How Will Travel Change for Me & My Family This Summer?

Many parents are left wondering how their travel schedules could change this summer in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent release of vaccinations. Co-parents may be particularly concerned about how travel regulations could impact custody plans, especially if they tend to spend time out-of-state during summer break. Today, we’re here to answer all your questions about traveling with your family this summer.

To schedule a consultation with experienced family lawyers for your custody or family law case, contact us online or via phone at (415) 805-9069.

While unvaccinated individuals – including children – are not currently barred from traveling, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) does recommend that individuals be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are urged to follow guidelines set forth for unvaccinated travelers by the CDC, and advised no to travel at all unless absolutely necessary.

For many vaccinated parents with small children who are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, this makes planning travel frustrating. Parents may fear that their children – especially those who are at higher risk for COVID-19 – could be placed at unnecessary risk by traveling during the summer.

For parents who want to wait until they can vaccinate their children to travel, vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer have confirmed that they are attempting to get FDA-approved vaccinations for children of all ages this summer.

For parents who want to travel with their children before that happens but are concerned about the risks, Doctors recommend taking the steps many of us have become accustomed to in recent months – encourage your children to social distance, use hand sanitizer when possible, and have them wear a mask when in public. However, traveling safely may be challenging due to the sheer number of individuals passing through airports at any given time.

Co-parents in custody arrangements may face travel-related disputes this summer.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw an increased rate of emergency custody modification cases as parents alleged that co-parents engaged in behavior unsafe for their child.

If a parent attempts to travel with an unvaccinated child this summer, they could find themself on the receiving end of a similar case.

If possible, try mediating the discussion with your co-parent. If you want to avoid legal and logistical issues, it’s important that you’re both on the same page before you take a step such as having your child go through an airport with you.

At Fenchel Family Law PC, we help parents navigate family law disputes. To work with our team on your case and learn more about our services, contact us online or via phone at (415) 805-9069.