas strike.   And those are only the ones that made front page news.  The most common excuse I hear for not purchasing insurance is "I don't need it, I plan to go no matter what."   As you can see from these examples, you aren't always in control.