Pack a mask if you’re flying out of Columbia. Here’s when you’ll need to wear it
During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Columbia Metropolitan Airport has remained open for travelers.
The three major airlines that offer flights in Columbia — American, Delta, and United — all have their own safety protocols in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. But the rules that are required on board the flights are not the same inside the airport.
Specifically when it comes to masks, or face coverings.
The airport recommends travelers follow the Centers for Disease Control guidance and cover their faces inside the terminal, gates, ticketing area, and more. But travelers currently aren’t required to wear masks inside, airport spokeswoman Lynne Douglas told The State.
That changes as soon as they step on board an American, Delta, or United flight. All three airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks or face coverings, according to a release from Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
United and American airlines both announced Monday that passengers who refuse wear masks or face coverings on flights could be banned from flying with them in the future.
Any passenger without a mask or face covering will be provided one by the airlines at no charge, according to the release. Young children and people who have medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from the requirements.
Charleston International Airport has a similar policy on masks as their counterparts in Columbia. Officials there said they are requesting but not requiring travelers cover their faces.
At Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, travelers are required to wear masks at the gates, officials said. In all other public areas, visitors to the airport are encouraged to wear face coverings.
Masks are not the only precaution against COVID-19 being taken at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Airport officials said they follow updates about the coronavirus pandemic from the CDC and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and have taken steps to promote cleanliness and safety — for travelers and employees.
That includes adding hand sanitizer stations in the terminal and at all departure gates, and deeper cleaning restrooms at least every two hours if not more frequently, officials said.
Increased cleaning is being done in the public seating areas and in the high-touch areas such as handrails, escalators, and elevator buttons, according to the release.
Riverbanks Bar & Grille is serving a limited menu and practicing social distancing for diners, officials said. The Sky Café, Carolina Subs, The BBQ Pit, and Red Eye Express coffee cart inside the airport are all temporarily closed as a precaution.
Plexiglas shields have been installed at the check-in desk at TSA security checkpoint, airline counters, retail shops and at the restaurant, where employees are cleaning and sanitizing credit card machines after every use, according to the release.
Markers to identify proper spacing for social distancing mandates have been placed on the floor at the TSA security checkpoint, and at the retail store locations, officials said.
Additionally, valet parking at the airport has been discontinued.
For specific travel information, the airport is asking travelers to contact the airlines directly.
