DOT chief: It's safe to fly to Mexico
Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood said on Thursday that flyers face no greater risk because of the swine flu pandemic.
"I'm here to tell you today that flying is safe," LaHood said during an event hosted jointly by the Washington Aero Club and Wings Club. "Flying is safe. Flying is healthy. For today, for now -- and for what we can see in the immediate future."
LaHood also said Mexican transportation officials assured him that flying between Mexico and the United States is safe.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined there is no reason for the public to avoid air travel.
"We're going to take our cues from the CDC on this," LaHood said.
-- M.F.
Air Transport Association CEO James May called Vice President Joe Biden to task for his comments on the NBC's "Today" show on Thursday that people should avoid air travel because swine flu concerns.
The Air Transport Association is a trade group representing U.S. airlines.
"On behalf of the nation’s airlines, I am writing to express my extreme disappointment at your suggestion that people should avoid air travel in response to the H1N1 flu outbreak," May wrote in a letter to Biden.
"You should be aware that the airlines have been working daily with the cadre of government agencies responding to the outbreak and that we are taking all appropriate actions to assure the health of our customers and our employees. While individuals who are feeling ill should remain home, no responsible officials or healthcare professionals have suggested that people avoid air travel. The fact is that the air onboard a commercial aircraft is cleaner than that in most public buildings."
May added, "As I am certain you would agree, we need to deal responsibly with the flu threat but, at the same time, while following professional healthcare advice, keep our economy moving forward."
The American Hotel & Lodging Association also responded to Biden's TV appearance.
"Elected officials in this country carry a powerful responsibility to make the right statements during an influenza crisis," said the AH&LA. "Their words will influence millions of Americans, so it’s imperative that they make informed statements.
"Health officials have repeatedly stated that travel to or within the United States is safe. President Obama has stated that reasonable health precautions, such as frequent hand-washing or staying home if one falls ill, should govern our activity during this crisis. Cutting back on travel today will not help this nation weather this storm."
The White House said in a later statement, "On the 'Today' show this morning, the vice president was asked what he would tell a family member who was considering air travel to Mexico this week. The advice he is giving family members is the same advice the administration is giving to all Americans: that they should avoid unnecessary air travel to and from Mexico.
"If they are sick, they should avoid airplanes and other confined public spaces, such as subways. This is the advice the vice president has given family members who are traveling by commercial airline this week.
"As the president said just last night, every American should take the same steps you would take to prevent any other flu: keep your hands washed, cover your mouth when you cough, stay home from work if you're sick and keep your children home from school if they're sick."
This story was updated to add statements by the AH&LA and Tranportation Secretary Ray La Hood.