COVID-19 TRAVEL INFORMATION

Last update April 29th, 2020 – 9:31 A.M.

The safety, health, well-being and security of our passengers, guests and employees is extremely important to the Yuma International Airport family. Our team offers the important information below you will find helpful if traveling through Yuma International Airport.

Yuma International Airport is open and operating as essential
infrastructure for our community and those we connect to.

The Yuma County Airport Authority (YCAA) is in regular active contact with the Yuma County Health Department, Arizona Department of Health Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our airline partner American Airlines, and various airport industry leaders to be ready to respond to recommendations.

The Yuma County Health Department provides coronavirus updates through this link: Yuma County Health Department Coronavirus






AMERICAN AIRLINES UPDATE

Your well-being is important to us, so we are working diligently to enhance your travel experience in response to COVID-19. To watch a video from American Airlines, please click here: American Airlines Video

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

In May, we will begin to distribute sanitizing wipes or gel and face masks to passengers, as supplies allow. Our flight attendants will be required to wear face masks on all flights, beginning May 1st, 2020.

ENHANCED CLEANING PROGRAM

In the weeks ahead, we are expanding our cleaning program by wiping down customer high-touch surfaces (seatbelts, armrests, window shades and seatback screens) before every flight. Plus, we're implementing enhanced cleaning in our team member areas (galley, cockpit and jumpseats).

Our HEPA air-filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles in the aircraft, working to ensure the air you breathe is clean.

And, we are working with airports to clean high contact surfaces (kiosks, gate counters and ticket counters) multiple times a day.

We're here for you and want to ensure that you have peace of mind when you travel with us ? because, you are why we fly.

AMERICAN AIRLINES SCHEDULE

Currently, there are no travel restrictions to or from any nonstop destination served by airlines at Yuma International Airport but travelers should know there are occasional flight cancellations. As shown in the national news, there are a significant reduction in flight frequencies as well as stipulated requirements as you fly between states or other countries, be educated on where you are flying to and what you can expect. To see the current status of today’s flights go to: American Airlines Flight Status

Additionally, in response to reservations demand, airlines are adjusting their schedules for the future. For the latest information regarding future schedules for Yuma International Airport (YUM), which is subject to change, you can follow us on social media.

  • American Airlines: Effective April 8th frequencies to/from Phoenix are reduced from five (5) to three (3) flights most days through May 5th. It is anticipated that due to the reduction passenger flows the airlines are experiencing, there will be additional reductions in flights for a temporary duration of time.

Airlines are making modifications to their procedures regarding change fees and cancellations. Many changes can be done online by passengers who purchased their tickets directly from their airline. Passengers who booked their flights elsewhere will have to make changes with that third party provider. Airlines report their phone reservations systems are being overwhelmed resulting in extraordinarily long wait times. The airlines ask that only passengers traveling within the next 72 hours call. To make changes on American Airlines flights, please visit their website.






TSA SCREENING

Is TSA doing anything differently at the security checkpoints?

One of the more significant changes is that TSA is now permitting passengers to carry-on liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces until further notice. These containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to the checkpoint screening experience.

Otherwise, the following precautions remain in effect at TSA checkpoints:

  • Disinfectant sprays that are flammable are prohibited in either carry-on or checked bags
  • There are no restrictions on bringing disinfectant wipes through security.
  • Passengers may request TSA officers use new gloves during the screening process. Officers are directed to use a fresh swab for each passenger when testing for explosive material.

To help reduce risk of spreading viruses, passengers are reminded to keep safe distances while waiting in the security queue and to secure personal items normally carried in their pockets (phone, wallet, keys, coins, etc.) in the carry-on they put though the X-ray system rather than putting them loosely in a bin.

Updated information about the TSA and the coronavirus is HERE.

Is the airport screening arriving or departing passengers for coronavirus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at this time has not ordered routine health screening of passengers. Yuma Fire Department, which responds to medical situations at YUM, has been provided with the latest guidance and is prepared to address specific concerns when advised to do so by the CDC. Flight crews and airport personnel are required to contact the CDC if an individual is sick with specific symptoms.

Should I arrive earlier than normal for my flight?

So far the impacts have not increased the time it takes to check in and go through TSA security.

Should I wear a face mask?

Health officials and the CDC recommend that healthy people not wear face masks. Surgical face masks are designed to keep potential viruses to the person wearing it and should only be worn by those who are sick or exhibiting flu-like symptoms to keep from spreading viruses to others.

What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on airplanes, according to the CDC. On average, cabin air is completely refreshed 20 times per hour (compared with 12 times per hour in a typical office building). Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, travelers should avoid contact with sick individuals and continue following hygiene standards to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.






Other Business Hours at Yuma International Airport

In response to passenger demand and public health recommendations to limit person-to-person contact, the following changes have been implemented at Yuma International Airport:

  • Brewers Restaurant and Sports Bar in the terminal is open for take-out orders or cub-side pick-up from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm and deliveries east to 9E from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Please visit their website at www.brewerssportsbar.com.
  • Enterprise, Avis/Budget and Hertz Rent: Car agencies are open for business, contact them directly for specific coordination if necessary, if not show up at the time you are scheduled to pick up your vehicle, the appropriate personnel will be there.
  • U.S. Customs in the terminal is open, please call (928) 314-1295 to make an appointment.
  • The Military Comfort Center is closed as a result of Department of Defense restrictions eliminating most travel through May 11.
  • Passenger assistance provided by Yuma International Airport’s Ambassadors is suspended until further notice.
  • The Airport’s Lost and Found office is closed to the public but can be reached by phone at (928) 941-2396. This is a 24-hour line and please be prepared to describe any personal affects you may have lost.
  • The Yuma County Airport Authority Administration Offices are closed to the public but available by appointment or teleconferencing. Employees can be reached by email or phone. Call the main number, (928) 726-5882, to talk to a specific individual or to make a payment by phone. The normal operating hours are posted, and are Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.





Increased Precautions at Yuma International Airport

At Yuma International Airport our maintenance and custodial team take pride in maintaining the airport terminal to the highest standards (which has been recognized by passengers from all over the world!). We know this is no time to waiver from those high standards. The following are some of the prescribed precautions the YCAA is taking for the safety of our passengers and employees.

  • Increased frequency of cleaning and monitoring of restrooms and “high-touch” areas (handrails, armrests, etc.) with EPA-approved disinfectants that are designed to kill bacteria/viruses within 5 minutes of application.
  • Waiting areas are disinfected multiple times throughout the day.
  • More instant hand sanitizer dispensers are placed in the terminal.
  • Assuring soap-and-water (the preferred method for washing hands) is maintained in restrooms near food service areas.
  • HVAC systems have been cleaned and sanitized and are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.
  • The YCAA Pandemic Response Plan for Yuma International Airport has been updated and circulated to the airlines, tenants, local, state and federal partners. The plan conforms to the guidance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).





Personal Precautions

These precautions from health officials have been shared with Yuma International Airport employees and tenants and is considered recommended advice for all:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.)
  • Try to stay 3 feet away from unknown individuals and stay at least 6 feet away from sick individuals.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Seek medical care if you have:
    • A persistent temperature elevation of 103° to 104° despite using fever reducing medication.
    • A sustained dry cough
    • Difficulty catching your breath





Rumor Control

Want to know if something you heard about COVID-19 is fact or fiction? The Federal Emergency Management Agency, an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, has answers on the following link: FEMA Rumor Control






CDC Contact

Use the link below to see current information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19)