United Airlines had flights that everyone could travel on one year ago. This was the Newark London Heathrow flight. They were trying to prove that travel restrictions could be lifted under certain conditions.
On the day of departure, they provided rapid testing for free. This helps to prove that no one on the flight is infected.
However, it does not prove that the passenger is immune to any virus that could be detected by PCR testing. A PCR test can detect lower levels of virus in a person, either before they become symptomatic or infected, or even after they have died.
Although test-to-travel is quite common for international trips, both residents and visitors must submit a negative check to fly to the U.S. It is not mandatory to take off from the United States if it is not required by law.
Because they don't want to fine or force the traveler to return on another flight, airlines only verify that travel documents are required to enter destinations.
If the government does not require it, they do not have to add any negative tests or vaccinations.
This seems like a missed opportunity. Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO, has been all over media praising United's successes in getting employees (but not regional partner employees) vaccinated. This should encourage customers to choose United. However, the person in the middle of United's seats next to you may not have been vaccinated. They don't need to take a negative test before they travel.
Other airlines might find it more difficult to offer all vaccinated flight options, as they have less well-vaccinated staff. This could be a test route to determine if it would increase market share for a more competitive route.
Commenter Robert writes,
An airline could experiment with flying only vaccinated passengers on routes that connect places with high vaccination rates, e.g. SFO-JFK to see if this is feasible and what the market reacts to. These flights would likely be in high demand. It was great to know everyone was vaccinated on my flight SFO-LHR.
I would love to see a vaccined and tested route, such as New York San Francisco or Los Angeles. Vaccinating is not enough. One dose Johnson & Johnson does count for entry to the United States. The government accepts Sinovac Coronavac, which the World Health Organization states has no evidence of decreased infection or transmission and was 51% effective against symptomatic diseases pre-Delta variant.
Airlines have traditionally not been competitive in safety marketing and competition. However, this is a position that only applies to actual flight safety. Both Delta and United aggressively promoted their Covid safety measures, while Alaska Airlines turned it into an audio video.
Anthony Fauci stated that he would like a requirement for vaccinations in domestic air travel. This would impinge on the right of travel and I don't think it would be legal. It seems like a good commercial decision for an airline to offer a vaccinated option, and it is not under any government pressure.
Let's give it a try, and see if this requirement attracts more business or shifts market share. To know that the person next to me is less likely to have or spread Covid, I would fly at less convenient times and with an airline I don't usually choose, I would go out of my ways.
