Alexa Miller Summarizes Pandemic-Related Legal Challenges for Commercial Airlines With Law360

In “Airlines’ Post-COVID Challenges Mount Amid Travel Surge,” Law360 turned to labor and employment associate Alexa Miller for insight on potential legal challenges for the airline industry due to the pandemic, such as policies concerning mask requirements and proof of vaccination.

“As more states increase vaccination efforts and lift COVID-19 restrictions, including mask mandates for those fully vaccinated, there is a tension with respect to public travel, which still requires wearing masks while traveling on planes and while indoors at airports, regardless of vaccination status, due to the high number and close interaction of travelers,” said Miller.

Miller added, “Using digital health passports can raise a number of concerns, including confidentiality of medical data, privacy and security risks, and equity concerns related to access to vaccines and routine screening tests.”

“For some, the mask mandate for travel, regardless of vaccination status, is a relief, easing fears and anxiety about traveling during a pandemic. For others, it may feel like two steps forward and one step back, given the inconsistencies with masking rules,” Miller noted. “What sort of actions will be undertaken to balance the protection of flight crews with the protection of travelers?”

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