During the pandemic, AAA reminds air travelers that in-flight amenities, including food and beverages, may not be available. Also, as a precaution, wipe down your seat, armrest, belt buckle and tray table with disinfecting wipes.

Washingtonians who make the personal decision to travel need to know the risks involved and ways to keep themselves and others safe. In addition to CDC (national Centers for Disease Control) guidance, travelers should also be aware of local and state travel restrictions, including testing requirements and quarantine orders.

Here’s what the CDC says: “Travel can increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. Postponing trips and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You and your travel companions (including children) may feel well and not have any symptoms but can still spread COVID-19 to family, friends, and community after travel. If you have a known exposure to COVID-19, you should delay travel, quarantine yourself, get tested, and monitor your health. Check your state or local health department for information about local quarantine requirements.”

If you do travel:

• Plan ahead. Check with state and local authorities where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination to learn about local circumstances and any restrictions that may be in place.
• Follow public health guidance. Consistent use of face masks combined with social distancing (at least six feet) and regular hand-washing are the best ways to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. Pack face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and a thermometer to help protect and monitor your health. Also, pack water and extra snacks to reduce the need to stop along your trip.
• com offers the latest state and local travel restrictions and, for road trippers, which rest stops, gas stations, restaurants and hotels are open along their route.
• Verify before you go. Call ahead to minimize any last minute surprises.
• Call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests, if there are social-distancing protocols like capacity reductions in common spaces, if hotel staff wears masks at all times, and if all amenities are available.
• If renting a car, ask what has been done to clean the vehicle.