United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
US Travel opposed to Covid testing for domestic flights
The U.S. Travel Association has called out as unnecessary and misguided a proposal for Covid-19 tests for domestic flights.
According to Dr. Marty Cetron at the CDC, the possibility of pre-flight tests for domestic flights is being ‘actively looked at.’
"These are conversations that are ongoing, and [we are] looking at what the types and locations of testing might be," Cetron said.
"I think this is a really important part of our toolkit to combat this pandemic."
The USTA opposes any testing protocols for domestic travelers.
In a speech to the National Press Club, U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow said it should stick to ‘sound health and safety practices — especially wearing masks and physical distancing’ in lieu of a wider population receiving the vaccine.
"We are very much in favor of international testing for opening up international travel. It will be the thing that will open up international travel around the world. We’re opposed to testing prior to a domestic flight," Dow said.
Not only will it severely impact any chance of a travel industry recovery but many regional US airports will be unable to enforce it.
The idea is still in the discussion stage, health officials said, although Ian Brownlee, Acting Assistant Secretary for the State Department, said Americans should refrain from any unnecessary travel right now.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled