Should you travel? TPG's Brian Kelly weighs in
"Is it safe to travel?"
It's a question we get constantly here at The Points Guy, and the answer is complicated. It came up again today because the CEO of Southwest suggested it was safe to travel on CBS This Morning. That was just a few minutes before our founder Brian Kelly was on the same morning show to talk all things travel in the age of coronavirus.
For all the latest news on the outbreak go to our dedicated coverage page.
The Southwest leader made several media appearances May 6. He told CNN he doesn't believe the industry is facing a prolonged decline in demand. And he told CBS, "We're urging the TSA to begin temperature scans as part of the screening process at the checkpoints," but he also said air travel is safe.
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Brian was inspired to post a video in response to those comments from Southwest's Gary Kelly (no relation to Brian).
In the video, Brian Kelly talks about how he hasn't flown since March 1, and doesn't have any trips booked at all. He says it's not yet time to travel and The Points Guy is recommending against any unnecessary travel at all for now.
Here are just a few of the reasons why:
- There isn't enough available testing.
- Travelers could unknowingly spread the disease.
- Information about COVID-19 is incomplete and confusing.
- The virus could mutate over time, making it harder to treat and prevent.
- It's important to protect frontline workers.
- Better cleaning on airplanes is necessary.
"People should not be traveling unless they absolutely have to," said Kelly, adding "we're just not there yet... stay home and stay safe." View the video above.
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