What
Starting Dec. 15, Delta Air Lines will become the first U.S. carrier to ask customers traveling to the U.S. from an international destination to voluntarily provide information that will aid Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in COVID-19 contact tracing and public health follow-up efforts. The requested information will include the traveler’s name, email address, U.S. address and phone numbers (primary and secondary).
Why It Matters
The new process will help Delta and CDC streamline contact tracing efforts through local health departments, thus decreasing the time it will take to notify customers of potential COVID-19 exposure. Currently, in the event a passenger has a confirmed COVID-19 case and has flown while infectious, CDC must request the flight’s passenger manifest to identify customers who need to be contacted. Having passenger information on hand will help health authorities reach customers more quickly, reducing instances of potential exposure and helping slow the spread of the virus. For Delta, the voluntary program is another way to help ensure a safe travel experience for both customers and employees.
Fast Facts
- Customers can voluntarily participate in the contact tracing program if they are flying on any Delta-operated flight, and if they are a foreign national and/or a U.S. passport holder traveling to the U.S. as their final destination.
- Delta has said that all data submitted by customers through the program will be sent to CDC using established channels between airlines and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the Advance Passenger Information System, and the airline will retain the information “for no longer than is necessary to achieve the contact tracing and public health follow-up objectives, or as required by Customs and Border Protection.”
What They Are Saying
“Independent studies have shown that the many layers of protection Delta has already put in place are effectively minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and contact tracing adds one more important layer to our efforts to ensure safety throughout travel,” said Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer for Delta. “We want customers to feel safe when they return to travel, and this voluntary program is another way we can provide additional reassurance to customers and employees alike.”
The Details
Delta Air Lines
www.delta.com
