On June 26, 2020 American Airlines announced three new components of its Clean Commitment initiative, which aims to help passengers feel safe while flying.
These new components are:
- A Travel Health Advisory Panel of experts formed with Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- AA pursuing biorisk accreditation to validate its cleaning practices and preparedness for future pandemics
- AA requiring travelers to self-certify at check-in they have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days
The airline is also waiving change fees for travel through September 30, 2020.
More details below and in American Airlines’ press release.
Travel Health Advisory Panel
As part of its expanded Clean Commitment, American Airlines has formed a Travel Health Advisory Panel, working with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The panel of experts is responsible for advising AA on matters of health and cleaning, including disease prevention, public health matters, and cleaning procedures at airports and on aircraft.
The Travel Health Advisory panel will also keep AA informed of ways to innovate in the future.
The panel includes Vanderbilt University Medical Center experts Dr. David Aronoff, Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Thomas Talbot, Chief Hospital Epidemiologist.
The panel also includes other American Airlines safety and operations experts.
Biorisk Accreditation
American is the first airline to pursue GBAC STAR Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council. AA is working with GBAC to receive accreditation for its aircraft and lounges.
GBAC STAR Accreditation indicates to both passengers and the public that a company uses proper cleaning and disinfection practices, and has the necessary procedures and systems to prepare for, respond to, and recover from to biological threats like the coronavirus pandemic.
American Airlines expects to receive GBAC accreditation by the end of 2020.
Passengers Must Self-Certify They Are Free of COVID-19
Starting June 30, American will ask passengers to self-certify that they have been free of COVID-19 symptoms for the past 14 days.
The self-certification will occur during check-in, using either online check-in or self-service kiosks.
American worked with Vanderbilt University Medical Center to develop the COVID-19 symptom checklist.
In May, American began requiring passengers and employees to wear face masks on board. That policy remains unchanged.
Travel Flexibility Extended Through September 30
American is waiving change fees for travel through September 30, 2020. New and existing tickets are allowed one change without fees.
The new announcement also allows customers to change their origin and destination cities.
Customers are still responsible for any fare difference ticket changes require at time of ticketing of the new fare. Fare rules may apply depending on the ticket.
AAdvantage award tickets are also included in this offer.
Changed reservations must complete travel by Dec. 31, 2021.
