Fort Wayne International Airport Takes Precautions for COVID-19
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) is taking the necessary steps to make sure that Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) remains a safe and healthy environment for all passengers, guests, and employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport continue to be open and operational. The Airport Authority offices are open on an adjusted schedule: 8am - 4:30pm Monday through Friday with the office closed from 11:30am - 12:30pm for lunch.
Mask Up Hoosiers
Fort Wayne International Airport is following the recent security directive issued by the the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by Executive Order from President Bident. Effective February 2, 2021 masks are required to be worn in all airports, commercial aircraft, and in all modes of surface transportation. TSA has developed requirements in consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The full security directive can be read here.
Similarly, in accordance with Governor Holcomb's Executive Order, all passengers, guests, and employees in the airport terminal's indoor public spaces will need to wear a mask, or face covering of some kind, while at FWA. FWA and Airport Authority employees will also be following this requirement when out and about in the terminal building.
Keeping FWA Safe and Healthy
FWA is using a cleaning product that is an approved sanitizer against the human Coronavirus.
Staff is wiping down high touch points multiple times daily. - This includes doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, ticket counters, seating areas, restrooms, etc.
Additional hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the terminal building.
Airline, TSA, restaurant, and car rental staff are paying special attention to sanitizing their leased areas and counter spaces.
Plastic sneeze guards have been installed at all airline tickets counters, car rental counter, gate podiums, and the Airport Authority front desk.
Social distancing markers have been placed on areas where lines may form, as well as on chairs throughout the gate areas.
The Airport Authority is encouraging passengers to stay informed and contact their air carrier with specific questions about their flight via their websites, customer service departments, and social media.
Due to COVID-19, further precautionary measures have been taken to protect both staff and the traveling public at FWA.
Valet Parking Services have been temporarily suspended and all paid parking lots have been transitioned to credit card only in efforts to decrease person-to-person contact.
The Airport’s Customer Service Agent (CSA) program has resumed in a reduced capacity and limited schedule. Passengers needing CSA assistance should call ahead to schedule and ensure a CSA will be on duty.
FWA’s Hospitality Host Program, which are volunteers that hand out cookies and assist passengers with questions about NE Indiana, have been asked to stay home until this pandemic subsides. Prepackaged, individually wrapped cookies will be available for passengers via the Cookie Kiosk located near security exit.
The restaurant is open, but may have special precautions and procedures in place.
The Airport Authority Administrative Offices are closed to the public, and no one will be allowed in without a pre-existing appointment.
Lost and Found items falling under certain categories outlined by Airport Authority staff may be kept for a shorter period of time before being disposed of, if not claimed.
FAQs
Q. Is it safe to fly?
A. As states have reopened, bans and restrictions on travel have been lifted - however non-essential travel is still discouraged. Airlines are taking a number of precautions to ensure that the travel experience is as safe as possible. However, it is at the discretion of each passenger as to whether they continue with their scheduled travel plans. Our staff works diligently throughout the terminal building and airport campus to continuously provide a safe, clean, and sanitized terminal area for the traveling public.
Q. Will my flight be canceled?
A. Cancellations are at the discretion of each individual airline. As frequency and routes have been returning to FWA, cancellations due to COVID are not as prevelant. However, be aware that some airlines and routes have not returned to full frequency, and some destinations may have fewer travel options. We encourage all passengers to check with their airline for any updates on their flight status (use the links above).
Q. What is being done to keep passengers safe during this time?
A. FWA staff has accelerated efforts to clean and disinfect the terminal building multiple times per day. Approved sanitizing cleaning product is being used, high touch areas are being wiped down multiple times per day, hand sanitizing stations can be found throughout the terminal, and TSA agents are now wearing face coverings and changing gloves more frequently. FWA custodail staff is also using a special sprayer that casn quickly and easily disinfect all areas of the terminal building.
Q. What can I do to keep myself and others healthy while traveling?
A. We recommend following the CDC guidelines for safe social distancing while in the terminal, whether you are checking in for your flight or waiting at the gate. We also encourage passengers to wash their hands frequently, make use of hand sanitizer, and cough or sneeze into their elbow. Due to Governor Holcomb's Executive Order, all passengers, guests, and employees in the airport terminal's indoor public spaces must wear a mask, or face covering of some kind, while inside the terminal building. FWA and Airport Authority employees will also be following this requirement when out and about in the terminal building. All airlines also now require face masks for passengers age 2 and older (with execeptions) and crew. If you are sick, or believe you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, we ask that you stay home and make changes to your travel plans.
Q. I am still scheduled to travel but have decided to cancel my flight. How can I do this?
A. Airlines are currently offering a number of options to alleviate the stress of canceling travel. Passengers can contact their airline through their 1-800 number, or their website (link to airlines and destinations page). Airlines have also opened up the ability to reach them through their social media channels and are offering alternative means of cancelling flights due to the current demand.
Q. Can I take hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in my carry-on bag?
A. Yes – TSA will allow hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and pre-moistened hand wipes in your carry-on luggage. Hand sanitizer up to 12oz is allowed, while all other liquids must remain 3.4oz or less.
Q. Am I allowed to come into the airport to pick up my arriving passenger?
A. Guests are allowed inside the terminal building to pick up passengers when necessary. If possible, we encourage those doing an airport pick-up to wait in the Cell Phone Lot and pick their passenger up at the curb when they arrive. If you choose to come into the terminal building to wait for an arriving passenger we ask that you do not come in large groups, or linger in the terminal building longer than needed.
TSA Changes
Passengers keep possession of boarding passes. Instead of handing their boarding pass to a TSA officer at the travel document podium, travelers should now place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves.
Separate food for X-ray screening. Passengers should place their carry-on food items into a clear plastic bag and place that bag into a bin. TSA Precheck members do not need to remove items from their bags.
Pack smart. Passengers should take extra care to ensure that they do not have any prohibited items, such as liquids, gels or aerosols in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, in their carry-on bags (water bottles, shampoo). In response to COVID-19, TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags.
Practice social distancing. Passengers should allow for social distancing to reduce direct contact between employees and travelers whenever possible without compromising security. Noticeable adjustments leading up to the security checkpoint include, increasing the distance between individuals as they enter the security checkpoint, placing visual reminders of appropriate spacing on checkpoint floors and staggering the use of lanes where feasible.
Wear facial protection. TSA officers at checkpoints are now using facial protection. Travelers are encouraged to wear face protection to the checkpoint as well. Please note, however, passengers may need to adjust it during the screening process.
Real ID Deadline Extended. You now have until October 1, 2021 to upgrade your license to a Real ID. Following October 1, 2021 a Real ID will be mandatory in order to fly.
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