Airlines Challenge New Ebola-related US Travel Requirement

Major airline organizations within the US and globally are contesting a new travel requirement linked to Ebola that is set to impact millions of passengers flying into the United States. Starting November 3, a directive from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandates that all passengers on international flights to the US must confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the preceding 21 days.

This requirement extends to everyone flying into or through the US, encompassing American citizens, green card holders, and airline crew members. Passengers are obliged to fill out a statement, either on paper or digitally, before boarding, even if they have never visited the DRC. Airlines are tasked with collecting these forms and storing them for at least 42 days after the flight’s arrival in the US.

Airlines for America (A4A), representing major carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, United, and JetBlue, contacted the CDC to request reconsideration of the requirement and additional preparation time. They expressed support for the CDC’s public health aims but criticized the rule as overly expansive and rapidly implemented.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, supported the CDC’s decision but acknowledged airline concerns, stating, “This is the second-largest outbreak of Ebola in history, making this measure crucial.” Airlines are seeking a delay to the November 3 deadline due to changes needed in check-in systems, signatures, and station procedures.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) joined A4A in requesting the CDC to reconsider the requirement, emphasizing the difficulties the airlines would face in adapting their systems promptly. They also called for exemptions for airline crews and US military charters, citing existing tracking systems for personnel.

The CDC identifies this directive as a measure to minimize Ebola’s risk of entry into the US through air travel, with the 21-day exclusion period representing the maximum incubation period for symptoms to emerge following exposure. Those who have been in the DRC, even for airport transit, will need a government exemption to board flights to the US.

Dr. Evans noted the importance of screening, highlighting its effectiveness in preventing further transmission. With his past experience in West Africa and the DRC’s Ebola response, he emphasized Ebola’s high infectiousness and fatality rate. While Americans may not perceive Ebola as immediate for them, he warned that microbes do not respect borders.

Travelers who knowingly falsify information might face legal charges and fines as per CDC guidelines. Fox News Digital sought additional commentary from the CDC and IATA.