Ahead of the Superbowl on 13 February, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA.

The NFL’s premier event will attract more than 70,000 sports fans from across the world, who can travel, stay, and attend events at several accredited locations throughout the city.

When travelling to Los Angeles for the championship showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, fans can choose GBAC STAR facilities at every step of the journey. Travellers can board an American Airlines flight, fully accredited by GBAC, to LAX and stay at one of six GBAC STAR certified hotels in the area. Visitors can visit two different accredited cultural centres then go see a show at one of four accredited venues.

Justin Erbacci, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said: “Achieving the industry’s gold-standard accreditation for bio-risk preparedness is the result of Los Angeles International Airport’s commitment to delivering the highest level of cleanliness and safety for our millions of guests, employees, and airport partners.

“LAX is proud to be the only major airport in California to earn this distinction, and as more people return to the skies this year, they can be assured that our airport is welcoming them with facilities at are verified as healthy and clean.”

LAX is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), which represents thousands of airport management personnel and nearly 875 airports and authorities. The association encourages all members to achieve GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation to build confidence in customers, passengers, and employees. To date, 56 airports in the United States are accredited.

Jacky Sher Raker, Executive Vice President of AAAE, commented: “Our members have consistently prioritised health and safety consistently before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation gives all stakeholders the assurance that airports are doing everything they can to keep travellers and staff safe. We are happy to add LAX to the list of GBAC STAR accredited airports.”

Patricia Olinger, Executive Director of GBAC, added: “Fans will travel from all around the country and stay in town for days surrounding this event. When they book a flight, choose a hotel, or attend a performance, they can look for the GBAC STAR seal to know the facility meets the highest standards of cleaning and disinfection.”