Delta CEO blasts Buttigieg announcement floating COVID-19 testing requirement for US flights

[SheltieLover]

https://www.localmemphis.com/mobile/article/news/nation-world/domestic-air-travel-covid-test-requirement-pete-buttigieg/507-90e0895b-4fb9-443c-9985-d67dc5705d17

for US flights
The Biden administration is said to be considering a rule to require a negative COVID-19 test result for air travel within the U.S.

Author: Douglas Jones
Published: 11:31 AM CST February 9, 2021
Updated: 11:54 AM CST February 9, 2021

Delta's CEO Ed Bastian on Tuesday called the idea announced by the Biden administration to possibly require a negative COVID-19 test to fly within the U.S. "a horrible idea," during an interview on CNN saying, that it would be a "logistical nightmare."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Monday that the Biden administration has floated the idea of a COVID-19 testing requirement for air travel within the United States.

More at link.

[JT45242]

1. I call BS -- testing is becoming common best practice for groups

Many colleges require a negative test form within 72 hours of returning to campus (my son did so in the fall and again in January).

The CDC and ACA (a camping licensure board) are recommending requiring negative tests to go to summer camp or day camp .

But Delta which wants to cram people as close together as possible (6 feet be damned) there are profits to be had. Logistical nightmare is a lie.

It might keep sick people off my planes and cut into my big bonus.

[Vinca]

2. I'm of the opinion that it's way too late for something like this to be instituted. I know Pete

is well intentioned, but this kind of thing should have been done a year ago. The only things that will make a big difference now are vaccines and continuing with masks and social distancing until the numbers bottom out. I also think testing is a pie in the sky solution for this whole mess since today you can test negative but tomorrow you can test positive which means you had it when you tested negative.

[cwydro]

3. Good points.

The horse let the barn months ago...

[RainCaster]

5. Yes, it should have been done a year ago.

But that is on the GOP and all their science deniers. We can still make travel more safe and keep the spread down by limiting travel to those known to be healthy. It's not perfect, but it is much better than nothing.

[FreeState]

6. This isn't solely Pete's idea

It's coming from the Administration. I think it's possible to accomplish, even now. Rapid covid test would work and not put much more of a burden on the process. We do all sorts of screenings and processes to travel.

[Ms. Toad]

8. Flying sardine-can petri dish -

I think testing is a good idea now, as it would have been a year ago, if only to minimize the risk of in-flight spread.

Yes, it is insufficient - but it is at last somewhat better than nothing.

[BootinUp]

4. It's too hard. Waaaaa.

[helpisontheway]

7. I heard Delta was the airline that is doing the best with Covid

I heard that they do not allow middle seats to be booked unlike other airlines. Regardless I hope they decide to require a negative test.

[PSPS]

9. Gee, another billionaire CEO complaining that he can't keep selling his dangerous product/service.

[ProfessorGAC]

10. I Actually Understand Bastian's Point

Not sure that I care how hard it would be, but I agree it would he very tough, logistically.
But, they're a big company with optimization experts. They can figure something out.
It's hard, but not impossible.