VERIFY Weekly: Flying during the pandemic

More people are flying now than at any other point in the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know if you’re traveling domestically or abroad.

After a year of quarantine, many people are ready to travel. Recent data from the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) shows more people are flying now than at any point in the pandemic.

So, as part of this week’s “VERIFY Weekly” feature, the VERIFY team answered several questions related to flying so that you’re prepared for your next trip. You can watch the full video on our YouTube page here.

THE QUESTION

VERIFY viewer Frances H. asked: Do you need to be vaccinated to fly in the U.S.?

THE SOURCES

The ANSWER

This is false.

No, you don’t need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to fly in the U.S.

WHAT WE FOUND

While the CDC recommends people delay travel until they’re fully vaccinated, it is not a requirement for traveling within the United States.

For people who are unvaccinated, the CDC has more recommendations about what to do when flying domestically. People who aren’t fully vaccinated should get tested for COVID-19 one to three days before flying, according to the CDC. They should also physically distance when possible.

After traveling, the CDC recommends people who are unvaccinated get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after returning and stay home and self-quarantine for seven days, even if they test negative for COVID-19. If people who are unvaccinated don’t get tested after traveling, the CDC recommends self-quarantining for 10 days. The guidance from the CDC is a recommendation, not a requirement.

People should also research state or local travel restrictions that may be in effect at their destination, even for domestic flights. For example, Hawaii still has some travel restrictions in place, including, as of June 21, needing a negative COVID-19 test to avoid a 10-day traveler quarantine.

THE QUESTION

VERIFY viewer Lisa N. asked: What international travel destinations require COVID-19 vaccinations?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

This needs context.

It depends on your destination. Each country has its own rules.

WHAT WE FOUND

The U.S. Department of State has COVID-19-related travel information for each country. The United Nations World Tourism Organization also has a tool that shows current travel regulations in each country.

Some countries, like New Zealand, still don’t allow U.S. citizens. And countries like Iceland only allow vaccinated Americans. However, there are countries, like Italy, that allow U.S. citizens regardless of vaccination status.

There is one major requirement everyone traveling internationally should be aware of: People entering the U.S. from a foreign country, regardless of vaccination status, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test that was taken no more than three days before boarding their return flight. Exceptions are made for those who show proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days.

THE QUESTION

Do you still have to wear a mask at the airport?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

This is true.

Yes, masks are still required at U.S. airports.

WHAT WE FOUND

The TSA earlier this year extended the mask requirement through at least Sept. 13. The rule applies to airports, commercial aircraft, and commuter bus and rail systems.

But what if your state banned mask mandates? Does that trump the federal mandate? In this case, the answer is no, according to Walter Olson from the Cato Institute.

He said when interstate travel is involved like on planes and trains, federal regulation takes top billing.

“The Supreme Court has usually ruled that if the federal government has taken over regulation of an area, then it gets to regulate it thoroughly,” Olson said. “Now, that's true of many of the transportation areas.”

THE QUESTION

Does the airplane environment contribute to food tasting bland?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

This is true.

Yes, studies over the years have discovered that the air pressure and low humidity in the airplane cabin contribute to a different sense of taste than we experience on the ground.

WHAT WE FOUND

If you’ve thought airplane food was pretty bland, you’re not alone. It turns out there’s a scientific reason for it, and the plane environment is to blame.

Studies suggest the conditions mid-flight lead to slightly duller senses, from taste to smell to hearing. For example, one study found that when the air is drier, our noses are less sensitive. That matters in airplanes because the World Health Organization says humidity in the cabin is typically less than what we’re used to on the ground.

Dr. Paul Breslin, a member of the Monell Chemical Senses Center, said that loss of humidity and change in your sense of smell has a great impact on the flavor of your food.

More from VERIFY: No, most businesses won’t violate HIPAA by asking customers if they’ve been vaccinated

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