United Airlines has introduced a health checklist for passengers to be completed during the check-in process.

The “ready-to-fly” checklist, based on recommendations from academic medical centre Cleveland Clinic according to United, asks customers to confirm, among other things, that they have not experienced Covid-19-related symptoms in the 14 days prior to flying.

The US carrier said it became “the first major US airline” to ask all passengers to complete a health self-assessment during the check-in process on June 10.

The assessment is part of United CleanPlus, the company’s new health and safety protocols.

“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,” said Dr. James Merlino, chief clinical transformation officer at Cleveland Clinic 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,” he added.

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, on the airline’s website, 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 carrier says the checklist includes the following:

  • You must wear a face covering while on board for the safety of everyone.
  • 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 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.

United says customers that are not able to confirm these requirements and choose not to travel will be able to reschedule their flight, and that 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.com