New COVID-19 safety recommendations for airlines issued today by the Department of Transportation are inadequate, Consumer Reports said. Any such guidelines should be mandatory to ensure passengers are protected from coronavirus risks. The DOT issued guidelines for airlines and airports to follow to address safety concerns during the pandemic, but the agency provides too much leeway to industry and is not using its authority to require industry to follow them.
“Americans are rightfully concerned that they may be putting their health and safety at risk if they choose to fly during a global pandemic,” said William J. McGee, Aviation Advisor for Consumer Reports. “The DOT shouldn’t leave it up to the airlines and airports to decide which COVID-19 safety precautions they will follow to keep passengers safe. These guidelines are a first step, but not enough. Secretary Chao should make any public health standards mandatory to ensure passengers are protected when they travel during this unprecedented crisis.”
Consumer Reports noted that Secretary Chao has the authority to make the COVID-19 safety precautions mandatory using the same authority that past Transportation Secretaries used when requiring airlines to adopt stronger security measures following the September 11th terrorist attacks, and when requiring airlines to include all fees in advertised fares.
In June, Consumer Reports called on Secretary Chao to work with other key administration officials and take an active role in establishing requirements for airlines, airports, and travelers to protect against the transmission of COVID-19 during air travel, including:
· How and whether to screen passengers and employees for COVID-19 before travel
· Appropriate social distancing in airports and airplane cabins
· Use of face masks and other personal protective equipment for passengers and employees
· Appropriate airport and airline cleaning procedures
· Effectiveness of airplane cabin air circulation systems
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
