The most common pandemic travel rules

Travel companies have adopted lots of new rules since the pandemic, but they have significant limits.

Wearing a face mask. Airlines, restaurants and major hotel chains have face mask rules, and they’re often strictly enforced. What’s less clear is when you can remove your mask. Can young kids skip the face covering? Can you go maskless when eating or drinking? Do you have to immediately replace the mask after taking a bite, or can you leave it off for the duration of the meal? Experts say when in doubt, ask. h Social distancing. Whether you’re at a hotel or waiting in line to check your luggage, the travel industry has a six-foot rule. Enforcement hasn’t been as rigorous as the face mask rule, probably because there are lots of exceptions. In a noisy hotel lobby, how do you get close enough for an employee to hear you and still maintain social distancing?

Cleaning. Various hotels and travel companies have rolled out new programs that promise a more disinfected travel experience. These initiatives are meant to reassure guests, but there’s still one thing travel companies can’t do: control guest hygiene. Also, there’s no way to verify if a room or airline seat has been thoroughly cleaned – you just have to take their word.