Airlines Are Encouraging, Not Banning, Vaccinated Passengers

Airlines are encouraging people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine to fly once again. Yet social media posts falsely claim that airline executives around the world are discussing banning vaccinated passengers due to a risk of blood clotting at high altitudes. Experts say there is no evidence of an added risk of blood clots for vaccinated air travelers.

After a steep decline in air travel in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe impact on the industry, airlines are trying to make it easier for vaccinated travelers to fly — and providing rewards for doing so.

For example, American Airlines is offering a mobile app that makes it easier for travelers to verify that they are vaccinated and ready to fly before they arrive at the airport. 

United Airlines is hosting a “Your Shot to Fly” sweepstakes. Every day in June, a COVID-19 vaccinated United member has a chance to win a free roundtrip flight for two; five people will win yearlong passes.  

But a viral Instagram video falsely claims airlines are considering grounding passengers who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. “Airline Executives around the world are now meeting to begin discussions as to the banning of those vaccinated from travelling on airplanes due to the threat of blood clots at high altitudes,” reads the text on the post. 

“Airlines in Spain and Russia are warning people who have been vaccinated against coronavirus not to travel because of the risk of blood clots,” says a reporter in the video. “Well, this is a well-known risk of long-haul flights, but it apparently is exacerbated by the potential side effects, the clotting side effects, of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The post was shared by Shannon Kroner, who has spread other false claims about COVID-19 vaccines, as we’ve reported.