United Airlines has become the first major US airline to ask passengers to complete a health self-assessment during their check-in process.
The carrier has created a ‘Ready to Fly’ checklist based on recommendations from non-profit medical centre the Cleveland Clinic to confirm that passengers have not experienced Covid-19 related symptoms in the 14 days before their flight.
The assessment is part of the airline’s wider United CleanPlus guidance and health and safety protocols.
James Merlino, chief clinical transformation officer at the Cleveland Clinic, said: “Our health experts are pleased to play a role in helping people travel more safely and we worked closely with United to develop a health self-assessment for its customers to better ensure precautions are taken before beginning their journey.”
All passengers much accept a checklist, which includes:
- The requirement to wear a face mask while on board.
- Confirmation that they have not been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the previous 21 days or experienced Covid-19 related symptoms in the previous 14 days (excluding pre-existing conditions).
- Confirmation that they have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening for a communicable disease in the previous 14 days.
- Confirmation that they have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 14 days.
Pat Baylis, United’s corporate medical director, said: “The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority, and we have been working closely with trusted medical experts and partners to institute new practices and procedures to further protect those who work and travel with us.
“United’s ‘Ready-to-Fly’ wellness checklist sets clear guidelines on health requirements for our customers and helps minimise the risk of exposure during the travel experience.”