United Airlines is updating its check-in process, with health questions now added.
The process – called “Ready-to-Fly” asks customers to confirm they have not experienced COVID-19-related symptoms in the 14 days before flying. It’s part of the “United CleanPlus” initiative that the airline is rolling out.
It asks customers to review a checklist, and click accept during check-in on the United site, their app, at the Kiosk or by an agent. Boarding passes will not be released until this is confirmed.
The check-list includes the following:
- Wearing a face covering while onboard for the safety of everyone.
- Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 21 days.
- Have not experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 14 days (excludes symptoms from a pre-existing condition)
- Experiencing a Temperature of 38 C/100.4 F or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- The recent loss of taste or smell
- Have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening for a communicable disease in the last 14 days.
- Have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
The list also affirms customers are willing to abide by the airline’s other safety protocols, including wearing a face covering for the entire journey.
If the customer is not able to confirm these requirements can be met, they will not be able to travel. As such, they will be able to reschedule their flight. They may also choose to check-in at the airport for further review of the questions and requirement.
In Quotes
Pat Baylis, United Airlines 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 minimize the risk of exposure during the travel experience.”
Dr. James Merlino, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center and a United CleanPlus advisor adds
“As people are returning to their daily activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, their health and safety – as well as the health and safety of others – should continue to be top-of-mind,”
“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.”
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