A COVID-19 Airport Experience August 2020

After a very long day of travel full of delays I arrived. Below are my airport observations of my travel day to Tulum.

Based on my experience at OAK I recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your boarding time to account for TSA screening queues. Your experience will vary so please use this post only as guidance.

• TSA Screening
  • TSA PreCheck is consolidated into the main screening line with the standard zig zagging stanchion barriers and social distancing floor stickers.
  • The TSA agent requests a quick removal of your mask to confirm your identity.
  • If you hold TSA PreCheck status the agents communicate that you’re eligible and place a TSA PreCheck placard in a tray on the conveyor before your items are x-rayed. You proceed through the metal detector instead of through advanced imaging.
  • The hand sanitizer 12 oz allowance is subject to testing. An agent will remove the bottle and place it in a machine for analysis.
  • I also brought a canister of cleaning wipes which were also inspected.
• Masks
  • Masks are required at all times in the terminal except while eating or drinking. Signage is everywhere illustrating mask wearing requirements.
• Food and Stores/Airport Atmosphere
  • Only grab and go food or retail available in early hours, no restaurants or bars open.
  • Social distancing is not enforced here. Think about your regular boarding gate experience – people crowding the counter during pre-boarding, every seat occupied, etc.
• Spirit Airlines flight
  • Sequential Zone boarding 1-4
  • Masks are required at all times except while eating or drinking.
  • Every seat can be reserved; middle seats aren’t vacant.
  • Beverages and snacks are available for purchase.

• United Club Lounge, Terminal E
  • Social distancing signs are visible.
  • Reusing/refilling of beverage cups is prohibited.
  • Pre-packaged snacks.
  • Mask requirement is relaxed (no signs) but most patrons are wearing them while walking around.
• Food and Stores/Airport atmosphere
  • Quiet in some areas; busy in main terminal dining areas.
  • Most bars and restaurants are open if they’re under high ceilings.
  • Some bar top areas enforce social distancing if there is a tablet menu. The tablet will flash a “do not sit” sign.
  • Most retail stores are closed. Brookstone and Duty Free are open.
  • Normal gate density of people here as well.
  • Masks don’t appear required. I did not see signage like at OAK.
• United Airlines flight
  • Gate agents and attendants will provide extra masks.
  • Face shields are not allowed.
  • Boarding groups are not used. Based on row in cabin, rear first:
    1. Pre-boarding regular roll call
    2. Rows 30-39
    3. Rows 22-39
    4. All groups
  • Attendants greet you with sachets of hand sanitizer wipes before entering the plane.

• Landing Cards
  1. Immigration
  2. Customs Declaration
  3. Covid Questionnaire
• Immigrations/customs
  • Normal experience

The Cancun International Airport website travel advisory explicitly states that,

YOU MUST reserve transportation services with a company that is in COMPLIANCE with the New Health and Safety Regulations and Protocols.

I was conservative this step by reserving private transportation $84 USD one way through the provided link. Alternatively you could book the ADO bus but maybe you’re like me and wanted to social distance after being on planes all day. This YouTube video cleared up some CUN transportation questions for me.

If you have any specific questions regarding airports then please comment below.