As carriers are following all relevant Chinese regulations with respect to pre-departure and in-flight protocols, they should not be penalised as a result of travelers later testing positive,” the DOT states.

The flights affected are as follows:

  • Air China: Beijing to LA Int’l (CA-987) between August 23 and 29, 2021;
  • China Eastern: Shanghai Pudong to JFK (MU-587) between August 30 and September 5, 2021;
  • China Southern: Guangzhou to LA Int’l (CZ-327) between September 6 and12, 2021; and
  • Xiamen Airlines: Xiamen to LA Int’l (MF-829) between September 13 and 19, 2021.

United Airlines said it was “pleased to see this action (by the DOT) in pursuit of fairness in this important market.”