As the coronavirus pandemic continues across the country, we understand everyone has different comfort levels – especially when it comes to traveling. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) reported that the number of travelers through the airport in the first five months of 2020, compared to the first five months of 2019, was down approx. 50%. However, these numbers are beginning to pick back up now that most non-stop destinations are available again.
Since the start of the pandemic, CAE has announced new safety measures it has implemented to help keep travelers safe.
What changes will you see in the terminals?
○ More frequent sanitizing of public seating areas and high touch areas, such as handrails, escalators and elevator buttons.
○ More frequent and deeper cleaning of restrooms every two hours, and every hour when airport traffic increases.
○ Hand sanitizing stations are now located before and after the security checkpoint, throughout terminals + at departure gates.
○ Free face masks are offered to every traveler + are available at the information desk and the TSA checkpoint while supplies last.
○ Shields have been installed at check-in desks and the TSA checkpoint.
○ Markers have been installed in retail stores and the security checkpoint to promote social distancing.
○ Temporarily closed and reduced hours for food services and retail spots throughout the airport + sanitizing card readers after each use.
What about the airlines?
○ American Airlines, Delta Air Lines + United Airlines fly with CAE and each now requires flyers to wear masks onboard. The airlines will provide one for free to those who don’t have a face covering.
○ Delta Air Lines is limiting the capacity on each of their flights, dependent on plane size, and blocking off middle seats. Flights will also be boarded from back to front.
○ United Airlines is allowing customers to change flights that are expected to be fairly full without a fee. Flights will also be boarded from back to front + travelers will be required to acknowledge they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.
○ American Airlines is limiting food and drink service on flights, dependent on flight length.
