Temperature Checks At Airports: What's The Protocol?

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented as a preventative measure to slow the spread of COVID-19. Airports in North America, such as Calgary International Airport, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and St. John's, have made temperature checks mandatory for departing passengers. This has been met with mixed reactions, with some people questioning the effectiveness of temperature checks in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially since a large subset of infected individuals never develop symptoms and may be asymptomatic.

Temperature checks at airports: effective or pointless?

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, their effectiveness has been questioned, with some arguing that they are pointless and may even make air travel worse. This article will explore the arguments for and against temperature checks at airports and discuss whether they are an effective tool in the fight against the pandemic.

One of the main arguments in favour of temperature checks is that they provide an additional layer of protection for passengers and crew. Airlines and airports have recommended a layered approach to safety measures, acknowledging that no single measure can mitigate all the risks during the pandemic. Temperature checks, in combination with other measures such as contact tracing, social distancing, and mask-wearing, are seen as a way to reduce the risk of transmission.

However, there are several limitations to the effectiveness of temperature checks. Firstly, not all individuals with COVID-19 will exhibit a fever, and some may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, as noted by the CDC. This means that temperature checks may fail to identify a significant number of infected individuals. Secondly, temperature checks may miss mild cases or those in the incubation period, as stated by the IATA and ACI. Thirdly, there are logistical challenges associated with temperature checks, including the accuracy and calibration of thermal scanners and thermometers, and the potential for false positives and negatives.

In addition to the concerns about effectiveness, some have argued that temperature checks at airports are pointless and may even be counterproductive. One argument is that temperature checks could create a false sense of security among travellers, leading to a relaxation of other safety measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing. Another argument is that temperature checks could cause delays and increase human contact at airports, potentially increasing the risk of transmission. It has also been suggested that temperature checks should be done long before passengers arrive at the airport to minimise the impact on airport operations.

While temperature checks may have some benefits in identifying individuals with a high temperature, their effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 is limited. As such, it is important to recognise that temperature checks alone are not sufficient to mitigate the risks of air travel during a pandemic. A comprehensive and layered approach to safety measures, including a combination of contact tracing, social distancing, mask-wearing, and reliable COVID-19 testing, is essential to protect the health and safety of travellers and staff.

Who should be responsible for temperature checks?

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented in various countries as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While some airports have made temperature screenings mandatory for departing passengers, the effectiveness of these checks has been questioned, especially since COVID-19 can be asymptomatic.

The responsibility for conducting temperature checks at airports has been a subject of debate, with airlines, airport authorities, and government agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US being suggested as possible candidates.

Airlines and airports have generally favoured a layered approach to safety measures during the pandemic, which includes temperature screening as one component. They often advocate for temperature checks to be carried out by government agencies, such as the TSA in the US, to avoid the operational complexities and customer service issues that may arise if they were to conduct the checks themselves.

However, government health authorities like the CDC have expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of temperature checks in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially considering that the virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic individuals. They argue that resources could be better allocated to more impactful strategies.

Proponents of temperature checks, including some government officials, believe that they can play a role in reassuring passengers and deterring travel for those with suspected infections. They suggest that checks should be conducted by a centralised government agency, ensuring consistency and reducing the burden on individual airlines.

Some travellers also prefer temperature checks to be conducted by government agencies, as they believe it adds a layer of safety and standardisation to the process.

On the other hand, critics argue that temperature checks conducted by the TSA or similar agencies could distract from their primary security missions and that these agencies lack the necessary healthcare expertise. They suggest that flexible ticketing policies and encouraging travellers to self-monitor their health before travelling are more effective strategies.

Ultimately, the decision of who should be responsible for temperature checks at airports depends on a variety of factors, including local regulations, the availability of resources, and the evolving scientific understanding of the disease in question. A collaborative approach between airlines, airports, and government agencies may be the most effective way to implement and oversee such measures.

What happens if you fail a temperature check?

Temperature checks have been implemented at some airports as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While some airports and airlines have already taken the initiative to conduct temperature checks, others are awaiting directives from federal or local governments. These checks are typically conducted using thermal cameras or infrared thermometers, which are pointed at the passenger's forehead, without any physical contact.

If you fail a temperature check at an airport, there are a few possible outcomes. Firstly, you may be referred to the relevant health authorities, such as the CDC in the United States, for further evaluation and clearance. This process could potentially involve additional testing and a period of quarantine, depending on the specific protocols in place at the airport and the country's guidelines. Some airports may also have dedicated medical facilities or staff to assess individuals who fail the temperature check.

In some cases, failing a temperature check may result in denied boarding. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, Jet Blue, and Frontier have stated that they will offer refunds or allow passengers who do not pass the temperature check to change their flight for free. This is to ensure that passengers are not penalised for illness and can reschedule their travel plans without incurring additional costs.

It is important to note that temperature checks are not a foolproof method to identify individuals infected with COVID-19, as not all infected people exhibit a fever. Additionally, an individual's temperature may be elevated due to other factors, such as physical activity or environmental conditions. As such, temperature checks are often just one part of a layered approach to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission, which may also include measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and contact tracing.

What type of temperature checks are carried out?

Temperature checks at airports are typically carried out using thermal imaging cameras or infrared thermometers. These methods allow screeners to check passengers' temperatures without making physical contact with them.

Thermal imaging cameras, which were first used at Asian and Middle Eastern airports on flights arriving from China, have become increasingly common at airports worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. These cameras can detect passengers with elevated temperatures, indicating a possible fever, and can be used for both arriving and departing passengers. For example, thermal cameras were used at Brussels Airport to check passengers for temperatures of 38° Celsius or above, with those meeting this threshold being subjected to a secondary check.

Infrared thermometers are another tool used for temperature checks. These devices are held a few inches from the forehead to take a temperature reading.

While temperature checks can provide some reassurance to passengers, it is important to note that they may not be 100% effective in detecting all cases of COVID-19, as individuals can be infected and contagious without exhibiting symptoms such as a fever. As such, temperature checks are often just one part of a layered approach to safety measures, which may also include measures such as contact tracing, social distancing, extra cleaning, and wearing masks.

What are the potential issues with temperature checks?

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented as a tool to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, there are several potential issues and limitations associated with this practice:

Firstly, temperature checks may not be a reliable indicator of COVID-19 infection. People can be infected with the coronavirus and show no symptoms, including no fever. Conversely, individuals with an elevated temperature may not necessarily have COVID-19, as there are numerous other reasons for a high temperature. For example, menopause can cause sweating, clammy skin, and increased temperature. Stress, eating, drinking, room temperature, and headgear can also affect skin temperature readings. Therefore, temperature checks may not effectively identify all infected individuals or prevent the spread of the virus.

Secondly, the accuracy and effectiveness of temperature checks depend on several factors. The type of technology used, such as thermal cameras or infrared thermometers, can impact the reliability of the readings. Additionally, the location of the screening is important. Ideally, screenings should take place at entrances to large public spaces within the airport, but close contact between passengers can also occur in other areas, such as rental car sites. The timing of the temperature check is also crucial, as screenings should ideally be conducted long before passengers arrive at the airport to be most effective.

Thirdly, there are logistical considerations and implications to address. For example, what happens to passengers who exhibit an elevated temperature? Who is responsible for overseeing these screenings and making decisions about passenger clearance? How will passenger data be managed, stored, and protected? These are complex questions that require careful planning and coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies, airports, and airlines.

Finally, temperature checks may provide a false sense of security. While they can play a role in reassuring passengers and deterring travel for those with suspected infections, they are not a foolproof method for preventing the spread of COVID-19. A comprehensive and layered approach to safety measures, including contact tracing, social distancing, extra cleaning, and wearing masks, is necessary to effectively mitigate the risks associated with air travel during a pandemic.

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