Airline banishes couple for flying to Hawaii knowing they had COVID-19

United Airlines has banned a couple from flying with the airline after they allegedly travelled to Hawaii knowing they tested positive for COVID-19.

Wesley Moribe, Courtney Peterson and a child were travelling home to Wailua on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco International Airport to Lihue, Hawaii on 29 November, according to CNN.

Yahoo News reported the two were returning to the US from an international flight and were tested for COVID-19 in Seattle before arriving in San Francisco.

The Kaua’i Police Department said in a news release that upon arriving at San Francisco, the couple were informed they had tested positive for COVID-19 and were told not to fly and to isolate immediately.

The release said that despite their results the couple still boarded their flight to Hawaii, putting passengers on the plane in danger of catching the virus.

Moribe and Peterson were both arrested upon arrival in Lihue, where they were charged with reckless endangerment before being released on $1,000 bail, CNN reported.

The child, whose relationship with the couple is unknown, was released into the care of a family member and Child Protective Services was notified.

Kauai police spokeswoman Coco Zickos told Yahoo News that the couple “knowingly boarded a flight aware of their positive COVID-19 test results, placing the passengers of the flight in danger of death”.

A spokesperson for United Airlines told Travel Weekly that they have banned the customers from flying while the airline investigates the matter.

“The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority, which is why we have various policies and procedures in place as part of a multi-layered approach to create a safer travel environment, including mandating that everyone onboard wears a mask,” the spokesperson said.

“Prior to travelling, all United customers are required to complete a ‘Ready to Fly’ checklist acknowledging they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.”

Image: Hawaii Public Radio via AP