Airline for American (A4A) says its member carriers support new policy by the Transportation Security Administration to begin checking the temperature of its employees who deal with the traveling public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A4A, the largest aviation industry organization, said by checking employee temperatures, the TSA will be adding more protection for passengers, as well as other TSA employees. The move will also help the industry gain trust from the traveling public, the organization said.
“As all screening processes for the traveling public are the responsibility of the U.S. government, having temperature checks performed by the TSA will ensure that procedures are standardized, providing consistency across airports so that travelers can plan appropriately,” the organization said in a release.
The organization announced last week that its carrier members have voluntarily begun testing their customer-facing employees, and have asked that passengers wear facial coverings over their nose and mouth while onboard, as well as during check-in and deplaning.
The organization said its member carriers all meet CDC guidelines and have begun intense cleaning procedures between flights, including sanitizing cockpits, cabins, and key touch points, like tray tables, seatbelts, buttons, vents, handles, and bathrooms. Many have also installed HEPA filters, eliminated seating, and changed boarding methods to reduce contact between passengers.
Food and beverage services have also been altered to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, with some airlines suspending all food and beverage services except for bottled water.
“The safety and wellbeing of passengers and employees is the top priority of U.S. airlines,” A4a said. “As we look toward a relaunch of our industry and a reopening of the economy, U.S. carriers remain in close contact with federal agencies, the Administration, Congress and public health experts about a range of options that would provide additional layers of protection for the public and instill greater confidence in passengers and employees as they travel.”