Amid COVID-19 Travel Restrictions, United Airlines Launches Travel-Ready Center

You may have a mask and hand sanitizer in hand, but if you're planning on traveling any time soon, you'll also have to navigate the maze of pandemic rules and regulations affecting both domestic and international air travel. United Airlines has launched a digital hub to help customers easily track what may be required for their next trip, eTurboNews reports.

"While pre-travel testing and documentation are key to safely reopening global travel, we know it can be confusing for customers when they're preparing for a flight," said Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President for Technology and Chief Digital Officer, United Airlines. "Starting today, our 'Travel-Ready Center' gives customers a personalized, step-by-step guide of what is needed for their trip, a simple way to upload required documents and quickly get their boarding pass, fully integrated within our app and website."

The airline is in steep financial trouble, posting a $1 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2020. As previously reported, United said that it is starting to cut $2 billion in annual structural costs from its operations. At the same time, the airline expressed confidence that crucial business travel will eventually bounce back, although not as quickly as leisure travel.

Air travel's short-term future is anybody's guess as both airlines and consumers struggle to come to terms with the pandemic's impact. Some suggest a "vaccine passport" may be the solution.

Newly nominated Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will have his hands full, with industry leaders already leaning into the appointee for much-need help. As reported by FreightWaves, Airlines for America president Nicholas Calio sent a letter to Buttigieg, stating:

"This remains a very dire situation for our industry. Recovery is expected to take longer than the aftermath of 9/11. We cannot sustain our businesses as they exist with this kind of passenger capacity," Calio said. "We have taken significant steps to keep passengers and employees safe during this pandemic. However, we believe we are uniquely positioned to help empower the recovery of our economy, our nation and our communities."

Read the full letter here.