Flights

Last week, major U.S. airlines announced that they will implement a voluntary contact tracing information program in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travelers arriving from abroad that agree to provide their information to American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and other carriers will have their details relayed to the CDC to improve COVID-19 contact tracing. Ultimately, the goal is to track the spread of the coronavirus and limit outbreaks. Contact tracing is one of the best means of controlling COVID-19 and flattening the curve. The news comes after nearly a year of unenforced regulations that would have required airlines to collect key data from international passengers for electronic submission to Customers and Border Protection (CBP). Though

Before the pandemic hit, I was a 2-3 flights a year kind of person and I usually like to fly American Economy. Recently, I took my first trip since the pandemic and booked a flight from Chicago (ORD) to Boston (BOS). Because of the inexpensive prices I was able to upgrade myself (thank you, me) and purchase a Premium Economy ticket. Here are my impressions from that flight experience, from booking to baggage check. Booking My Ticket My trip to Boston came about because the fares were just so darn low. I decided to visit some old friends in the city and started my search. A Basic Economy fare was under $100 round trip, so I spent a little extra

Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is officially the first airline in the world to vaccinate all of its operating pilots and on-board cabin crew against COVID-19. Earlier this year, as part of the inaugural "APEX Health Safety" audit, Etihad was also awarded Diamond status for ensuring and enforcing the highest standards of hygiene and sanitization. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, said:“We proactively made the vaccine available to all our employees to not only help combat the effects of COVID-19 but to make travelers feel confident and reassured the next time they fly with us. We are the only airline in the world to make COVID-19 testing mandatory for every

Though the approval of the COVID-19 vaccine renewed hope for citizens around the world, new travel requirements announced by US authorities have grown stricter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all international travelers arriving to the United States must present a negative COVID-19 test. This new measure goes into effect on January 26, 2021 and also impacts US citizens returning from abroad. In a statement released by the CDC, director Dr. Robert R. Redfield emphasized that testing alone cannot “eliminate all risk,” and urged travelers to continue wearing masks, follow social distancing measures, and respect quarantine guidelines. How will these measures be enforced? Airlines will check for passenger’s proof of either a negative COVID test result

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the latest airport to offer Covid-19 rapid testing on site provided by Clarity Labs. Here’s what you can expect: Testing is open to all travelers (both departing and arriving) There are three testing locations: Terminal 6 Primary Lab Located across from Terminal 6 on the Lower/Arrivals level. Open from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Test results from 3-5 hours. Terminal 2 Satellite Lab Located at Lower/Arrivals Level baggage claim area. Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Test results within 24 hours. Tom Bradley International Terminal Satellite Lab Located at Upper/Departures level at the check-in counters located in Aisle C, along the north side of the terminal. Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Test results within 24 hours. Walk-ins

This is a developing story and will be updated as more concrete information is confirmed.  As part of several executive orders issued to combat the surging COVID-19 pandemic, United States President Joe Biden announced mandatory mask mandates for planes and other modes of transportation late this afternoon. Just days after the news broke that all travelers flying to or through the US from abroad (including citizens) must present a negative test result before arrival, there is speculation that passengers will also be required to quarantine as well. It’s not yet clear if this will be compulsory or optional, but further detail is expected in the coming hours. [UPDATE 5:45pm] Per the complete text of the executive order, international travelers arriving

As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available over the next weeks and months, the airline industry has stepped up to bridge the gap. To help minimize the mandatory 14-day quarantine that some destinations require for incoming visitors, you can now test for COVID at the airport. More and more airports now offer preflight COVID-19 testing to travelers so you can show proof of negative COVID-19 at check-in. Here’s the list of participating airports and the details you need.* Boston Logan International  (BOS) Bradley International (BDL) Charleston International (CHS) Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) Denver International Airport (DEN) Los Angeles International (LAX) Newark Liberty International (EWR) John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Oakland International (OAK) Orlando