CDC plans Ebola-related travel attestation for US-bound flyers; airlines seek delay

Health · First reported 29 Oct, 22:16 · Updated 23:21

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Starting Nov. 3, international passengers flying to or connecting through the United States are due to attest that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the previous 21 days. Airline groups have asked the CDC to reconsider or delay the requirement, citing the time needed to change procedures.

The CDC requirement is scheduled to begin Nov. 3 and covers international passengers flying to or connecting through the United States, including crew. Passengers must submit a paper or digital statement before boarding, and airlines must retain forms for at least 42 days after arrival.
Airlines for America and the International Air Transport Association asked the CDC to reconsider the measure; A4A also requested a delayed start and exemptions for airline crews and US military passenger charters.
The CDC said the rule aims to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States by air. The 21-day period reflects the maximum time symptoms may take to appear after exposure, and travelers who were in the DRC during that period generally cannot board a US-bound flight without a government exemption.

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Key facts

Scheduled start: Nov. 3. [b7d6c32b-f400-45b8-a-368-4c0ac0bb43b3]
Look-back period: 21 days before travel. [b7d6c32b-f400-45b8-a-368-4c0ac0bb43b3]
Form retention: Airlines must keep collected forms for at least 42 days after arrival in the United States. [b7d6c32b-f400-45b8-a-368-4c0ac0bb43b3]
A4A request: Reconsider the requirement and delay its Nov. 3 start date. [b7d6c32b-f400-45b8-a-368-4c0ac0bb43b3]
CDC’s stated purpose: Reduce the risk of Ebola entering the United States through air travel. [b7d6c32b-f400-45b8-a-368-4c0ac0bb43b3]