From today, Delta Air Lines will start piloting thermal temperature scans of passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The three-week trial will see the carrier become the first legacy airline in the US to conduct temperature checks on such a broad scale.
Proactive measures
The airline industry continues to adapt to the ever-changing conditions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. To help curb the spread of the virus, Delta is implementing proactive airport safety measures.
According to Thrifty Traveler, anyone who is screened and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher won’t be allowed to board. This pilot is an extension of the screenings that Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is already performing at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Altogether, Delta’s testing applies to customers originating in LAX or connecting from the international terminal (TBIT) to domestic flights at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. These travelers are required to pass by thermal imaging cameras at the Terminal 2 departure checkpoint. Anyone else connecting domestically at this terminal is exempt.
Protecting passengers
Above all, customers that fail two temperature checks won’t be able to board. Nonetheless, those turned away can work with the airline to either reschedule or receive a refund.
“As a part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the COVID-19 infection rate and provide additional layers of protection for our customers and employees, we are testing a temperature screening process for customers flying out of LAX Terminal 2,” a Delta spokesperson told Simple Flying.
“Customers who have a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to board consistent with the CDC’s fever threshold.”
A helping hand
Temperature checks may not be able to identify asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. However, they can prevent passengers with severe virus cases from boarding.
Therefore, there is a reduced chance of passing on the infection during or following a flight. Thermal scanning isn’t currently so prevalent across the United States, but the likes of Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air France, and Air Canada are fans of the process. Moreover, certain airlines such as Southwest Airlines are trialing thermal screening systems.
For passenger activity to continue stabilizing following the severe downturn this year, airlines and airports need to be proactive in their approach. So, if the pilot is successful, it won’t be a surprise to see Delta adopting these screenings at more hubs. Procedures such as these temperature checks could go a long way in the fight against the virus.
What are your thoughts about Delta Air Lines piloting temperature checks at LAX? Do you feel that this is a good move from the airline? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.