Pittsburgh travelers react to COVID-19 vaccine proposal for air travel within U.S.

PITTSBURGH — As the pandemic stretches into its second holiday season, AAA is predicting 4.2 million people will take to the skies.

In a letter to President Joe Biden, 36 congressional Democrats asked for a new policy mandating all domestic air travelers show a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination card to fly.

In October, the Biden administration announced that international travelers coming to the U.S. will have to show proof they are fully vaccinated before they can enter the country.

Juniata College student Grace Erskine, who flew out of Pittsburgh International Airport on Tuesday, feels getting tested or vaccinated before traveling should be encouraged, not mandated.

“We live in a society where we need to help people, so do your part, and if that’s being vaccinated, if you feel that’s safe for you, go for it,” she said.

Christine Lamolinara, who took off for Tallahassee, Florida, on Tuesday said she doesn’t feel any additional airline mandates are necessary at this point.

“It’s a chance you take, and there’s not any perfect situation,” she said. “You make a conscious decision and you just go with it, or you don’t.”

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