Tips for Safer Travel and COVID-19

Now more than ever, you may be ready to escape from it all and take that trip you'd been planning. But many questions loom: Is it safe to travel yet? Is it safe to fly? What if I decide to cancel? American Express Travel has compiled COVID-19 travel tips and resources to help get you started. 

Couple at airport

Whether you're thinking about exploring the great outdoors, relaxing on the beach, or just planning an upcoming holiday getaway – travelling is on a lot of people's minds during what seems to be the "new normal". But, chances are, you also have a lot of questions before you're ready to book your next holiday. While the travel situation is ever-changing, we've compiled the latest information and resources, including helpful tips, access to travel hygiene protocols and more – to help keep you feeling comfortable and confident about any future travel.

How to Stay Informed When Travelling 

Staying updated during your travels is the first step in staying safe. Using reliable COVID-19 resources is a good place to start, as this gives you information about up-to-the-minute situations in various locales, as well as travel advisories, specific travel restrictions and more:

Andaz Scottsdale Resort

Booking Hotels 

Now that you have the specific location information you need, it's important to find out what changes to expect when you arrive at your hotel. For example, many of our American Express Travel lodging partners continue to update their COVID-19 health and safety information, as well as other travel guidelines. From access to dining and attractions, to available amenities, to hours of operation, to cancellation policies – be sure to have a good understanding of what to expect to avoid any confusion.

 

You can also contact your hotel directly to see how they're focusing on guest safety, which may include increased disinfection and cleaning, plexiglass barriers at check-in, and contactless payment, to name a few. You can find information directly from most of our hotel partners, including Hilton and Marriott, or choose from the full list here.

 

 

Booking Flights

If you're thinking about booking a flight for your upcoming trip, be sure to review the policies of your airline of choice. Airlines are continuously updating information. You can check your specific airline's policies directly, including those from major carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. You can also select your airline from a list here to view the latest health, travel hygiene and safety policy information.

A woman wearing a face mask on an airplane
Two people kayaking on a lake

Booking Car Rentals, Experiences and Beyond

Much like hotels and airlines, you need to stay in-the-know if you've booked a car rental or an in-destination experience. If you need support changing or cancelling your car or experience booking, contact us via Travel Support and our dedicated team will be on hand to help you.

One Final Check

Once you've booked your trip and are ready to travel, it's a good idea to confirm everything one more time before leaving. Here's a brief checklist:

 

  • Check your flight status on your airline's website to find out if it's been delayed or cancelled. 
  • See if your airline has added any new, updated advice for travellers.
  • Confirm any destination-specific COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Visit your hotel’s website to find out if there are any new closures or updates that may affect your stay.
  • You can also use our travel checklist to make sure you don’t forget the essentials. 

 

One Last Check

While traveling these days can feel like navigating uncharted territory, knowing the facts can go a long way in keeping you informed, in control and feeling safer and more relaxed during your travels. With policies and restrictions changing often, we encourage you to check back frequently to stay up-to-date on American Express Travel’ partners’ policies, as well as checking the latest government guidance for destination-specific restrictions. If you booked through Amex Travel and have additional Coronavirus questions, feel free to visit us online or call us using the number on the back of your card.

Featuring reviews from

Trip advisor logo
ABTA Logo
ATOL Logo

American Express Europe LLC (AEELLC) trading as American Express Travel, Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom is a member of ABTA (ABTA number C4330) and ATOL (ATOL number 0151). Being a member of ABTA (ABTA number C4330) means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct and this allows you to book with confidence. All the package and Flight-Plus holidays we sell are covered by a scheme protecting your money if the supplier goes out of business or is no longer able to provide the intended holiday. Other services such as hotels or flights on their own may not be protected and you should ask us what protection is available. American Express’s ABTA membership does not cover cruise bookings and should therefore not be relied upon when booking cruises or cruise packages. These bookings are covered by our third-party provider, ICE Cruise’s ABTA membership (ABTA number L6366). Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are also protected by the ATOL scheme, this ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate . Please contact us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.