CAE offering free masks to travelers

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport is now offering free masks for travelers. The masks, available at the main lobby information desk and in the TSA security checkpoint line, were provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

CAE received more than 55,000 face coverings last week, according to a news release.  

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines serve CAE, and each airline is requiring passengers to wear a mask or face covering, according to the release.

“We appreciate this needed resource from DOT/Federal Aviation Administration,” Mike Gula, CAE executive director, said. “We are working every day to ensure the safety of our travelers, and having free masks available for passengers aids in our commitment to the well-being of everyone traveling through CAE.”

CAE continues to monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control COVID-19 guidelines. In addition to the free masks, additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the terminal and at all departure gates. Restrooms are being cleaned every one to two hours, increased sanitizing is being done in public seating and high-touch areas such as escalators, and Plexiglas shields are in place at airline counters, retail shops and the airport restaurant, which is offering a limited menu and practicing social distancing.

A Plexiglas shield has also been installed at the security checkpoint check-in desk, and markers signifying social distancing spacing have been placed at the checkpoint and in retail shops.