Domestic travel based on honor system when it comes to COVID

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Like many airports, the Santa Barbara Airport is returning to pre-pandemic levels of business and leisure travel, and these days it is up to travelers to decide whether to wear a mask or to test for COVID before a trip.

The Santa Barbara Airport said there are no requirements or regulations to prevent someone from flying in or out.

But some travelers waiting to board said they got boosted and brought masks.

Annie Sorensen is flying back to the Bay Area after visiting her son in Santa Barbarara.

" I will wear a mask absolutely," said Sorensen.

She prides herself on taking preventative measures and when her doctor recommended a second booster or a fourth shot before her trip she got it.

A pilot, who did not want to be named, said he recommends travel insurance on holiday trips.

Some insurance polices cover COVID cancellations.

Travel Zoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie said, "Travel insurance is definitely something that many of us are willing to invest in now as we begin to travel."

He said people didn't think as much about it pre-COVID.

"It really is this continued safety net around COVID related issues and many of the uncertainties related to international travel especially."

So how much does it cost?

Saglie said, "The general rule of thumb is about 10 percent of your trip, so say you have a $2,000 vacation plan on about a $200 basic travel insurance policy, but not all policies cover COVID related issues especially some extreme situations like medical evacuations."

He recommends reading the fine print.

"Specifically seek out policies that cover COVID-related issues and you getting sick when you are on the road."

He said there is robust travel insurance,too.

"There is something known as CFAR insurance or cancel for any reason."

"It will cost you a little more but it is the most comprehensive way to cover not just cover COVID-related issues on the road but some of the basics like hotels and flight delays and cancelations," said Saglie.

He said even if you don't have travel insurance and its the day of your flight and you're feeling sick, airlines are still super flexible around thing like canceling and postponing your flight without charging you any fees.

Pre-pandemic changes used to cost $200 or more.

Facebook creator Rebecca Brand just returned from New York City and is worried she might get COVID.

"So many people were not wearing masks and coughing."

On the second leg of her trip she said guy sitting right behind her was "coughing, coughing, coughing."

She said she could feel the wind in her hair and was uncomfortable.

She asked the stewardess if she relocated to another seat and she was able to move.

The CDC still recommends getting a COVID test within a few days of travel and waiting a full five days after a COVID19 exposure.

If a traveler can't get a test, the CDC recommends waiting 10 days after being exposed.

Travel is currently based on the honor system. People who are asymptomatic or showing symptoms should take personal responsibility for their actions to prevent the spread of the COVID.

For more information visit cdc.gov.