Ruth Haines
Temperature checks at airports have been a topic of discussion and implementation since the COVID-19 pandemic. While some airports and airlines have been reluctant to adopt this practice due to concerns about effectiveness, liability, and additional costs, others have recognized their potential in identifying potentially unwell individuals. Temperature checks at airports are conducted using either handheld thermometers or automated temperature check kiosks, with varying levels of adoption around the world. While some U.S. airlines have advocated for federal agencies like the TSA to implement temperature screening, others have taken it upon themselves to conduct temperature checks on select international flights, such as Delta and United. Outside the U.S., airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, and Air Canada have implemented thermal temperature checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature checks at airports | Deployed for contactless temperature screening |
| Temperature screening methods | Handheld thermometers, automated temperature check kiosks, thermal cameras, thermal tripods, hand-held thermal devices |
| Airports with temperature checks | Changi Airport, Dallas Love Field Airport, Atlanta Airport |
| Airlines with temperature checks | Delta, Frontier, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Air Canada |
| Temperature checks by country | Commonplace in other countries outside the U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
Thermal temperature scanning is commonplace in other parts of the world
In some airports, temperature checks are conducted by staff using handheld thermometers, while other airports have introduced self-service technology with automated temperature check kiosks. These kiosks are non-contact and provide a quick and accurate reading, reducing potential health risks to staff and wait times for travellers.
Thermal temperature scanning is one of several measures being considered to identify individuals who may be unwell and reduce the spread of viruses in airports. While it may not detect asymptomatic carriers, it can prevent travellers with more severe cases or other illnesses from boarding.
As the use of self-service technology in airports continues to grow, it is likely that we will see further adoption of automated temperature check kiosks as a convenient and efficient way to screen travellers' temperatures. These kiosks can help identify individuals with elevated temperatures, providing an additional layer of protection and contributing to a safer travel experience.
Overall, thermal temperature scanning is being utilised by airlines and airports in various regions, demonstrating a global effort to implement health and safety measures to protect travellers and mitigate the spread of illnesses.
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U.S. airlines lobby for government-implemented temperature checks
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing desire to implement temperature checks at airports to identify potentially unwell individuals. While some airports introduced temperature checks, US airlines faced challenges in convincing the public that air travel was safe. Airlines began to lobby the government to take over temperature checks, with JetBlue and Frontier urging government officials to implement temperature screenings for air travellers.
Airlines wanted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to perform temperature checks as a visible sign that safety was being taken seriously. They argued that government-implemented temperature checks would reassure passengers and reduce the risk of unhappy customers. Joanna Geraghty, JetBlue's president and chief operating officer, emphasised the need for a global industry solution, stating that varying standards across different airlines would be challenging for travellers.
However, some experts cautioned against putting this responsibility in the hands of the government. They argued that government-run temperature checks could lead to lower accuracy, eliminate airline flexibility, and become a persistent reminder that flying is unsafe even after the pandemic. Instead, they suggested that airlines should focus on providing flexibility to passengers, such as fee waivers and rescheduling options for sick individuals.
As the aviation industry faced the challenge of restoring confidence in air travel, the debate around government-implemented temperature checks highlighted the complex dynamics between airlines, government agencies, and public health considerations. While airlines pushed for standardised measures, the government's response to these requests is not clear from the sources provided.
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Temperature checks at security checkpoints
Temperature checks at airports are being increasingly adopted as a measure to identify potentially unwell individuals and prevent the spread of contagious diseases. While some airports conduct temperature screenings before passengers enter the security line, others implement checks at specific security checkpoints. Here is an overview of the varying approaches to temperature checks at security checkpoints:
Temperature Checks Prior to Security Checkpoints
Some airports have opted to conduct temperature screenings before passengers enter the security line. This approach aims to identify potentially unwell individuals before they come into close contact with others in the security line. For example, Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) was reported to perform temperature checks prior to security during trips in August and September of 2020. However, the effectiveness of this method may be limited, as passengers may still interact with others before reaching the checkpoint.
In some cases, temperature checks are integrated into the security screening process. This approach ensures that all passengers passing through the checkpoint undergo temperature screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has considered implementing temperature checks at security checkpoints. While the plan's details are subject to change, it is expected to initially roll out at a dozen airports. The scanners used may include tripods that can scan multiple individuals simultaneously and handheld thermal devices.
Temperature Checks by Airlines
Airlines have varying approaches to temperature checks, with some conducting screenings at the gate or during ticketing. However, there is a growing preference for centralised temperature checks performed by government entities, such as the TSA, rather than individual airlines. This shift aims to provide more consistent and efficient screening for all passengers. Additionally, airlines may require passengers to self-report their temperatures during the online check-in process, as seen with Southwest Airlines.
International Variations
The implementation of temperature checks at airports varies internationally. While they are not widespread in the United States, they are becoming more common on international flights. For instance, Delta Air Lines initiated mandatory temperature checks on select international flights, particularly those to and from China and Canada. Similarly, United Airlines resumed service to China and implemented routine temperature checks on those flights and some other international routes. Outside the United States, airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, and Air Canada have adopted thermal temperature checks for travellers.
In summary, temperature checks at security checkpoints in airports are being explored as a means to enhance health and safety measures. While there are different approaches to the timing and entity responsible for conducting the checks, the overall goal is to create a safer travel environment for passengers and staff alike.
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Airlines don't want responsibility for temperature checks
While some airports have implemented temperature checks to identify potentially unwell individuals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility for conducting these checks is a contentious issue. Some airlines have expressed reluctance to take on this task due to various concerns and potential challenges.
Firstly, airlines are concerned about the accuracy and effectiveness of temperature checks. There are doubts about the reliability of temperature screening kiosks and handheld thermometers, which may not accurately detect the presence of a virus. Additionally, individuals can spread SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatically, rendering temperature checks less effective in identifying infected individuals.
Secondly, airlines want to avoid the additional burden and cost associated with temperature checks. Conducting temperature checks requires dedicated staff, whether it be trained healthcare professionals or additional employees, which incurs costs and may cause delays due to queuing. Airlines prefer to leave this responsibility to public health authorities or the government, believing it should be handled uniformly by public servants rather than private enterprises.
Moreover, airlines are wary of the potential consequences and responsibilities that may arise from implementing temperature checks. If an airline chooses to conduct temperature checks, they may also be expected to provide accommodations for passengers who exhibit fever symptoms, leading to additional complexities and expenses. There is also a concern that once temperature checks are introduced, it will be challenging to discontinue the practice in the future, even after the pandemic subsides.
Lastly, privacy issues and passenger experiences are considered. Temperature checks may raise privacy concerns, and there is a risk of improperly denying boarding to passengers, leading to potential backlash and negative publicity. Airlines prefer to focus on other safety measures, such as providing flexibility with fee waivers and rescheduling options, allowing passengers to make their own informed decisions about travelling while unwell.
While some airlines are hesitant to take on the responsibility for temperature checks, it is important to note that the situation may vary across different regions and airlines, and each airport and airline may have their own policies and procedures in place.
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Automated temperature check kiosks
Temperature checks at airports are becoming increasingly common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks are deployed for contactless temperature screening to limit the spread of the virus. While some airports use handheld thermometers operated by staff, others use self-service technology, such as automated temperature check kiosks.
Handheld thermometers have some advantages. They are operated by a staff member, who can respond to any queries or concerns. However, they also have some disadvantages. They require a member of staff to run the checks, which could put their health at risk, cause queues, and be costly.
The primary motive behind automated airport technology is to reduce waiting time, which is critical to maintaining a good customer experience in airports as aviation grows. Temperature screening kiosks are not medical devices and cannot detect if an individual has a virus, but they can help to quickly identify those with abnormal temperature readings, allowing potentially ill individuals to be separated from the general public.
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Frequently asked questions
I could not find a comprehensive list of airports that are doing temperature checks. However, I found references to temperature checks at the following airports:
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Changi Airport
- Some international flights operated by Delta and United
- Various international airports, including those in Malaysia, Italy, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Bangkok
Temperature checks at airports can be conducted using handheld thermometers operated by staff members or self-service kiosks with automated temperature screening.
The effectiveness of temperature checks in preventing the spread of contagious diseases has been debated. While they can help identify individuals with elevated temperatures, many people infected with certain viruses, such as COVID-19, may be asymptomatic and not exhibit a fever. Therefore, temperature checks may not catch all potential carriers of contagious illnesses.
The implementation of temperature checks at airports has been a subject of discussion, with some arguing that it is a national health issue that should be managed at the government level. However, the decision to implement temperature checks may depend on various factors, including local regulations, the availability of resources, and the specific guidelines issued by health authorities.
