Here is the latest news in the airline industry.
According to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the CDC may require proof of a negative COVID test for flights within the U.S. Airlines argue which would cause a further strain on the already struggling industry. In an interview published Monday with the Associated Press, Delta CEO Ed Bastian pushed back against the notion of testing people before flights in the U.S., citing already-weak demand and limited capacities for testing for medical purposes. It has worked for Hawaii. Since October, Hawaii has required a negative COVID test upon landing in order to avoid quarantine.
As of January 26, 2021, the CDC is requiring anyone flying back into the U.S. to provide proof of a negative COVID test done within 72 hours of returning to the U.S. Most hotels are offering free COVID testing on-site. We have dedicated blog posts to some of the most popular destinations so that you can see what your preferred hotel is doing. Browse Jamaica Hotels with COVID testing, Bahamas Hotels with COVID testing, Dominican Hotels with COVID testing, Jamaica Hotels with COVID testing and Mexico hotels with COVID testing.
Delta Airlines is the only U.S. airline that will continue to block middle seats for flights into the spring of 2021, providing added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel. Although there is the option of buying a second seat on a flight, Delta is the only one that is savings travelers the added expense if they did not want to sit directly next to someone.
Delta customers in Detroit Metro can now use their passport number and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership as a digital ID. Delta just launched the first facial recognition option for domestic travelers using a digital ID made up of a customer’s passport number and TSA PreCheck membership. This capability will expand to bag drop and boarding, making Detroit the first airport to have facial recognition from curb to gate for customers traveling domestically.
President Biden has made an executive order that requires travelers to wear face masks when they are in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on passenger aircraft, public transportation, passenger railroads and over-the-road buses operating on scheduled fixed routes. This will be enforced at all airports. Travelers not wearing masks at airports can be fined up to $1,500. Fines for not wearing masks while traveling start at $250 for first-time offenders, and can go up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.
There are limited exceptions according to the CDC under the American’s With Disabilities Act. Exemptions will require documentation from a licensed health care provider, as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from COVID-19. Customers should call the airline in advance to see what their current policy is.
Cathay Pacific now has a mask exemption for business and first-class passengers when lying flat, due to the premium cabins offering high enclosures surrounding the passenger in suite-style seats. When the passenger’s seat is in the upright position, they will still be required to wear a mask. The only exemption is when the seat is in the lie-flat mode.
San Diego Airport rolls out on-site COVID testing. Carbon Health, a major player in COVID-19 testing, is offering “travel clearance visits” that include COVID-19 test that is sufficient for domestic travel. It is the nucleic acid amplification test that is an anterior nasal swab, which is more comfortable than the nasopharyngeal swab. Other west coast airports such as Portland, San Jose and Los Angeles already offer similar testing. The test meets the state requirements of the U.S., but they can not guarantee the test meets international travel requirements. Passengers should get tested 72 hours before their flight, book an appointment online and bring their flight itinerary. Results will be available by 2 pm the following day. You can then download a printable PDF to bring with you.
