ST. GEORGE — As travel numbers increase and COVID numbers decrease, passengers who start their journey at St. George Regional Airport have much to consider.
While the federal mask mandate was set to expire Monday, the Biden administration announced Wednesday that the nationwide mask requirement for public transit will be extended until May 3 as it monitors an uptick in COVID-19 cases, according to the Associated Press.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this extension is needed to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.
In addition, air travelers still must abide by check-in, baggage and security regulations, procedures and deadlines.
In a news release dated March 9, the Transportation Security Administration reminded travelers that even though COVID numbers are down, passenger volume is up. So being prepared to fly is a key to safe and pleasant travel.
“TSA’s collaboration with industry and federal partners has been instrumental throughout this pandemic, and now we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as demonstrated by the rapid recovery of the travel industry,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the news release. “We are prepared and ready for a busy spring and are doing our part to ensure the traveling public is safe and secure by continuing to deploy new technologies within the checkpoint that enhance security, reduce physical contact and improve the traveling experience.”
St. George Regional Airport (SGU), which is a SkyWest station, is a 10-15-minute drive from downtown St. George. SGU currently offers direct flights to Denver via United Airlines, Salt Lake City via Delta Airlines and both Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth via American Airlines. SkyWest’s headquarters is located 444 River Road in St. George.
At the airport, TSA completes the screening process and reminds passengers that security requirements are important and necessary, as are patience and understanding.
“We just ask travelers to do their part by being respectful to each other and those who work in the transportation sector – from our officers to airport workers and flight crew,” Pekoske added.
The TSA news release also suggested airline passengers abide by the 10 tips that follow to ensure “the fastest and most efficient TSA checkpoint experience possible,” during spring break and beyond.
Tip 1: Continue to wear a face mask. The mask requirement remains in place and TSA will continue to assess the duration of the requirement in consultation with CDC.
Tip 2: Follow the rule that limits liquids. Gels and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on baggage. There is an exception for hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then the carry-on quantity is limited.
Tip 3: Pack food in a clear plastic bag. If you plan to travel with food, it is a best practice to pack your food items in a clear plastic bag and place that clear plastic bag into your carry-on bag. When you get to the security checkpoint, remove and place the clear bag containing your food into the bin to reduce the opportunity for cross-contamination between the food and bins.
Tip 4: Leave prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of physical contact with TSA officers at the checkpoint, be familiar with the TSA prohibited items list for carry-on bags. Travelers can check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov and by downloading the free MyTSA app, which has a helpful “What Can I Bring?” feature.
Tip 5: Do not bring your firearm to a security checkpoint. Airline passengers can fly with firearms only in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared with your airline at check-in. Contact your airline for additional guidance. Firearms at TSA checkpoints represent an unnecessary risk and an expensive mistake, as you may be subject to a civil penalty.
Tip 6: Give yourself plenty of time. Travel volumes are expected to be higher than they have been and some passengers may be traveling for the first time in quite a while. Extra time may be needed for parking, rental car and airline check-in counters, and at the checkpoint.
Tip 7: Empty your pockets when you get to the checkpoint. Place items inside your carry-on bag instead of into a bin to reduce touchpoints and not leave anything behind.
Tip 8: Listen for guidance from TSA officers. They may be providing information on new technologies that help reduce touchpoints and make for a more streamlined and convenient passenger experience.
Tip 9: Contact TSA with your questions. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. EST or 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Tip 10: Enroll now in TSA PreCheck. “Travel with Ease” by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.
While SGU serves three airlines (SkyWest also contracts with Alaska Airlines), each carrier has additional requirements for passengers. Most policies and procedures are similar and enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration, though there are some nuances of which passengers should be aware. Listed below are links designed to guide passengers through the booking, check-in, security screening and travel processes.
According to the American Airlines website:
Check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before departure (90 for international).
To check-in and check bags at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure:
- Within the U.S. – 45 minutes
- To or from destinations outside the U.S. – 60 minutes
According to the United Airlines website:
For most flights, travelers will need to abide by the following guidelines:
- For most United and United Express-operated flights within the U.S., travelers without checked baggage must check in at least 30 minutes before departure. See exceptions
- For most United and United Express-operated flights within the U.S., travelers with checked baggage must check in at least 45 minutes before departure. See exceptions
- For most United and United Express-operated international flights, travelers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure, regardless of whether they are checking baggage.
According to the Delta Airlines website:
When you’re traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time Additionally, you’re required to be at the gate and ready to board 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
Other important travel links
- TSA travel tips
- SkyWest Airlines homepage
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- St. George Regional Airport
Updated 10:19 a.m., Information was added to reflect the extension of the mask requirement announced Wednesday by the Biden Administration.