It’s no secret that travel in 2020 has been quieter than normal due to the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately, that may begin to change as more and more travel destinations have started reopening to Americans, including countries in the caribbean as well as Hawaii. Though, these reopenings don’t come without some new rules and regulations. Many of these places now require that tourists will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (pre-flight covid testing), unless they are willing to quarantine inside of their hotel room for 14 days. Thankfully, many airlines are partnering with health companies to make sure that travelers can take an FDA-approved COVID-19 test before their trip. This will help travelers get to their destination on time and will ensure that they don’t have to take part in the 14 day quarantine period.
If you’re looking to take part in pre-flight testing, but have questions in regards to how the testing works, how much it costs, and where exactly you can get tested, we’re here to help! Here’s everything that you should know about pre-flight covid testing:
What Airlines Are Offering Pre-Flight Covid Testing?
Currently, there are numerous airlines that are offering pre-flight covid testing for travelers. Some of these airlines include:
- United: United Airlines is offering pre-flight covid testing for travelers looking to visit Hawaii from the San Francisco International Airport.
- American Airlines: American Airlines is offering pre-flight covid testing for travelers looking to visit Hawaii as well as select countries in the Caribbean.
- Hawaii Airlines: Hawaii Airlines is offering pre-flight covid testing for those who are looking to travel to Hawaii.
Where Can People Get Pre-Flight Covid Tested?
- United: Travelers can get tested at a designated drive-through testing site near the San Francisco International Airport, or directly at the airport.
- American Airlines: Travelers can get tested with an at-home test kit, at select urgent care locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area, or with onsite rapid testing at the DFW airport.
- Hawaii Airlines: Travelers can currently get tested with an at-home testing kit, and will soon be able to get tested at designated drive-though sites.
How Much Does Pre-Flight Covid Testing Cost?
The pre-flight covid testing varies from airline to airline, and depends on where the traveler is looking to get tested. Here’s the pricing for each testing method by airline:
- United:
- Drive-through test: $110
- Rapid testing at the airport: $250
- American Airlines:
- At-home test kit: $129
- Urgent care testing site: $150
- Onsite test at DFW airport: $249
- Hawaii Airlines:
- At-home test kit: $150
- Drive-through test: $90
What Happens if I Don’t Get Pre-Flight Covid Tested?
Many tourist destinations outside of the United States, as well as Hawaii, are requiring that travelers who do not get pre-flight covid tested must quarantine inside of their hotel room for 14 days. This means that you will not be able to explore your chosen destination until you have completed the mandatory quarantine period.
What Are Some Precautions I Can Take to Stay Safe While Traveling on an Airplane?
Though air travel is slowly making a comeback, there are some precautions that you should take while traveling on an airplane in order to stay safe. Some of the precautionary measures you can take, include:
- Wearing a mask
- Wiping down your seat and table before sitting down
- Limiting your movement about the cabin as much as possible
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Changing your mask every 3 hours
- Washing your hands immediately after getting off of the plane
If you’re looking to travel in the near future, be sure to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Doing things such as wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping your distance from others can help stop the spread of COVID-19. No matter where you’re going, try to do your part, and remember that we are all in this together!
