COVID-19 Travel Information
The safety and well-being of our customers and employees at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport is our top priority.
The Rhode Island Department of Health does not currently require travelers to quarantine or be tested upon arrival in Rhode Island regardless of vaccination status. To lower the chances of catching and spreading COVID-19, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommends that travelers follow quarantine and testing guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
People who have recently traveled are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after arrival. For more information, visit http://Covid.RI.gov/travel.
Travel restrictions between the U.S. and many foreign nations continue. Please consult with your airline if you have international travel planned.
For more information on the coronavirus, please visit the Rhode Island Department of Health website or the CDC website.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has been taking measures including:
- Enhanced and continuous cleaning protocols. We have increased the frequency and are using enhanced cleaning protocols to disinfect and sanitize the Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport terminal.
- Additional hand sanitizing stations. We have increased the quantity of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes available for customers and employees throughout our airport.
- Encouraging safety & proper hygiene. We encourage all of our employees and passengers to practice good hygiene and frequent hand washing. Everyone plays an important role in containing the spread of the virus.
- Encouraging passengers who are booked on flights that may be impacted by the recent travel restrictions announced on March 11 to contact their airline directly for more information. Flight cancellations and schedule adjustments are made by the airlines.
We will continue to respond to the latest on COVID-19 with customer and employee safety top of mind.
- Public health officials recommend personal hygiene and frequent hand washing as the best way to prevent illness.
- Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home when sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you are traveling overseas, follow the CDC’s guidance.
- Check-in with your airline if you have questions about your travel itinerary.
- While not protective against COVID-19, public health officials also recommend the influenza vaccine. It’s not too late to get an influenza vaccine, since flu season can last into spring.
Information about the coronavirus is updated frequently; check the following resources for up-to-date information:
- Healthy Air Travel updates provided by the U.S. Departments of Transportation (DOT), Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of State
- CDC web page on COVID-19
- Rhode Island Department of Health
White Papers and Research:
- Harvard School of Public Health – Aviation Public Health Initiative
- United Airlines/Department of Defense Commercial Aircraft Cabin Safety Study
- USDOT’s Runway to Recovery
- Is It Safe for Airlines to Fill the Middle Seat?
Media Coverage:
- Chan School study gives airports high marks in COVID safety
- 11 travelers test positive at RI airport, as hospitals brace for Thanksgiving fallout
- Travelers offered rapid testing at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport this weekend
- Travelers arriving to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport are being greeted with free rapid COVID tests
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport offers COVID safety kits to travelers
- As Thanksgiving prompts air travel, airport officials promote safety guidelines
- United Airlines shows off their plan to stop the spread of COVID-19
- NBC 10 I-Team: Is air travel safe during the pandemic?
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport passenger numbers highest since March
- At Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, surfaces get pounds of prevention
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport utilizing new tech to disinfect airport
For a full list of Rhode Island Airport Corporation Press Releases, click here.
2022
Although the federal mask mandate for transportation hubs has been repealed, as of May 3, 2022, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone aged 2 and older – including passengers and workers – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, etc.).
For more information, please visit the CDC’s website.
2021
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) clarified that the aircraft cabin remains a very low risk environment for contracting COVID-19, even though Omicron appears to be more transmissible than other variants in all environments. Read more:
https://www.itij.com/latest/news/iata-says-air-travel-remains-safe-during-omicron
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will increase the range of civil penalties that may be imposed on individuals who violate the federal mask mandate at airports, on commercial aircraft, and in various modes of surface transportation, including passenger railroads, intercity bus services, and other public transportation.
The new range of penalties, which take effect September 10, 2021, will be $500 – $1,000 for first time offenders and $1,000 – $3,000 for repeat offenders.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.
Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities as well as civil penalty fines will also remain in place.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order on January 29, 2021 requiring the wearing of masks by travelers to prevent spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals must wear masks that cover both the mouth and nose when awaiting, boarding, traveling on, or disembarking public conveyances. Masks must also be worn when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub in the United States. This Order will take effect February 1, 2021.
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chief Steve Dickson signed an order on January 13, 2021, directing the agency to take a “zero tolerance policy” regarding disruptive passengers on flights and implementing stricter legal enforcement policy that can result in fines of up to $35,000 and imprisonment.
“Flying is the safest mode of transportation and I signed this order to keep it that way,” Administrator Dickson said in a video released by the agency.
2020
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is pleased to provide access to the latest aircraft cabin safety studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, the Department of Defense and other partners.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is pleased to provide access to the latest aircraft cabin safety studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, the Department of Defense and other partners.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation is pleased to announce that complimentary “PVD Cares Kits” are now available upon request for travelers in need of a face covering, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes to help them in their “safe travels!”
As Rhode Island moves into Phase 3 of its re-opening plan, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) are providing updates for travelers regarding airport parking, available concessions, and new quarantine requirements for individuals arriving from states with high coronavirus positivity rates.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) today expressed appreciation to Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation for their efforts to urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to amend its “minimum service” rule, which adversely and unfairly impacts Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) today expressed their disappointment in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final order on Service Obligations for Air Carriers Receiving Financial Relief through the CARES Act on April 7, 2020.
Governor Gina Raimondo calls for 14-day self-quarantine for returning domestic and international passengers.
Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport reminds travelers to check flight status for consolidation/cancellations and other important airport service updates.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) announces enhanced safety protocols and promotes Governor’s executive order.
For the past several weeks, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has been utilizing enhanced cleaning protocols to disinfect and sanitize the Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport terminal and all high-touch public areas as part of our efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) and RI COVID-19 Task Force continue prevention protocols.
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) partners with RI COVID-19 Task Force and federal agencies.
