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If you’re a Southwest Airlines customer, you now have added protections in the event that your flight is canceled by the carrier.
After a federal probe, Southwest has been forced to pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement.
The money is the result of a settlement connected to delays and cancellations that took place during year-end holiday travel on 2022.
How To Get a Refund With Southwest
To get a refund, Southwest says you can choose either to a) receive a method-of-payment refund or b) hold the value of the ticket as a flight credit or Transferable Flight CreditTM(depending on the fare) to buy a future flight.
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Traveling for less can be difficult after holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day. For 2024, you can keep a lot of your travel money, if you know how to do it.
This article will show you how to save money on travel for Thanksgiving and Christmas if you’re an apprehensive traveler. Here’s what you need to know about flying this holiday season.
How To Save Money On Travel This Year
For the fall, there have been some good sales, especially with Southwest Airlines, so you can save money if you want to. The real issue is whether you’re ready to risk it all to fly to a vacation destination or home for the holidays.
If you want to know what safety measures airlines have put in place, here’s what to know:
Typically, you may be asked to quarantine from 10 to 14 days, so you’d better have some vacation days to spare.
How To Save On Holiday Travel
Let’s talk about some ways you can save on holiday travel. Always check Southwest’s Fare Calendar for days with cheaper prices. If you’re traveling abroad, I love Scott’s Cheap Flights as well. Here’s how to save on airfares for cheap travel anywhere in the world.
1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
The Sunday after a holiday weekend is always the most expensive day to travel. Make sure you remain flexible so that you can book the cheapest travel days, which are typically a few days earlier or later than the weekend.
The cheapest days to buy travel is typically a couple days before a holiday — except when those days happen to fall on any of the three weekend days. So that means buying on Tuesday through Thursday is typically your best bet.
2. Pack One Bag Only
If you want to save money, always only take one travel bag with you. Most airlines charge between $30 to $40 for a carryon bag. That’s up to $80 coming and going.
For example, Delta Air Lines charges $40 for a second checked bag.
Even if you have to wear the same thing for a day, it’s worth it to save on baggage fees.
3. Look For Travel Bundles
If you need a rental car, you can save money if you bundle that purchase with your airfare. The same is true for hotels, although you typically won’t need one if you’re going home for the holidays.
Travel sites like Priceline and Orbitz has deals galore on trip bundles that include flights and hotel itineraries.
4. Compare Prices
Consider alternate airports or destinations that may have lower fares.
Check prices for nearby airports, as they might offer more affordable options.
For example, flying out of New Orleans may be more affordable than flying out of Baton Rouge.
Final Words
Money-saving travel is more of an art than science, but you can save for the holidays if you put your mind to it.
The main thing you need to remember is that airline travel has changed drastically since early 2020. You will need to pack differently, including bringing plenty of masks and gloves.
You will also need to adjust your eating habits as many restaurants close their kitchens earlier or still have limited menus.
Whatever you do, try to have fun and be safe on your travels.
To New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.
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If you’re going on a really expensive trip soon, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to buy some travel insurance. Yes, it costs money, but you’re also buying peace of mind.
Do you need travel insurance? This article will explain it to you in-depth.
Do I Need To Buy Travel Insurance?
Some people may not believe that travel insurance is a necessity, but your decision largely depends on the details surrounding your trip.
Is the travel provider, no matter if it’s a cruise ship or airline, giving passengers vouchers or refunds if the trip is canceled? That’s a key question that you need to know before you book your trip.
If your travel provider isn’t covering you for trip interruptions, including cancellations, then you will need to buy travel coverage.
The reason that question is important is because travel insurance covers two things related to your trip:
- Your reservation
- Your health expenses
Travel insurance protects you by covering your financial losses caused by a trip interruption, which could include everything from lost luggage to missed airline connections.
Is Is Wise To Buy Travel Insurance?
Yes, it is generally wise to buy travel insurance, especially if you are traveling to a foreign country or engaging in activities that carry some risk. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, lost or stolen baggage, and other travel-related problems.
The cost of travel insurance varies depending on the level of coverage and the length of your trip. However, it is usually a small percentage of the total cost of your trip, and the benefits can be well worth the cost.
Before buying travel insurance, be sure to carefully review the policy terms and conditions, including coverage limits, exclusions, and the claims process. Consider purchasing from a reputable provider and comparing quotes from multiple companies to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
3 Reasons Why You Should Buy Trip Insurance
Anyway, here are three reasons why you need to buy trip insurance right after you’ve booked your travel.
1. You Can Cover Yourself Late
Trip insurance is viable as long as you purchase it before your flight or disembarkation.
Trip Insurance can be purchased as late as the day before you travel. That means you could theoretically wait things out to see if they get better. Just don’t wait too late!
2. Cover Your Medical Expenses
If you have an accident or scary medical situation in another country, your bill may be sky high because your insurance doesn’t travel with you. You’ll be subject to the laws of the land.
The only way you can ensure that emergency medical assistance is covered is if you have trip insurance.
3. Have Peace Of Mind
Another reason you should purchase trip insurance is for peace of mind. Having a missed flight or cancellation can worry you to no end, if you let it. With trip insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered.
Final Word
Travel insurance is one of those expenses that you seldom think about when it comes to taking a weekend getaway or longer trip.
Flying in and out of New Orleans is easier than ever after the Louis Armstrong Airport remodel.
New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.
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Have you ever used Kayak to find cheap flights online? If not, you’re missing out on cheap travel. Relatively few people know how to take advantage of the many tools Kayak has to offer to get affordable fares from more than 900 travel sites.
One of the good things we like about Kayak is that there are no hidden or extra fees tacked onto the fares displayed. Some sites will show you a fare, but the price will change at checkout. That’s not the case with Kayak.
How To Use Kayak To Find Cheap Fares
In this article, we’ll tell you how to use Kayak to find low airfare. No matter if you’re traveling alone or with friends and families, these tips can help you during the travel-booking process.
Quick Links: How To Use Kayak
- What Is Kayak And Is It Safe?
- How To Use Kayak’s Explorer Map
- What Is A Hacker Fare On Kayak?
- How To Track Your Route On Kayak
What Is Kayak And Is It Safe To Use?
Kayak is a travel website that is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc., the global leader in online travel services. Like many travel booking sites, Kayak is safe to use.
The site works by showing you fares and when you click them, forwarding you to the respective travel provider, whether it be an airline or hotel, to book directly on their site.
How To Use Kayak’s Explorer Map
Kayak is perhaps most famously known for its Explorer Map, which is perfect for travelers looking to check out another part of the world for lower-than-normal fares.
- To use the Explorer Map, just go to kayak.com/explore on your phone or laptop.
- On the interactive map, you can choose where to go based on your budget.
- Click on “When” to select departure and arrival dates.
Be Flexible
What you’ll often find is that the dates you input in the map have caused the prices to rise. Don’t worry, if you have flexible travel plans, simply change the starting location for your search or the dates.
What Is A Hacker Fare On Kayak?
A Hacker Fare is a fare that is a combination of two one-way tickets, rather than one round-trip ticket. Hacker Fares can include a single airline or multiple airlines, depending on how many stops your itinerary has.
The main thing to know about Hacker Fares is that they are capable of saving travelers a lot of money for the inconvenience of potentially changing carriers.
Some places are more popular than others when it comes to Hacker Fares. According to Kayak, here are the top destinations for Hacker Fares.
Top Hacker Fare Destinations
- Kona, Hawaii – 22%
- Martha’s Vineyard – 22%
- St. Augustine, Florida – 19%
- Palm Springs, California – 19%
- Niagara Falls, NY – 10%
How To Track Your Route On Kayak
Another cool feature of Kayak is that it has a Route Tracking Tool that allows you to see how prices may change on your itinerary before you book.
The goal of the route tracker is to give you an idea of how prices change over time or compare two destinations’ price trends.
To use Kayak’s route tracker, put in the following parameters:
- Origin City
- Destination
- Destination #2
Once you hit enter, you can compare prices year-over-year and see how they differ.
You can also research Kayak’s Price Trends by Destination. After that, it’s up to you to decide what you’re going to do based on the prices.
Final Word
Kayak is a great resource for finding cheap fares online. Kayak is one of the best sites to find cheap flights online. Just like many of the other travel websites, you’re going to have to do some research to find the best deals, but they’re out there.
What I like about the site is that you don’t have to worry about whether your personal and payment information is safe. With Kayak, it is.
If you like this content, check out our Travel Savings Guide to save on the places you want to go this year.
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Every now and then, it’s simply time to get on a plane and go away for a long weekend. If you’re looking for a place to travel in March 2023 away from New Orleans, you’ll love these places.
Travel is back in vogue right now, so don’t be shy about booking the cheapest flights you can find out of New Orleans.
Where To Go For A Weekend Trip From New Orleans
New York
Mid-April 2023: Spirit Airlines. Airfare from $90
Photo by Luca Bravo / Unsplash What’s not to do in the Big Apple? Some must-visit spots include:
- Ellis Island/the Statue of Liberty
- Central Park
- Apollo Comedy Theater
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- American Museum of Natural History
Atlanta
Late April 2023: Frontier Airlines: Airfare from $97
You can visit Atlanta, Georgia, and take in all the fried chicken and sweet tea your tummy can handle.
Top Atlanta events this Year:
- One Music Fest
- Music Midtown
- Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
- Sweet Auburn Music Festival
Charleston
Mid May: Breeze Airways: Airfare from $170
Photo credit: Dylan Mullins / Unsplash Charleston, South Carolina is only a four-hour drive from Atlanta and it’s worth the ride.
Top Charleston events this Year:
- Charleston Bluegrass Festival
- Low Country Cajun Festival
- Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
Savannah
Late April: Breeze Airways: Airfare from $200
Photo credit:
Jessica Furtney / UnsplashSavannah, Georgia is only a four-hour drive from Atlanta and it’s worth the ride.
Top Savannah events this Year:
- Savannah Hemp & Arts Festival
- Tybee Wine Festival
- Savannah Jazz Festival
Houston
Early May: Spirit Airlines: Airfare from $142
Houston and Nola are sister cities in a way. Both of them are right off Interstate 10 and both are filled with people from New Orleans (a joke)!
Things To Do & See In Houston:
- Houston Zoo
- Galveston Beach
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
- The Galleria
- Sam Houston Park
Augusta
Early June: Spirit Airlines: Airfare from $289
Photo credit: Todd Trapani / Unsplash One of the most popular tourist spots in the South, Augusta has a rich music heritage (James Brown) and is known for cultural sports events (the Masters).
Here are some things to do and see in August:
- Augusta Craft Beer Festival
- Elijah Beach
- Hickory Know State Park
- Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival
- Westobou Festival
Jacksonville
Late May: Delta Air Lines: Airfare from $173
Photo credit: David Masemore / Unsplash Jacksonville, Florida is a eight-hour drive from Atlanta. If you start at 1 p.m, you’ll be in city limits by 6 p.m., just in time for dinner.
Here are some things to do and see in Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival
- Neptune Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Summer Volksfest
- Jacksonville Caribbean Festival
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from New Orleans that are on sale.
New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.
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There are some great ways to relax these days, but few things beat getting to travel on a weekend getaway. When you have to do it alone, you realize that it has its challenges, but it’s still fun.
As mentioned in our Travel Savings Guide, I’ve been traveling alone for most of my life. And I’ve traveled to places for and wide, including international destinations, tropical islands more.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Travel Alone?
When it comes to age, passengers who are 15 and over are permitted to fly on U.S. airlines alone. Kids ages 5 to 11 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless there are special circumstances.
How To Travel By Yourself And Have Fun
If you’re going to travel by yourself, you already know that it’s less expensive than traveling with a group or one other person. For that reason alone, the trip may be worth it.
We’re going to show you some great ways to travel alone and save money. And you don’t have to worry about feeling lonely[ you can meet a lot of people traveling alone. In fact, many people have said that they had more freedom traveling solo.
Buy Travel Insurance
To protect yourself in case the travel provider cancels your trip, you’ll want to purchase travel insurance. What you don’t want to do though is buy trip insurance from the airline, cruise line or tour operator you’re traveling with.
The reason is because those insurance plans are the worst. You need to buy from an independent trip insurer so that you’ll be impartially protected.
Read more about buying travel insurance.
Fly On A Budget Airline
If you really want to save on airfare, avoid the Uniteds and American Airlines of the world, and choose a budget airline.
Perhaps you know about Frontier Airlines’ all-you-can fly subscription, which makes sense if you travel a lot. Other budget carriers may not offer a subscription, but you can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.
Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.
Let Loved Ones Know Where You Are
A good safety measure once you touch down is to let your family and friends know your location in a different city. You might want to ping your location to them on your phone or send them a text message with your hotel address.
Eat Like A Local
When you arrive at your destination, save money by asking for the restaurants that the locals prefer. Not only will you be sure to avoid the tourist spots, but it’ll be a lot cheaper.
As a bonus, eating where the local community eats will give you a chance to experience the authentic dining scene on its terms.
Final Words
Flying in and out of New Orleans is easier than ever after the Louis Armstrong Airport remodel.
New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.
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Heading to the Crescent City for Mardi Gras? Any visit to New Orleans should be one at a decent, safe and comfortable hotel. But where?
In this article, we’ll show you where you need to stay in New Orleans.
Should I Say In The French Quarter Or Downtown New Orleans?
If you’re looking to get an authentic taste of New Orleans, you should stay in the French Quarter. Not only is it within walking distance of downtown, but the French Quarter has some of the city’s best restaurants and things to see.
Four Seasons Hotel
2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 434-5100
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Wedding Second Line Parade. Credit: Christian Horan Photography Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers unmatched views of the riverfront and more in the city: indoors and outdoors, street-level and high above skyline. Book a room at the Four Seasons.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (800) 935-8740
Here’s what one guest says about Bourbon Orleans Hotel: “We stayed here for 5 days and it was amazing. The staff is truly amazing! The doormen and beyond what you would expect i never touched a door in this hotel or my bags once. David was exceptional and a true professional. The hotel is older and smaller but its worth it. The pool is heated and gorgeous. It’s close enough to bourbon street to see the action but far enough that it’s quiet. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Thank you all for a wonderful time!”
The Roosevelt New Orleans
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 648-1200
Here’s what one guest says about The Roosevelt: “The Roosevelt is the only hotel I stay in when I’m in New Orleans. The front desk staff, Nicholas in particular, always make you feel at home upon arrival. I always like to be on the top floor, and they are always accommodating. I’d highly recommend one of the luxury suites for a truly fascinating experience.”
The Ritz-Carlton
921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 524-1331
Here is what one guest says about the Ritz-Carlton. “Our stay was wonderful from beginning to end. From the service to the cleanliness, from the food to the fitness center, we were pleased with every detail.”
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 586-0300
Here’s what one guest says about the Royal Sonesta. “My husband and friend picked the Royal Sonesta as our hotel for a surprise trip to New Orleans. The service was excellent from the start, and we upgraded our room to a spot with a terrace overlooking the pool. The pool area was clean.”
JW Marriott New Orleans
614 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-6500
Here’s what one guest says about the JW Marriott. “This hotel and its staff, far exceeded my expectations! It was the best service and most hospitable of any hotel I’ve been in years.”
Final Word
Hospitality is part of the New Orleans fabric: We love to take care of people, hosting them and housing them. If you’re coming to the city, what hotel will you choose to stay in?
New Orleans, Louisiana is a very hospitable place. You can find this out very easily from the hotel industry. New Orleans has some of the best hotels in the Southeast.
Getting to know someone over lunch or dinner can be intimidating for many people, but hopefully the awesome restaurants we’ve listed can make it easier.
If you really want to take things to the next level, you can pay for exclusive dining by renting out a banquet room for a small group of family and friends.
Want to make it official? Here’s how to sweep her off her feet.
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When you’re searching online for cheap flights, don’t forget to look at the budget airlines. Many low-cost carriers have low fares you can take advantage of for roundtrip flights.
In this article, I’m going to show you some of the cheapest airlines so that you can make an informed decision when it’s time for you to choose a flight.
What You Need To Know About Cheap Airlines
Cheap airlines are not grown on a tree. Affordable airfare is a result of market forces that the carriers have been forced to respond to. Airlines have determined that it’s in their best interest to have cheaper fares along with more expensive ones.
Some of the major airlines know that they can’t compete with low-cost airlines so they have introduced cheaper fares, known as Basic Economy fares. The truth is that these types of fares mimic what you get on a cheap airline.
Are Cheap Airlines Safe?
One argument that many people use is that cheaper airlines have a safety problem, but that has not been substantiated. The latest 2021 data shows that budget airlines are no safer or no less safe than their larger counterparts.
When it comes to fatal crashes, the safest airline over the past 70-plus years is Quantas, which last had a downed plane in 1951.
Now you may have some questions pertaining to which airlines are the cheapest. Here’s a chart based off data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
What Are The Cheapest Airlines?
Rank Airline Headquarters 1. Spirit Airlines Miramar, Florida 2. Frontier Airlines Denver, Colorado 3. Hawaiian Airlines Honolulu, Hawaii 4. Allegiant Air Las Vegas, Nevada 5. Sun Country Airlines Minneapolis/St. Paul 6. Alaska Airlines Seattle, Washington 7. JetBlue Airways Long Island City, New York 8. American Airlines Fort Worth, Texas 9. United Airlines Chicago, Illinois 10. Southwest Airlines Dallas, Texas How To Book Cheap Flights
The #1 way to book cheap flights is to compare flights by going to a site that aggregates fares. prices are available. Google Flights or Momondo are two of the best places to start.
Once you find the best prices for airfare, make sure you book on the right day.
Book On The Right Day
Not a lot has been written about this, but Southwest usually drops its fares on Tuesdays, which is when its members get emails advertising cheap flights.
For example, on Tuesdays, Southwest matches prices to compete with low-cost carriers. You can either try to book in the morning or afternoon to get a flight.
Avoid Baggage Fees
With budget airlines, it’s common for the flight to be $20 or $30, but the baggage fee will be $40 one way. That means you could end up paying $80 more for a roundtrip flight.
If you can, try to pack smart so that you can save money on your trip.
Download this free packing list to help you make room for your belongings.
Final Word
Finding a cheap flight is more of an art than a science, but doing your research will typically save you money. Always compare flights on the sites we mention above. And don’t be afraid to use a budget airline, if you find a good fare.
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Southwest Airlines is responding to the airline industry’s mass pullback of flights by growing its flight schedule. The airline will bolster its schedule through fall and early winter into Jan. 4, 2023.
Here is Southwest’s new nonstop flights that they are adding:
- San Jose, Calif., and Palm Springs, daily except on Saturdays, beginning Nov. 6, 2022;
- Nashville and Long Beach, Calif., once daily, beginning Nov. 6, 2022;
- Nashville and Steamboat Springs (Hayden), Colo., only on Saturdays, beginning Dec. 17, 2022; and
- Colorado Springs and San Diego, on select peak travel days from late November through early January (see specific itinerary options by date on Southwest.com.)
These new flights and the carrier’s full schedule is now open for booking through Jan. 4, 2023.
What Destinations Can You Fly From New Orleans?
Southwest serves New Orleans from several U.S. cities including:
- Dallas
- Denver
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Orlando
- New York
How To Get Cheap Flights Right Now
To get cheap flights on Southwest or any airline right now, you’ve got to have a strategy. One easy tip is to go to the websites of some cheap budget airlines and check out their fares. Here are some top low-fare airlines.
Final Word
Flying in and out of New Orleans is easier than ever after the Louis Armstrong Airport remodel.
New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.
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Thinking about visiting New Orleans? If so, you should know the ins and outs of the city’s COVID restrictions.
The pandemic has severely curtailed business as usual in the city. As a result, many of the things you would expect just aren’t there. The city and surrounding municipalities is taking several measures, including opening more COVID testing sites.
This article will tell you the details on New Orleans’ COVID restrictions.
What Are COVID Restrictions For New Orleans?
The COVID Restrictions for New Orleans are as follows:
Because COVID infections continue to rise, New Orleans is expanding the COVID-19 vaccine/testing mandate.
All locations where city residents who are adults are currently required to show proof of vaccine or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours will remain the same, and will now apply to children starting January 3, 2021.
- Beginning Monday January 3: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of one dose of the COVID vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
- Beginning Tuesday, February 1: For everyone age 5+, the City of New Orleans is requiring proof of two doses of the COVID vaccine, except for those who have received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or a negative PCR, molecular, or antigen test within 72 hours at restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
Under the new expansion of the mandate, no exceptions have been made for conventions and large gatherings.
Although there is no mask mandate currently in effect, the use of masks indoors is strongly encouraged at this time.
The information below reflects the guidelines that are currently in effect.
Does New Orleans Have A Mask Mandate?
The City of New Orleans does have a mask mandate, which requires people to wear face coverings in the following settings:
- While passengers and operators of public conveyances, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, buses, taxis, ride-shares, and the corresponding transportation hubs.
- In all healthcare facilities, including physician’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities;
- All K-12 educational institutions, unless the institution has adopted an isolation and quarantine policy for students, faculty and staff consistent with the protocols set by the Louisiana Department of Health.
- All individuals over the age of 2 and without breathing complications (i.e. use of oxygen) are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces;
- Businesses must comply with all safety requirements as set forth herein. Nothing in these guidelines shall prevent private businesses from requiring masks or social distancing to conduct operations;
- Movement around the City should be limited so as to minimize interaction with large groups; and live entertainment is only allowed following the rules set forth on pages 8-13, in addition to the specific directives below, when applicable.
What Happens If I Lose My Vaccine Card?
If you lose your vaccine card, you may be wondering what you can do. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Contact the location where you were vaccinated and request a replacement card.
- If you are not able to contact your original provider, contact your state’s health department.
- In Louisiana, here’s how to request a replacement copy from the state.
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