Airlines Challenge New Ebola Travel Rules

Major U.S. and global airline organizations are opposing a new travel rule on Ebola set to impact millions flying into the United States.

Starting November 3, every passenger on international flights to the U.S. must confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within the past 21 days, as announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This requirement affects all travelers to the U.S., including American citizens, green card holders, and airline crew members.

U.S. issues urgent travel warning as deadly Ebola outbreak spreads overseas.

Travelers must complete a paper or digital statement before boarding, even if they haven’t visited the DRC. Airlines must collect these forms and retain them for at least 42 days after the flight lands in the U.S., per CDC guidelines.

Airlines for America (A4A), representing major carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, United, and JetBlue, is urging the CDC for more preparation time and reconsideration of the requirement. An October 26 letter to Fox News Digital highlights these concerns.

A4A supports the CDC’s public health goals but finds the rule overly broad and introduced too rapidly.

We have to ensure that this does not cross borders.

The group seeks a “more proportionate and measured U.S. response” concentrating more specifically on affected regions and recent travelers.

A4A requests a delay of the November 3 start date, stating, “Changes to check-in systems, digital signatures, station procedures, and training cannot readily be completed in the allotted time.”

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, told Fox News Digital that this step is essential to prevent the disease from crossing borders.

This is the second-largest outbreak of Ebola in history. So this is very serious.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also requested the CDC reconsider the requirement, as reported by Reuters.

“It is unreasonable for the U.S. government to require all airlines serving the U.S. market to modify their procedures to accommodate attenancy collection in less than two weeks,” IATA wrote in a letter.

A4A also requests the CDC exempt airline crew members and U.S. military passenger charters, as current documents already track these individuals.

The CDC insists the rule aims to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the U.S. through air travel. The 21-day period represents the maximum incubation time for symptoms after exposure.

Travelers who were in the DRC during this time, even if only through an airport, must have government exemption to board U.S.-bound flights.

Some initial symptoms would just be flu-like symptoms. You’ll have a high-grade fever, you’ll feel sort of fatigued.

Individuals providing false information could face prosecution and fines, the CDC warns.

Fox News Digital contacted the CDC and IATA for additional comments.

Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital’s lifestyle team reports on this and other topics, including travel, health, and more.