United Airlines has today announced that all passengers will have to complete a health questionnaire as part of the check-in process. The self-assessment checklist requires travelers to declare that they haven't had COVID-19 symptoms or been in contact with anyone who has tested positive.

United asks all travelers to fill out health checklist

In a news release sent to Simple Flying on June 10th, United Airlines said it had become the first primary US carrier to ask passengers to complete a health self-assessment. Travelers must accept the Ready-to-Fly checklist during the check-in process.

Passengers must review the checklist digitally and click "Accept" on the United mobile app or the website when checking in. Alternatively, they can review the form and confirm their acceptance verbally at the check-in desk before they get a boarding pass. Travelers must agree that they,

  • Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 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 38 C/100.4 F 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 medical screening for infectious 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 health screening is part of the United Clean Plus program and, on the checklist, passengers also agree to accept the other safety protocols of the program. Customers who can't confirm the requirements or choose not to travel can reschedule their flights.

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Contact tracing helped to stop the spread of smallpox. Photo: Getty Images

United Clean Plus program

United Airlines has been working closely with the Cleveland Clinic, and the introduction of the checklist is based on guidance from the clinic's medical experts. Dr James Merlino said,

"As people are returning to their daily activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, their health and safety – as well as the health and safety of others - should continue to be top-of-mind. 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."

United Clean Plus requires all passengers and employees to wear a face mask on board the aircraft. The airline has implemented new safety, cleaning and physical distancing protocols. These include touchless baggage drops at some locations, sneeze guards, regular disinfecting of high traffic areas, hand sanitizers and state-of-the-art HEPA air filters on aircraft.

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United is encouraging its employees to exercise their right to vote. Photo: Getty Images

United strives to survive the crisis

Along with most of the world's airlines, United has suffered catastrophic losses through COVID-19. This week it was reported that it had changed its refund policy for passengers who suffered cancellations.

The airline announced last week that it would be cutting three of its international cabin crew bases from October. The move could mean the loss of up to 840 jobs.

The uncertainty of the timescale for recovery from the pandemic will take its toll for some time to come.

Would you be happy to complete a health self-assessment before flying?