Add face masks to your list of items to pack for your next trip.
The Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is now requiring all passengers, staff and guests to wear a face covering when they travel or come to the airport.
Crew members installed signs to remind people the changes apply if you are flying into or out of the airport.
“My mom made [my mask] yesterday. She was on the sewing machine trying to get it done for me and making sure it fit and everything,” said Brooke Reiner, a traveler. “It was so weird wearing a mask and seeing everyone wear masks.”
You will be able to wear your mask through TSA, but also might be asked to take it off or move it for security purposes.
If you choose to travel, you are allowed to wear face coverings during the #TSA screening process. Be prepared to adjust your mask so that a TSA officer can visually confirm your identity during the checkpoint screening process. pic.twitter.com/VC8kl5C9Fm
— TSA (@TSA) May 11, 2020
If you forget a face covering, the airport and airlines will be providing disposable face masks beginning May 15.
“It’s in alignment with our airline partners. All four airlines that fly out of here are requiring face masks on the plane,” said Angi Daus, Santa Barbara Airport Marketing Coordinator.
TSA is also allowing passengers to bring larger containers of disinfectants up to 12 ounces.
If you forget, you can find extra hand sanitizing stations throughout the terminal.
Notice any changes at the @SBAirport ?? Yep, masks 😷 are required to travel now. Swipe to see social distancing markers at ticketing counters and baggage claim. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/0NWB1aVHFz
— Megan Healy (@HealyMegan) May 15, 2020
“We've got our masks, I think we are all making do with what we're told to do and sometimes it seems crazy,” said William Creps, traveler.
To increase social distancing, the airport will add more room between seats in the hold room and airlines also will follow new boarding procedures.
Inside the airport, you can also find social distancing markers at check-in, baggage claim and rental car counters.
“It's a small airport. It's a small, clean and safe space, but we want to make sure that people are keeping a safe distance from each other and remind them of doing that,” Daus said.
Airport administration asks people to stay home if they are feeling sick. SBA airlines will waive booking fees if you need to delay your flight.
Masks are not required at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport as there are no federal, state or local mandates to wear them, but airport staff said in a statement to KSBY, "We are watching the constantly evolving requirements related to mask use in commercial air travel. "
