What You Need to Know about Flying
Ensuring the health and safety of the traveling public and airport workers is always our top priority. At Wichita Eisenhower National Airport, we are responding to the changing needs and are ready for your next journey.
The airport’s plan #ICTReadytoFly, is based on recommendations from the CDC and other health experts and designed to keep people safely distanced and protected from the spread of COVID-19.
We understand that some of you are anxious to travel again, and some of you are hesitant. We want to assure you that it’s cleaner, healthier and safer than ever to fly. When you are ready to travel, we are ready for you. Here is what you need to know.
FACIAL COVERING MANDATE
In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer enforcing the Federal mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for employees and customers at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. Masks will continue to be available in Airport vending machines and free of charge at Airport information counters.
PARKING AT THE AIRPORT
The Park & Ride shuttle lot is open on the south side of the lot only. There is no cashier at this lot. The shuttle begins operating at 4:00 a.m. The parking garage, economy lot, and short-term lots are open. As of April 18, 2022, face masks are no longer required on public transportation.
AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT
ICT’s enhanced cleaning processes include electrostatic spraying, effective against many microorganisms dealt with on a daily basis. Cutting-edge disinfection products are used on high touch areas like seating, handrails, elevator buttons, escalators, restroom doors, ticketing kiosks and shuttle buses. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the terminal. Plastic protective shields are installed at key high traffic areas with face-to-face customer interaction, including ticket counters, TSA checkpoint, boarding gates, information desk, and concession point-of-sale counters.
TSA SECURITY CHECKPOINT
TSA is now allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 oz in carry-on bags until further notice. You should expect that these containers — larger than the standard of 3.4 oz of liquids — will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to checkpoint screening. Passengers can scan their boarding passes but will have to present their ID to the Ticket Document Checker for verification. Instead of putting loose items in bins for screening, put them in your carry-on bag.
TSA officers wear face masks and clean bins with alcohol after each use. TSA Officers change gloves after every inspection and sanitize in between. The temperature of employees is taken at the beginning and end of their shifts.
DINING AND SHOPPING IN THE TERMINAL
Dunkin’ Donuts, Chick Fil A, River City Brewing, and the Air Capital Bar are open on the 2nd level. The Aviator’s Cafe is open on the first floor.
The Air Capital Market, located in the center of the terminal, is open and offers PPE supplies including face masks if you wish to wear one. You can also buy a variety of items such as snacks, drinks, t-shirts, souvenirs, etc. Scanners are available to customers who do not want employees to handle their purchases. Hand sanitizer is available for the customers to use at the registers.
BOARD YOUR FLIGHT
Please respect signage and closed areas to ensure your health and safety as well as other passengers. Follow boarding instructions provided by the gate agent.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING THE U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it will be lifting pre-departure testing requirements for international arrivals to the United States, effective June 12, 2022.
AIRLINE POLICIES
U.S. airlines want you to Fly Healthy and Fly Smart. The safety and well-being of all travelers is the airlines’ top priority. Airlines have been adding layers of protection that meet — and frequently exceed — CDC guidelines, from requiring facial coverings to enhancing cleaning protocols, such as electrostatic and fogging procedures.
As airlines continue to monitor travel demand, policies are likely to change. Stay current by visiting these airlines’ websites:
Other Helpful Websites
- CDC – Travelers’ Resources
- Country Specific Information – U.S. Department of State
- Mexico-Caribbean Travel Information
- Transportation Security Administration
- Interactive Tool for Tracking Travel Restrictions Around the World
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment
- Covid-19 Testing in Kansas