United Airlines Relies on Honesty as it Introduces COVID19 Ready-to-Fly Checklist

United Airlines is now asking all passengers to complete a health self-assessment during their check-in process.

Based on recommendations from the Cleveland Clinic, the Ready-to-Fly checklist asks customers to confirm that they have not experienced any COVID19-related symptoms in the 14 days prior to flying.

"As people are returning to their daily activities during the COVID19 pandemic, their health and safety – as well as the health and safety of others - should continue to be top-of-mind," said Dr. James Merlino, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit academic medical center and a United CleanPlus advisor. "Our health experts are pleased to play a role in helping people travel more safely and we worked closely with United to develop a health self-assessment for its customers to better ensure precautions are taken before beginning their journey."

The Ready-to-Fly checklist requires customers to click "Accept" to indicate they have reviewed the checklist during the digital check-in process on the United mobile app, United.com, on a United kiosk, or by reviewing and verbally confirming when checking-in with an agent at the airport to receive a boarding pass.

The checklist includes the following:

- Have not been diagnosed with COVID19 in the last 21 days. Have not experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 14 days (excludes symptoms from a pre-existing condition):

- Temperature of 38C / 100.4F or higher
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Recent loss of taste or smell

- Have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening for a communicable disease in the last 14 days.

- Have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

The checklist also affirms customers are willing to abide by the airline's other safety protocols, including wearing a face covering, which is now mandatory for all employees and customers on board a United aircraft.

Customers who are not able to confirm these requirements and choose not to travel will be able to reschedule their flight. Customers may also choose to check-in at the airport for further review.

"The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority, and we have been working closely with trusted medical experts and partners to institute new practices and procedures to further protect those who work and travel with us," said Pat Baylis, United's Corporate Medical Director. "United's Ready-to-Fly wellness checklist sets clear guidelines on health requirements for our customers and helps minimize the risk of exposure during the travel experience."

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