The government is now requiring a negative COVID test for international passengers traveling to the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has since disclosed they are “actively looking” at the prospect of it becoming mandatory for domestic flights as well.
Now US airlines are pushing back on the potential of having to test millions of travelers by calling it a logistical challenge.
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly told USA Today the process "would be a mistake" due to the cost and getting testing access.
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"I just think it’s wholly impractical,'' he said, adding that the focus should be getting more Americans vaccinated.
JetBlue President Joanna Geraghty also balked at having to implement the requirement due to limited access and delays in results.
"When you start thinking about a framework that‘s already overburdened and you add domestic travel into that, this puts a ton of pressure on an already fragile system,” Geraghty told the outlet.
She also believes the responsibility would fall on already overworked flight staff.
"We already have them as the mask police. We already have them as the social distance police,'' the JetBlue executive said. "Adding document checks and testing validations put them, frankly, in an untenable position and in an environment where we’re trying to promote social distancing.''
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While there are currently no testing requirements or restrictions on traveling domestically, the CDC has continually advised that nonessential travel be avoided.
The new CDC rules which took effect this week require international air passengers (including US citizens) over the age of 2 to show proof of a negative COVID test, which must be taken within three calendar days of travel in order to enter the country.
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