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The Transportation Department issued an Ebola-related air-travel enforcement notice Wednesday, saying airlines will not be penalized for rejecting certain medical certificates while reminding carriers that affected travelers retain existing passenger protections.
The Office of Aviation Consumer Protection notice explains how airline obligations apply alongside Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Homeland Security travel directives.
Different rules for three countries
DOT said airlines may deny U.S.-bound boarding to any traveler, including U.S. citizens and nationals, who cannot attest that they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the prior 21 days.
Foreign travelers and lawful permanent residents who were in Uganda or South Sudan during the prior 21 days may also be denied boarding. U.S. citizens and nationals returning from those two countries may enter through designated airports for enhanced public-health screening.
Rebooking, refunds and vouchers
The notice reiterates existing protections rather than creating a new entitlement for every passenger. When an airline restricts travel because of a communicable disease under part 382, the passenger chooses travel within 90 days at the original applicable fare without penalty, or a refund for unused flights.
Under part 262, government border closures, entry restrictions or serious-communicable-disease directives trigger a transferable credit or voucher valid for at least five years. Under part 260, a significant itinerary change, such as a required screening-airport reroute, requires a prompt refund if the passenger declines to travel.
A traveler selects one refund or voucher option, not both.
Medical-certificate enforcement discretion
Part 382 generally requires airlines to accept medical certificates identifying alternative transmission-prevention measures unless the airline cannot carry them out. DOT said there are no easily implementable cabin measures that prevent Ebola transmission, and it will not take enforcement action against airlines that decline such certificates or strictly follow CDC and DHS directives.
That discretion does not waive the passenger protections. Airlines must also provide a written explanation for a travel restriction within 10 days if a passenger requests one.
JBizNews Desk | Washington
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