Travelling over the holidays? Be aware of changing regulations

Dec. 3, 2021

UA employees considering travelling over the winter holiday should be aware of changing travel regulations. The CDC is updating travel guidance due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. While the travel restriction applies primarily to inbound travel from foreign countries, it is important to review state travel guidance before planning any trip outside Alaska. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place.

Make sure to plan ahead:

• Check the current COVID-19 situation at your destination.
• Make sure you understand and follow all state, local, and territorial travel restrictions, including mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements.
• For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or territorial and local health department’s website where you are, along your route, and where you are going.
• If traveling by air, check if your airline requires any testing, vaccination, or other documents.
• Prepare to be flexible during your trip as restrictions and policies may change during your travel.

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

All travellers should remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, get vaccinated and adhere to public health and social measures at all times and regardless of vaccination status, including by using masks appropriately, respecting physical distancing, following good respiratory etiquette and avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

Please see the CDC website for further information on the Omicron Variant.