US 'actively looking' at negative COVID-19 test mandate for domestic flights
The Biden administration is considering mandating proof of a negative COVID-19 test for domestic air travel.
According to Reuters, the Biden administration is "actively looking" at how that would look and what it would mean for those flying domestically in the U.S., according to a senior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official.
Sign up to get the daily TPG newsletter delivered to your inbox each morning
In a telephone interview with Reuters, Dr. Marty Cetron, director for the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at the CDC, spoke of the plans, saying there were "conversations that are ongoing and looking at what the types and locations of testing might be. We're actively looking at it."
The measure comes after direction from President Biden for U.S. agencies to come up with ways to "impose additional public health measures for domestic travel."
Some airline officials have expressed concern that the introduction of testing for domestic flights would mean a further decline in the demand for air travel.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 26., all international arrivals into the U.S. are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. The new testing mandate came into force just over a week after the same restriction was placed on those traveling to the U.K.
Related: What it was like flying home now that the US requires a negative COVID-19 test
On Tuesday, the U.S. government issued new warnings to citizens about traveling internationally. Now, the government says that "U.S. citizens should reconsider non-essential travel abroad."
In President Biden's first days in office, he introduced a mask mandate that requires masks be worn while traveling domestically at airports, on commercial aircraft, on trains and on public maritime vessels. The mask mandate also applies to intercity buses and on all forms of public transportation.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app