Frequently Asked Questions for Travelers During COVID-19

April 20, 2021
FAQ section

Updated 6/13/2022

 

 

Do I need a COVID Vaccine or a Test for International air travel?

Effective November 8, 2021, non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants  must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof of their vaccination status to their air carrier(s) in order to be boarded on flights to the United States.

As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test before they board their flight. Please see CDC International Travel Guidance for more information.

Since testing and vaccination requirements vary by country, and change frequently, prior to your trip we recommend checking with your airline and visiting these websites for the latest travel advisories and information.

Do I need a COVID test or a Vaccine to fly within the U.S.?

It depends on where you are flying to.  Since testing and vaccination requirements vary by city and state, and change frequently, prior to your trip we recommend checking with your airline and visiting these websites for the latest travel advisories and information:

Are there requirements for flying into the Fresno Airport?

Effective November 8, 2021, non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof of their vaccination status to their air carrier(s) in order to be boarded on flights to the United States.

As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test before they board their flight. Please see CDC International Travel Guidance for more information.

In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer enforcing the Federal mask mandate, face masks are now optional at the Fresno Airport. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. Please check with your airline regarding their mask policy.

Are airlines doing health screenings?

Some airlines are conducting their own health screenings prior to boarding. Please check with your airline for their latest COVID19 travel information.

Are there still direct flights to Mexico from Fresno?

Yes. Both Aeromexico and Volaris have daily direct flights to and from Mexico from the Fresno Airport.

Are there restrictions for passengers traveling to or returning from Mexico?

Currently there are no restrictions for traveling to Mexico. Travelers are currently not required to present proof of essential travel.  Since requirements vary by country, and change frequently, prior to your trip we recommend checking with your airline and visiting these websites for the latest travel advisories and information:

For passengers returning to the United States from Mexico, effective November 8, 2021, non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof of their vaccination status to their air carrier(s) in order to be boarded on flights to the United States.

As of 12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022, CDC will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test before they board their flight. Please see CDC International Travel Guidance for more information.

Travel information for traveling to or returning from Mexico:

The Fresno Airport does not take passenger temperatures, however both Aeromexico and Volaris conduct health screenings including temperature checks prior to boarding.

Can I travel to the U.S. from Mexico with a Tourist Visa?

Yes. Per U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), there are currently no restrictions on Tourist Visa air arrivals from Mexico.  However, since travel requirements continue to change, please check with the CBP for updates or with the Consulate of Mexico.

How do I check my flight status or book a flight? Are the ticket counters open?

Please check directly with your airline to change or inquire about flights.  Most airlines are working with passengers to accommodate changes, however due to high call volume, there may be longer wait times.  Airline ticket counters at the Fresno Airport are open at least 2 hours prior to domestic flight departures and 3 hours prior to international flight departures.

Is it safe to fly now?  What are the Airport and airlines doing to protect my health and safety?

Your health and well-being are our top priority.  The Fresno Airport uses the on-site GenEon system to produce a sustainable and highly effective cleaner, which kills 99.9% of harmful germs and bacteria. Our custodial teams use this high-grade disinfectant to clean and sanitize the Airport frequently throughout the day with special attention given to high touch areas such as countertops, seating and armrests. Additionally, the fogging system allows the disinfectant to be applied in restrooms as a fine mist that makes contact with floors and restroom stalls.

Our airline partners have also increased on board cleaning and disinfecting to protect your health and safety.

Are masks required to fly? Do children have to wear them?

In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer enforcing the Federal mask mandate, face masks are now optional at the Fresno Airport. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. Please check with your airline regarding their mask policy.

What if someone on my flight appears ill?

If someone on your flights appears ill, the pilot will notify the control tower prior to landing.  Both the airline and the airport have safety protocols that will be implemented to assess and protect the health of passengers on board.  Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the CDC may also be notified.

Can I take cleaning products on my carry-on?

Yes. TSA is allowing disinfecting wipes and one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces, per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Since these containers exceed the standard allowance typically permitted through a checkpoint, they will need to be screened separately. Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) carried in a one quart-size bag.

Are Airport concessions still open?

  • Pre-security Starbucks and Hudson News are open.
  • Post security Starbucks, Hudson News and John Muir Grill are open. John Muir Grill offers dining, full bar service and Grab N Go items. Hudson News on the second floor remains open until the last flight departure and offers Grab N Go food items.

Some concessions may have limited hours, please plan accordingly.

Are Uber and Lyft still operating? What about Taxis?

Uber and Lyft continue to operate with pick–ups and drop-offs at the Airport.  Taxis are still operating as well.

Are there limits to the number of family members allowed to meet or see me off at the Airport? 

While there are no Airport restrictions on the number of family members, we strongly recommend following the CDC’s guidelines to help protect your health and safety, and that of others.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires travelers to wear face masks when they are in airports.

In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer enforcing the Federal mask mandate, face masks are now optional at the Fresno Airport. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings.

Do I still need to arrive 2-3 hours before to my flight?

Yes. Please plan to arrive 2 hours early for domestic travel and 3 hours early for international travel to allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening.

For more information on what the airport and airlines are doing to protect your health and safety while traveling, please visit our COVID19 Resource page.

 

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