(CNN) Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, who testified unmasked at a Senate hearing on Wednesday, has since tested positive for the coronavirus. Southwest said:
“Although testing negative multiple times prior to the hearing, Gary tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home, experiencing mild symptoms, and taking a PCR test.
“Gary is doing well and currently resting at home, he has been fully vaccinated and received the booster earlier this year.”
Kelly testified at the hearing that he believes masks do not add substantial protection to airplane passengers and cited aircraft ventilation systems.
“I think the case is very strong that masks don’t add much, if anything, in the air cabin environment” … READ MORE.
Travel tips before you take to the skies
“If you traveled last year, this year is going to feel quite a bit busier.”
David Bohlman (WQAD), December 19, 2021
MOLINE, Ill. — If you are someone traveling for the holidays this year, you are not alone. In fact, AAA estimates more than 109 million Americans will travel for the holidays.
“Americans who had to cancel getaways and get-togethers last year because of the pandemic are making up for lost time this holiday season. ” AAA said in their holiday travel forecast. That’s expected to be a 34% increase in travel over 2020.
The Quad Cities International Airport saw over Thanksgiving saw a 94% recovery of outbound passengers. The national total was about 89% recovered for the same time period of the Tuesday – Sunday of Thanksgiving. These numbers are expected to continue to increase.
Ashleigh Davis with the Quad Cities International Airport said:
“If you did travel last year, this year is going to feel quite a bit busier.”
“If you haven’t traveled since 2019, and you’re expected a different experience, the crowds will feel the same.” Davis says there are still some things to keep in mind.
“For example, having to wear a mask in all US airports. There is COVID-19 restrictions, if you’re traveling internationally or specific states … ” READ MORE.
