Gary Kelly Rejects Virus Testing Domestic Travelers
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,509
Gary Kelly Rejects Virus Testing Domestic Travelers
No COVID-19 testing of domestic air travelers.
Southwest CEO Gary Kelly wants the focus on vaccinating people faster. He said vaccine availability “should mark the beginning of the end of this pandemic” even if current passenger bookings aren’t showing it.
AP
“Why pick on air travel? If you want to test people ... test them before they go to the grocery store, test them before they go to a restaurant.”
AP
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
Agree.
It seems like a good idea to consider. Now that we considered it, not so good.
Imagine the "black market" for fake test results. LOL!
It seems like a good idea to consider. Now that we considered it, not so good.
Imagine the "black market" for fake test results. LOL!
#4
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Central US
Programs: WN CP, HHonors, Hyatt Platinum, IHG Premier,LaQuinta Elite, Amtrak
Posts: 451
A dose of reality appeared in 2021. If you are close to someone who is carrying the virus, you are at risk, whether you are on an aircraft, in a restaurant, or elsewhere. Manage the risk accordingly... wear a good mask, keep it on while you are on the plane and in the airport, and you should be OK.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,509
A dose of reality appeared in 2021. If you are close to someone who is carrying the virus, you are at risk, whether you are on an aircraft, in a restaurant, or elsewhere. Manage the risk accordingly... wear a good mask, keep it on while you are on the plane and in the airport, and you should be OK.
The WSJ reports flight attendant unions say FAs have tested positive at the same or lower rates as airline employees who work on the ground.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: Jetblue, Turkish, Hilton Gold, Spirit Gold
Posts: 418
Thus is not about exposure during flight, this is about people bringing mutated variants to new communities, like in the beginning of the pandemic.
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
It should not be. Long distance train and bus service ought to be subject to the same requirements. But, that is not a reason not to require testing for air travel, particularly for those originating in high infection rate areas.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,192
How many people would go to the effort to drive, take a train, or take a bus... for a weekend trip from LAX to PIT? 2 days from HOU-MEX? or hops SAN-LAS-BOS with a a 40 minute stop in MDW where aren't allowed to deplane
Last edited by expert7700; Jan 29, 2021 at 10:47 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
Hawaii flights follow state mandated requirement and they are the only entry point into state with relatively minor covid burden.
Mainland flights represent a fraction of overall travel most of which is done by car. Blocking spread of new strains would require shutting down automotive travel first and foremost.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,032
#14
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,944