Updated January 3, 2023
If your looking for answers to general questions about TUS not related to COVID, please click this button:
The Department of Homeland Security has once delayed the deadline when it will begin enforcement of the requirement for airline passengers to have a Real ID. The deadline is now May 7, 2025. As a result, until that date passengers may continue to use a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license at TSA Security Checkpoints. Click here to learn how to get the Arizona Travel ID that complies with Real ID requirements.
So far that has not normally been necessary at Tucson International Airport (TUS). Wait times at TUS security checkpoints rarely exceed 15 minutes so arriving 90 minutes ahead of scheduled flight time is usually adequate, barring unforeseen circumstances or passengers requiring extra time.
Individuals can carry-on one container of liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces provided it is placed inside a clear plastic bag and screened separately from carry-on bags. Otherwise the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is still in effect requiring liquids, lotions and gels to be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) with all containers placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag and only one plastic bag per passenger. There are exceptions for liquid medication, baby food, breast milk, formula and juice provided they are declared to TSA before screening. More about TSA is on the TUS Security page here.
No. There are no requirements to take a COVID test for domestic travel within the United States. For international travel, check your destination for the latest entry requirements. From the United States most counties have lifted entry requirements, especially for vaccinated travelers. Some countries still require arrivals to produce a negative COVID test result depending on vaccination status. The U.S. Department of State offers country-specific travel information here.
The United States requires all foreign nationals to show proof of vaccination and provide contact information to the airline within 72 hours of departure listing their full name, address while in the U.S., primary contact phone number, secondary or emergency contact phone number and email address. (This information is to be kept by the airline for 30 days and turned over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upon request.)
If you find a flight at a fare you feel is acceptable, book it. Airline schedules are just now approaching pre-pandemic levels. Expect fares to be higher than you have seen them in a while.
If there has been a consumer benefit that has come from the pandemic, it is that Alaska, American, Delta and United airlines have permanently ended change fees on all but their lowest priced basic economy fare tickets. Southwest Airlines does not charge change fees. Ultra-low fare airlines Flair and Sun Country are keeping their regular change-fee policies. In all cases, passengers pay the difference if the fare for the new flight is higher than the original fare.
For details on change policies click the link for your airline:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Flair Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
United Airlines
No. It is your decision whether to wear a face covering at TUS. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has withdrawn the security directive requiring face masks be worn in airports and ended enforcement. Wearing a face covering is also no longer required for airport employees.
No, all airlines arriving and departing TUS have made wearing face masks optional. Be aware some airports and destinations may still require wearing a face covering so it’s wise to bring one in case you need it.
Check with your airline as this is changing rapidly. In most cases, U.S. airlines are not requiring face covering be worn during the flight. Airlines based in other countries may still require wearing a face covering. Destinations may also have local requirements to wear a face covering so it’s a good idea to bring a face mask in case you need it.
Pre-departure COVID-19 tests are no longer required before boarding an international flight coming to the United States. All travelers must provide contact information to the airline within 72 hours of departure listing their full name, address while in the U.S., primary contact phone number, secondary or emergency contact phone number and email address. (This information is to be kept by the airline for 30 days and turned over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upon request.) Non-U.S. citizens ages 18 and older must also provide proof of vaccination and complete a form attesting they meet entry requirements. The CDC has more information here.
If you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or a foreign national traveling on an immigrant visa, the procedures outlined in the answer to question 11 also apply to you. If you are a foreign national you must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination otherwise you will not be permitted to board an international flight to the United States.
No. COVID tests are no longer available at TUS. Visit the Arizona Department of Health Services website for testing locations here.
No, the vaccination clinic in the TUS terminal has closed. The Arizona Department of Health Services can help you find another location on its website here.
Yes. If you received your vaccination through a pharmacy such as CVS Health, Fry’s or Walgreens, return to the location where you received your most recent dose and they should be able to print a new card from their electronic records. State health agencies also track vaccinations through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Immunization Information Systems. To get a replacement card in Arizona, complete the form here and return it to ASIISHelpDesk@azdhs.gov. More information is at Arizona State Immunization Information System or call (602) 364-3899.
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