What does this news mean for business travelers, and how will it affect their travel plans within the next year?

The rate of development of the Covid-19 vaccines has surpassed all expectations in the speed to delivery as well as the high percentage of effectiveness.  

It is expected that most companies will recommence business travel in 2021 by incorporating the more readily accessible pre-trip testing alongside the roll out of the various vaccines.  

Will Travelers be Required to get the Vaccine?

It is highly unlikely that travelers will be required to provide certification of the vaccine to travel initially, as this is a personal decision and the vaccine is new without exhaustive testing under a number of conditions.  However, similar to providing the negative test results, a certification of vaccination, or technology similar to the upcoming CommonPass, is likely to be included in most countries’ entry requirements as an option to avoid quarantine measures.  

Technology companies providing Covid testing results (and likely vaccine certification) including the development of the CommonPass, is expected to be widely supported by numerous carriers including JetBlue, Lufthansa, Swiss International Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic for passengers flying out from New York, Boston, London and Hong Kong.

How will vaccines affect the Traveler Experience?

Airports, Airlines and numerous service industries have all invested in sustainable change to minimize health risks and keep travelers safe.  Similar to when the TSA required the removal of shoes following various terrorist attacks, it is expected that travelers will continue to be required to wear masks and take advantage of touchless experiences until the vast majority of the population are vaccinated.