Are Airlines Requiring COVID Vaccination?

We’ve covered whether employers and businesses are allowed to require proof of vaccination, but what about airlines? This past year, there were some pretty hefty restrictions on travel leaving a big itch to be scratched now that people are allowed to and feel safe to travel again. In this article, we’ll be answering these questions

1. Are airlines requiring a covid vaccine for boarding?
2. Are vaccines required for domestic flights in the United States?
3. Are airlines requiring vaccines for their own employees?
4. Are airlines requiring a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding?
5. Are there risks of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?
6. How can I fly safely?
7. Why do we need a vaccine passport?

1. Are Airlines Requiring a COVID Vaccine for Boarding

To those who may not know, the airline industry is governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If a COVID-related mandate were to be issued by the federal government regarding travel, the FAA would issue it’s own official ruling to put the mandate into effect for air travel specifically.

As of right now, air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. But what about proof of vaccination?

Airlines are not requiring passengers to provide proof of vaccination yet. Airlines like American, Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines have all told staff this past month that under the Biden administration’s federal contractor rules, they must be vaccinated against COVID-19. United Airlines had reported that over 96% of its staff has been vaccinated against COVID-19 since they implemented a company-wide vaccine mandate in August.

2. Are Vaccines Required for Domestic Flights

Although the CDC urges everyone to delay travel until they are fully vaccinated, vaccination for COVID-19 is not currently required by any airline. As far as testing goes, depending on the country you’re going to, they may or may not require proof of a negative test. If you are flying into the United States, you are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.

Wearing a mask is already mandated for everyone for all forms of public transportation including buses, airplanes, trains, etc. This includes wearing a mask while inside the transit facility like the airport or bus/train station. The CDC also recommends a number of safety precautions for people who are already fully vaccinated. Recommendations for fully vaccinated vs. unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated individuals are slightly different, but certain restrictions still remain for fully vaccinated individuals.

3. Are Airlines Requiring Vaccines for Their Own Employees?

At this time, all major U.S. airlines, with the exception of Delta, have implemented mandatory vacination policies for their entire workforce. Airlines are using some sort of HR platform in order to administer the vaccine management for their employees. Although the vast majority of airlines have already implemented a vaccine mandate internally for each employee, concerns about the government-issued mandate are still being raised by the Allied Pilots Association. With holiday travel right around the corner, some worry that paid sick leave and termination for non-compliance with the mandate may cause a shortage of pilots and other staff.

With the recent mandate issued by President Biden in early September, many are curious about why Delta is the only major airline reluctant to implement the mandate for their employees. A rep from Delta says that the process they already have in place for encouraging vaccination is successful, with a workforce vaccination rate of 85% at the beginning of October.

4. Are Airlines Requiring a Negative COVID-19 Test Prior To Boarding?

Air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding. This applies only to international flights coming into the U.S.

For domestic flights within the United States, passengers are not required to provide proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination status. Although the CDC has determined this safe, many travelers have mixed feelings.

Both sides have some valid arguments and hesitations about requiring a negative COVID test before flying or entering the airport. Travelers who would prefer that domestic flights require proof of a negative test result can feel safer on a sold out flight sitting so closely to a stranger. On the other hand, although providing proof of a negative COVID test result would make many travelers feel safer and more comfortable flying, it would definitely add to the already hectic process of air travel.

Additionally, from the airlines’ perspective, many are having to recover from taking a hard financial hit this past year due to people not being allowed or being afraid to fly. It’s easy to understand that requiring proof of a negative COVID test might deter many travelers from flying and why it would inflict an unnecessary burden on airlines. Since the CDC determined domestic travel to be safe without proof of a negative test result, travelers worried about contracting COVID can feel safer with the mask mandate. 

5. Are There Risks of Getting COVID-19 On An Airplane?

The risk of getting COVID still exists everywhere, whether you are vaccinated or not. With the close-quartered nature of a plane, there will always be a risk of contracting the virus, but the risk is far less likely if you are vaccinated. Back in August, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended a federal mask mandate until January of 2022. The mandate would require everyone both in the airport and on the plane to wear face coverings.

A direct quote from the CDC:

“Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, keeping your distance is difficult on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet/2 meters of others, sometimes for hours, may make you more likely to get COVID-19.”

United Airlines issued it’s statement on what to expect regarding COVID while traveling and how to stay safe and healthy during your time in the airport and on the plane. Companies like Spirit, Delta and SouthWest have all published safety guides and information centers about traveling safely during COVID-19.

6. How Can I Fly Safely?

Although no airline has announced or  implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for passengers, most airlines have guidelines for safety in the airport and while on the plane. For example, Delta Airlines issued a statement on their “Commitment To Flying Safely Together” including a list of regulations stating that customers who have knowingly been exposed to COVID or are showing symptoms of being infected COVID are not permitted to fly.

Although you are not required to be vaccinated, there is a federally-issued mandate that masks must be worn in the airport and while aboard the plane. There is actually a heavy fine for anyone who refuses to wear a mask while on a plane. First time offenders could be fined between $500-$1,000. That fine isn’t just for airports and planes, it applies to all systems of public transportation in the U.S.

To feel and stay safe while traveling, the CDC has a few recommendations:

• Taking shorter trips with members of your household or family
• If your only or best option is to fly, try to book a flight with little to no stops or layovers. Airports have a higher risk of transmission than being on the actual plane.

The CDC also recommends some tips for safety regarding accommodations, food & outdoor activities while traveling

Accommodations:

• Staying in a house or cabin (for example, a vacation rental) with people from your household or fully vaccinated people
• Visiting a fully vaccinated family member’s or friend’s home
• Advising to stay away from hotels, hostels or densely populated areas

Food:

• Brining and preparing your own food or ordering take out 
• Using drive-thru, contactless delivery and curbside pick-up options when possible
• Advising to avoid inside dining and buffet-style eating when possible

Camping:

• Try avoiding camping with people outside your household or people who are not fully vaccinated or camping in large dormitory-style settings
• Engaging in activities (outside or indoors) with people who are not fully vaccinated, wearing masks or social distancing

7. Why Do We Need A Vaccine Passport?

Well first, let’s start by answering the question, “what is a vaccine passport?”. 

A vaccine passport is proof that you’ve tested negative for or been protected against certain infections. It can be digital, like a phone app, or physical, such as a small paper card. You can carry it with you and show it if required, like before you go into the office, board an airplane, or visit a restaurant, movie theater, or gym.

Some U.S. states like California and New York have created official digital credentials that let you verify your COVID-19 immunization record and convert it into a scannable QR code you can pull up on your phone. Europe is also beginning to implement digital vaccination passports. Even though a vaccination passport is an option that is evolving technologically, the paper card that was given to you at the time of your vaccination is accepted as proof of immunization everywhere.

Whether you're traveling an hour long flight to another U.S. city or on an 8+ hour flight over international waters, airtravel can be stressful and nerveracking. Throwing COVID-19 into the equation doesn't calm our nerves, for most it has quite the opposite effect. If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that the sooner we can feel safer and more calm the better. We'll see within the coming months if the mandate has a positive effect on airtravel safety.