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No domestic travel testing mandate from Biden for now, according to report

Feb. 12, 2021
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2 min read
TSA Processes 1 Million Travelers For First Time Since March 17
No domestic travel testing mandate from Biden for now, according to report
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There's been chatter -- and hand-wringing -- in the travel world about whether the Biden administration will require travelers to present negative COVID-19 tests for domestic flights.

Delta Air Lines' CEO called the potential move a “horrible idea," while the industry trade organization Airlines for America (A4A) called it “unwarranted.” Now, according to a report by Bloomberg, President Joe Biden is said to not be seriously considering a testing mandate for domestic travel.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday that reports of a "new requirement, such as testing" are "not accurate."

But TPG spoke to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg last week, who, at the time, didn't rule out the idea.

“There’s a conversation underway with the CDC on that,” he said last week. “What I can tell you is that the guiding lights of that conversation will be a lot of engagement and dialogue and a lot of attention to evidence and data.”

As we've reported previously, requiring COVID-19 tests for domestic travel could seriously discourage travelers, who may see it as an additional roadblock during an already complicated travel experience.

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It could also be prohibitively expensive for some people, who may need to pay an out-of-pocket fee if they aren’t covered by insurance.

And it's unclear how a domestic testing mandate would be enforced, what modes of transportation would be affected and whether there's even the capacity for that much testing. Even now, finding a reliable place to get a timely COVID-19 test for travel is an ongoing challenge.

Currently, all travelers flying into the U.S. from abroad are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. But, as Bloomberg pointed out, the number of international arrivals makes this testing requirement far more feasible.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that most viruses don’t spread easily on flights because of air circulation. However, the agency also noted that social distancing would be difficult on packed flights, and being in an enclosed space for hours “may increase” your risk of catching the virus.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.