American Airlines: Traveling During Covid19

We all know that air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring us in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, keeping our distance is difficult on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase our risk of getting COVID-19.

We are impressed with American Airlines and their increased Clean Commitment. They've expanded cleaning at ticket counters, gate areas, passenger service counters, baggage service offices and team member rooms. They are also using stanchions and plexiglass shields to create space at gates and ticket counters. As part of their clean commitment, American Airlines also provide PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer to customers at hub airports and all lounges across the United States.

Other elements of the airline's multitiered Clean Commitment include enhanced aircraft cleaning with a disinfectant performed before every flight and an even deeper overnight cleaning.

Most medical experts strongly recommend everyone wear a mask on public transportation. This recommendation includes passengers and workers on airplanes, trains, ships, ferries, subways, taxis, and ride shares, and at transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

American Airlines also require all customers, except for children under the age of 2, to wear a face covering from the time they enter the airport where their trip begins until they leave the airport where their trip ends. For more information, check their Enhanced Cleaning Fact Sheet

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. So don’t travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Also, don’t travel with someone who is sick. Keep in mind that you can get COVID-19 during your travels. You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others. You and your travel companions (including children) may spread COVID-19 to other people including your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus. Find out more about Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

If You Travel

During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.

Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).

Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

If you are traveling abroad, check CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination before planning your trip.