Airport Temperature Checks: Are They Still Necessary?

Temperature checks at airports have been a common measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While some airports and airlines have implemented temperature screenings, the effectiveness of these checks has been questioned, as asymptomatic carriers or infected individuals without symptoms may go undetected. Thermal cameras and infrared thermometers are commonly used for contactless temperature measurements, and random temperature checks have been reported at certain airports. Additionally, other safety measures such as face masks, hand sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes are also employed to enhance protection against the virus.

Temperature checks at airports

Methods

Temperature checks can be carried out using thermal imaging cameras, which can be set up at entry points to scan passengers as they walk by. Alternatively, handheld thermometers or non-contact thermometers can be used to measure individual passengers' temperatures. These methods do not require physical contact with the screener, which helps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Locations

Temperature checks are conducted at various airports worldwide, with a focus on travellers from high-risk areas. For example, all Spanish airports have introduced thermal imaging cameras, and some also use non-contact thermometers. In the United States, airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport have trialled or implemented temperature screening.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of temperature checks as a control strategy has been debated. Some experts argue that temperature screenings are not effective, as infected individuals may be asymptomatic or presymptomatic. A UK study estimated that temperature screening at airport entries and exits would catch less than half of infected travellers. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the practicality and usefulness of implementing temperature checks at airports.

Future Plans

While some airports have taken the initiative to conduct temperature checks, airlines and airports have generally lobbied for the government, specifically the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to coordinate and carry out these screenings. However, the TSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not indicated any plans to take on this responsibility.

Despite the debate surrounding the effectiveness of temperature checks, they are likely to become a routine part of the airport check-in process as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Methods of temperature checks

Temperature checks at airports have been a common measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the effectiveness of these checks has been questioned, especially since the coronavirus can be transmitted by asymptomatic individuals. Nevertheless, temperature screening remains a recommended federal health rule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are various methods for conducting temperature checks at airports, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here are some of the commonly used approaches:

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal imaging cameras are widely used at airports to monitor the skin temperature of multiple individuals simultaneously. These cameras are placed at specific locations in the airport and can detect fever-like symptoms by measuring core body temperature, which is the key metric for identifying fevers. This technology helps prevent potentially ill people from entering the airport or boarding flights. Thermal imaging cameras are advantageous because they can screen many people at once without the need for physical contact, making the process efficient and convenient for both passengers and staff.

Infrared Thermometers

Infrared thermometers are another non-contact method for temperature screening. These devices are held a few inches away from the forehead to measure temperature. Like thermal cameras, they provide a touchless experience, reducing the risk of spreading infections.

Forehead Fever Scanners

Forehead fever scanners are handheld devices that can quickly scan an individual's forehead to detect elevated temperatures. These scanners are easy to use and provide instant readings, making them suitable for busy airport settings.

Smart Kiosks with Facial Recognition

Smart kiosks with facial recognition technology are more advanced systems that can be placed at entrances, checkpoints, and waiting areas. These kiosks not only measure body temperature but also identify individuals, making them useful for employee clock-ins. The facial recognition feature distinguishes between people, and if an elevated temperature is detected, the kiosk sends a notification to the relevant personnel. This technology helps create a lower-risk environment and increases confidence among employees and passengers.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors with Facial Recognition

This technology combines security and health screening. It is an improved version of the standard security archway, simultaneously checking for metals, identifying individuals, and monitoring their temperature.

While these methods have been implemented at airports worldwide, it is important to acknowledge their limitations. Asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 can slip through these checks, and individuals in the incubation phase may not exhibit a fever or have only mild symptoms. Additionally, the use of fever-reducing medications can further reduce the effectiveness of temperature screening. Therefore, temperature checks should be paired with other measures, such as passenger interviews, symptom data collection, and adherence to good personal hygiene practices, to maximise the chances of detecting potentially ill individuals.

Effectiveness of temperature checks

Temperature checks have been implemented in airports around the world in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the effectiveness of these temperature screenings has been questioned by experts.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that temperature checks alone are not very effective in detecting individuals infected with COVID-19, especially those who are asymptomatic. The study involved researchers from the Navy and the School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who tested, followed, and quarantined nearly 2,000 new Marine Corps recruits. The recruits underwent daily temperature checks and symptom screenings, and very few infected individuals exhibited symptoms before being diagnosed with COVID-19. Dr. Stuart Sealfon of the Icahn School of Medicine concluded that relying solely on temperature checks and symptom screening is not effective in identifying infected individuals, especially in a population of young college-aged adults.

Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States concluded that temperature screenings were not effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This conclusion was based on the fact that individuals can be asymptomatic carriers of the virus and show no symptoms. Additionally, a study published in the journal Nature found that individuals may be most contagious a day or two before they start exhibiting symptoms. As a result, the CDC suggested that resources would be better utilized elsewhere, as temperature screenings have little to marginal effectiveness in detecting infected individuals.

Despite the skepticism from experts and public health organizations, some airports and airlines have implemented temperature checks as an additional layer of protection. For example, Air Canada and Frontier Airlines, a U.S. carrier, have implemented temperature checks for passengers and employees. Individuals registering a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above twice on the same day are not allowed to board. Additionally, all Spanish airports have introduced thermal imaging cameras to check tourists upon arrival, and some airports also use non-contact thermometers for temperature checks.

While temperature checks may provide some reassurance to travellers, their effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially from asymptomatic individuals, is limited. Experts recommend focusing on other measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, and regular testing to more effectively control the spread of the virus.

Who performs temperature checks

Temperature checks at airports have been implemented to identify individuals who may be unwell and prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some airports, airlines have begun to carry out temperature checks with handheld thermometers operated by staff members. However, this method poses a health risk to staff, causes queues, and is costly due to the need for additional staff.

An alternative method is the use of self-service technology, with automated temperature check kiosks that use infrared thermal imaging technology. These kiosks are 100% non-contact and can read a person's temperature in around 1 second, with an accuracy of ± 0.5°C from a distance of 0.5 metres. This allows for social distancing between the person being checked and any staff members nearby. These kiosks can also be set to check if the user is wearing a mask and can alert staff if an individual's temperature is above the limit.

Temperature checks are typically carried out either before a flight or after landing. While some airports and airlines have implemented temperature checks, there is debate about their effectiveness in preventing sick people from boarding planes or entering the country. For example, individuals can lower their temperature with medication and some infected people may not have a fever.

In terms of who performs temperature checks at airports, it appears that this can vary. In some cases, it may be the airlines themselves that conduct temperature screenings, while in other cases, it may be the airport staff or government officials. For instance, at Lanzarote Airport, there are reports of random temperature checks being conducted, possibly by airport staff. On the other hand, airlines such as Air Canada and Frontier Airlines have implemented temperature checks for their passengers and employees.

Overall, while the responsibility for performing temperature checks may vary depending on the airport and local regulations, it is typically carried out by either airline or airport staff using either handheld thermometers or automated temperature check kiosks.

Traveller opinions on temperature checks

Some travellers worry about the potential implications of having a mild temperature while travelling. For example, one traveller with a mild temperature and a cough (two out of three COVID-19 symptoms) expressed concern about the possibility of being tested, quarantined, or missing their holiday. This traveller also considered the impact on fellow passengers and planned to carry tissues and hand sanitiser.

In traveller forums, some individuals have reported their experiences of undergoing temperature checks at specific airports. For instance, at Lanzarote Airport, some travellers mentioned going through temperature checks upon arrival, either randomly or as part of routine checks. However, others noted that they did not experience any temperature checks at the same airport, suggesting that the measures may not be consistently applied.

While temperature screenings are intended to help identify infected individuals, opinions differ on their effectiveness. Some airline CEOs, such as Gary Kelly of Southwest Airlines, have advocated for temperature scans as an additional safety measure. Kelly suggested that temperature checks could be incorporated into the standard screening process at TSA checkpoints. Similarly, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, suggested that "immunity passports" could become a requirement for travellers in the future.

On the other hand, experts like Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist, argue that temperature screenings alone are insufficient to prevent infected people from boarding planes. Labus points out that asymptomatic individuals, who comprise half of those infected with COVID-19, can easily go undetected. Furthermore, the devices used for temperature checks are not always accurate, and individuals can temporarily lower their temperature with medication, providing a false sense of security.

In summary, traveller opinions on temperature checks at airports vary. While some travellers are concerned about the potential impact on their travel plans, others have shared their experiences of undergoing random or routine temperature checks at certain airports. Experts highlight the limitations of temperature screenings in preventing COVID-19 transmission and suggest that additional measures, such as mask mandates and reduced capacity on planes, are more effective in reducing the risk of infection.

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