The coronavirus pandemic has been ongoing for nearly 15 months, and has changed life seemingly forever. Thankfully with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and restrictions easing around the country, many of the activities we all enjoyed pre-pandemic may soon come back.

While it’s unlikely things will completely go back to our pre-pandemic society, many people are starting to do things they haven’t done in a while — like traveling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends wearing masks while flying, despite lifting other restrictions.

Medical professionals recommend KN95 and N95 masks to travelers particularly if they’re not fully vaccinated, immunocompromised (meaning that the vaccination might not be as effective) or in close contact with someone who is. 

Thankfully Austin Technology Supply, a U.S. based company that sells medical-grade masks at affordable prices, has several KN95 and N95 masks that are both certified and effective.

3M Aura Particulate Respirator 9210+/37192, N95, 20 Pack

Doctors recommend that travelers wear a NIOSH-approved properly-fitted disposable N95 respirator mask if they’ll be on a long flight, because they offer the most protection, fit snugly and most masks offer a one size fits all.

KN95 masks offer good protection as well, but make sure the masks you pick are on the FDA EUA list, meaning they've been authorized by the FDA for emergency medical use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDA EUA KN95 Particulate Respirator - Benehal 9015 - 20 Pack