Transmitted via electronic email
Dan Weiss
Managing Director, Global Government and Regulatory Affairs
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
RE: Airport Policy and Procedures Affecting Guam Travelers
Håfa adai Director Weiss,
Thank you for responding to my letter regarding airport policy and procedures affecting Guam travelers. I understand that United Airlines does its best to comply with the rules and regulations set by the United States Customs and Border Protection, and I appreciate the information highlighting other steps. However, I’m writing to request the senior management at United Airlines to review these policies and look into possible solutions to ease the strain felt by our people.
As the sole domestic commercial carrier serving the direct route between Guam and the US, hundreds and thousands of Guamanians utilize the transportation and travel services provided by United Airlines. With that in mind, United Airlines customers are looking for a solution and the assistance of United Airlines to remedy the physical and mental stress imposed by these new travel policies.
Many constituents and I do not see the logic in having our baggage inspected and processed on Guam prior to transiting in Hawaii, where we have to have our baggage inspected again upon arrival in Honolulu. After spending thousands of dollars on an airline ticket and enduring an exhausting seven (7) plus hour flight, passengers flying from Guam to Hawaii are forced to endure yet another screening process. This is particularly burdensome for the elderly and handicapped. Why isn’t the vetting procedure on Guam adequate enough to transit through Hawaii?
In your letter, you state that only the baggage is required to undergo inspection and not the passenger. However, that entails having the passenger bring the baggage to all the required checkpoints and inspection personnel. If these steps were initially conducted on Guam, why do we have to do it again when passing through Hawaii?
Again, I hope that the United Airlines administration will work with Guam to evaluate the current protocols and provide a temporary, if not a long-term, solution to resolve the issues facing our people. Additionally, I will be writing to the Governor of Hawaii and the United States Customs and Border Protection as you mentioned in your letter to seek further assistance in this matter. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Si Yu’os ma’åse,
Jesse A. Lujan
Senator, 37th Guam Legislature
Guam-Legislature-Letter