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COVID-19 Travel Guide

Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you're like me, not having several trips planned over the next year is driving you crazy, and the uncertainty surrounding travel is making planning that much harder. However, it simply is not a good time to travel and it would be irresponsible for me to promote traveling during the pandemic. Right now, my best advice is to explore your local region while social distancing and following local guidelines, plan short, local weekend trips with those who are in your immediate household, and continuously check TheLawofTraveling website and social media to daydream and get inspired to start planning your first post-COVID-19 vacay! Check out my post on suggested weekend roadtrips throughout the U.S. here.


If you are itching to plan a trip for a while out, check below for recommendations, restrictions, and air travel guidance.


Domestic Travel within the United States

The CDC recommends travel for essential purposes only. Traveling can increase an individual’s COVID-19 exposure risk. Should you decide to travel, the CDC recommends that you self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival at your destination and upon return home. Some state governors require this. You should also consider getting tested before you leave and upon your return. This link allows you to search a state’s travel restrictions.


International travel outside the United States


Click here to search most recent restrictions and guidance. Below outlines a few country's guidelines.

  • Aruba: documentation of negative COVID-19 test required upon arrival or required to quarantine

  • Domincan Republic: Potential COVID-19 testing at Airport

  • Belize: negative COVID-19 test documentation required upon arrival. If no documentation must pay for a rapid test at the airport. Anyone who tests positive will be placed in a mandatory quarantine for 14 days.

  • Chile: Negative COVID-19 test required for entry. Obligatory 10-day quarantine upon entry or until a negative test result after 7-days of quarantine.

!!! It is imperative that you know and follow all country specific requirements and restrictions. You may face imprisonment, fines, or both for failure to follow your destination country’s testing and quarantine requirements !!!


Guide to Air Travel During COVID-19 Pandemic

Every airline has implemented COVID-19 procedures and protocols which must be followed during their flights. Currently, all airlines require a face covering during the duration of your flight. Additionally, many have suspended all food and beverage services, while some still serve first class passengers. Check below for select airline policies.

DISCLAIMER: TheLawofTraveling is not affiliated in any way with these airlines. The information below is information compiled while conducting my own individual research and it may not be accurate or the most up-to-date. When booking flights you should read all of your airline's policies and procedures. (Last updated 2/1/2021)


American Airlines

  • No change fees for domestic or short-haul international flights including those to and from the US and Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, purchased on or after August 31, 2020.

  • No Change fees for international flights from North America to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, South America, and United Kingdom purchased on or after November 19, 2020.

  • For future travel booked by January 31, 2021: all change fees waived.

  • How this works? If you change or cancel your flight you will be issued a credit to put towards a the new date or new flight. You will be responsible for the difference of the two flights. Ie if the new flight has a higher cost you will pay anything over the price of the original flight. If the new flight is less expensive, American Airlines will issue a credit for a future flight. Ex. If you paid $500 for your flight and change to a new flight that costs $300, you’ll receive $200 in travel credit for a future trip.

Spirit Airlines

  • Spirit is waiving change and cancellation fees for Guests who book travel by Sunday, February 28 2021. Travelers will receive a travel credit in the amount of their original ticket immediately.

Delta Airways

  • Tickets originally purchased between March 1, 2020 and March 30, 2021, can be changed without a change fee for up to a year from the date you purchased it.

  • For tickets purchased before April 17, 2020, traveling between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, the change fee is waived, and your ticket will be extended to rebook for travel until December 31, 2022. 

United Airlines

  • United is permanently! getting rid of change fees for most Economy and premium cabin tickets for travel within the U.S. This includes Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There also won't be change fees for other international travel originating in the U.S.

  • For all other destinations, change fees are waived through March 31, 2021.

COVID-19 Carry-on Necessities

  • Small Hand Sanitizer (under 3oz)

  • Disinfectant Wipes

  • Extra Masks: Bring a few extra disposable masks in case you lose yours, drop it on the bathroom floor, etc. Also nice to be able to dispose of the mask once you're off the flight/airport.

  • Snacks and a Refillable Water Bottle: most airlines are not offering inflight beverage services so purchase or refill your water bottle in the airport before getting on the flight.




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