How to travel safely during the holidays

If they’re eligible, children should be vaccinated against covid-19 before traveling. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children 5 and older in late October, and kids started getting vaccinated in early November after the CDC signed off. But some kids are still too young, and even those who get their first shot right away won’t be fully vaccinated by Thanksgiving, meaning that extra precautions are in order. Also, don’t forget that flu season is happening. Doctors are warning of a possible “twindemic,” so make sure children get their flu shot as well.

The CDC ranks types of travel for families with unvaccinated kids by describing what is safer, less safe and what people should avoid.

If plans call for gathering with other households, getting together outside is better — even if everyone is vaccinated.

Leana Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, told The Washington Post earlier this year that if an outdoor gathering is not possible, everyone in the group should take extra precautions for three to five days in advance, including wearing a mask in public and not gathering indoors with unvaccinated people. Before the group get-together, everyone should take a coronavirus test. Unvaccinated adults should only be around young kids outdoors.

If flying, make sure kids are prepared to wear a mask for long periods of time. Practice with them in advance and provide activities on the plane to keep their hands busy, such as coloring, using stickers or screen time. It’s best not to remove the mask to eat or drink, but if necessary, do so briefly when everyone else is masked.

Anyone who is immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk of severe disease from the coronavirus should get a third shot or booster before traveling. The CDC says people in this group should talk to their health-care providers.

The public health agency says that if they do travel, immunocompromised people should take the precautions that are recommended for unvaccinated people, regardless of their vaccination status.

That includes wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance of six feet from people outside their household, washing their hands and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling; get the booster shot if you’re eligible.

Remember that masks are required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation, and indoors at transportation centers. The CDC says that even people who are fully vaccinated should mask up indoors in areas with substantial or high transmission.

If you haven’t booked tickets yet, put that on the top of your to-do list. Travel experts say fares for the holidays are expected to be more expensive than last year, and the sooner locked in the better. Look for direct flights to avoid the covid-19 risks associated with layovers, such as getting on and off the plane more than once and crowding at the gate multiple times.

Expect a lot of company in the sky. Airline executives have said they expect “tremendous pent-up demand” to lead to full flights. And those fellow travelers will be packed in tight. Unlike last year, when some carriers were keeping middle seats open, passengers will fill every seat.

The federal mask mandate for planes and airports, which didn’t even exist in 2020, has been extended through at least January 18, 2022. Some U.S. airlines aren’t selling alcoholic beverages to all or most 21-plus passengers while the mandate is in place.

Experts say passengers should avoid eating or drinking on a plane, which would require them to remove their masks, if possible.

And don’t forget about the risks at the airport, or while boarding or getting off the plane. Medical experts say travelers should avoid crowds at the gate and at baggage claim — or, better yet, carry a bag on — and only eat at the airport if it’s possible to do in an area far apart from other people.

If you’re renting a car, don’t wait to make reservations. A rental car shortage that has caused long lines, low availability and high prices since early this year is expected to be an issue this holiday season.

Just like any road trip since the beginning of the pandemic, pack protective gear, hand sanitizer and food, and try to minimize interaction during stops.

A long drive might take you through locations with safety measures that are much more strict — or lax — than you’re used to, so it’s best to know in advance what to expect. AAA produces a map of covid travel restrictions, and the CDC recommends checking for information with the health departments where you’re going and along the way. Don’t forget your vaccine card, as some cities or businesses may require proof of vaccination to dine or drink indoors.

Not sure if masks are required (or recommended)? The CDC says masks should be worn indoors in public places in areas where transmission is substantial or high. The agency publishes county-level data with that information.