Covid Test: Airport Protocols And Passenger Safety

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, airports around the world have implemented various measures to curb the spread of the virus. One of the most prominent measures is the requirement for travellers to produce a negative COVID-19 test report, especially when arriving from high-risk areas. This requirement varies depending on the country and even the state, as seen in the case of the United States. Some countries, such as India, have mandated that travellers from specific nations provide a negative RT-PCR test report. This is a dynamic situation, with requirements changing frequently. For example, the UK initially required pre-departure negative tests for passengers from China but later removed this mandate. Airports are also offering testing facilities for travellers, either before departure or after arrival, to facilitate safer travel. These tests can be crucial for passengers heading to destinations that require proof of a negative test, such as Hawaii, New York, and Alaska in the US.

Airports with testing facilities

As of December 2020, a growing number of airports in the US and internationally have begun introducing COVID-19 testing facilities to help spur safer domestic and international travel. These tests can assist passengers heading to or arriving in destinations where proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and New York.

Airports in the United States with COVID-19 testing:

• Juneau International Airport: Testing is available at the lower level near baggage claim from 2 pm to 7 pm and is also staffed during flight arrivals.
• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: COVID-19 testing is available 24/7 on Level 1 next to baggage claim carousel 3.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: An XpresCheck center offers COVID-19 testing from Thursdays to Mondays, 9 am to 5 pm, in Terminal 4, Level 3.
• Los Angeles International Airport: Clarity Lab Solutions offers COVID-19 tests in the Tom Bradley International Terminal on the Departures level and Terminals 2 and 6 on the Arrivals level. The testing facilities offer walk-in services daily from 8 am until 8 pm.
• Oakland International Airport: The North Field complex offers drive-up tests daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
• San Diego International Airport: COVID-19 testing is available in the valet parking area for Alaska Airlines passengers flying to Hawaii from 9 am to 7 pm.
• San Francisco International Airport: Dignity Health–GoHealth Urgent Care offers COVID-19 testing in the International Terminal for passengers flying to Hawaii. The testing area is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
• Bradley International Airport: Genesys Diagnostics provides COVID-19 testing in the baggage claim area between vestibule doors 4 and 5. The facility is open every day from 11:30 am to 12:30 am.
• Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport: Nomi Health of Utah operates a testing service in Terminal 3 on the lower level near baggage claim. The service is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
• Tampa International Airport: A testing site in partnership with BayCare Health System is located inside the Main Terminal and offers both the rapid antigen and PCR tests. The site is open daily on a walk-in basis between 8 am and 2 pm.
• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu): The COVID-19 testing site is located in the Diamond Head Tour Group Area just past baggage claim carousel 31 and is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport: A walk-up testing site will be located adjacent to the main terminal core, and a drive-up site will be in a remote parking lot.
• Chicago Midway International Airport: A walk-up testing site will be located within the terminal.
• Portland International Jetport: The airport offers $25 one-hour rapid testing and free PCR tests. The facility is open daily from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.
• Boston Logan International Airport: The XpresCheck facility offers COVID-19 testing in Terminal E on the Arrivals level near Door E107. The facility is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.
• Gerald R. Ford International Airport: A drive-up COVID-19 testing site is located in the airport's economy parking lot. The site offers rapid antigen and PCR tests and is open to anyone from 4 am to 8 pm.
• Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport: A testing site backed by the Minnesota Department of Health is located in the lobby area on Level 2 of the Blue Ramp. The site is open seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm.
• Newark Liberty International Airport: The XpresCheck facility offers COVID-19 testing in Terminal B on Level 3. The facility is open Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm.
• Albany International Airport: A testing site is located on the lower level of the airport. Airport staff can get tested for free, and travelers can get a saliva swab PCR test for between $30 and $60.
• John F. Kennedy International Airport: XpresCheck has a testing facility in Terminal 4 on Level 1 near Central Diner in the Arrivals Hall. The facility offers PCR, rapid molecular, and antibody tests. The site is open every day.
• LaGuardia Airport: A testing facility has been set up by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the Terminal B parking garage on the first floor. The site is open seven days a week from 9 am to 7 pm.
• Portland International Airport: COVID-19 testing is available in the valet parking area for Alaska Airlines passengers flying to Hawaii from 9 am to 7 pm.
• Philadelphia International Airport: The Jefferson Health COVID-19 Testing Clinic in Terminal E offers an antigen test with same-day results for $70 and a PCR test with results in 2–3 days for $130. The clinic is open daily from 7:30 am to 4 pm.
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Testing requirements for different countries

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many countries implementing testing requirements for incoming travellers. These requirements vary from country to country and are subject to change. Here is an overview of the testing requirements for some countries as of December 2024:

United States

The testing requirements in the US vary by state and city. For example, Alaska requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival or travellers must test upon arrival and self-quarantine until they receive their results. Meanwhile, Chicago mandates a 14-day quarantine for travellers from "red" (hot spot) states, while those from "orange" states must show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or also quarantine for 14 days.

Canada

All travellers entering Canada must upload negative PCR test results to the ArriveCan app within 72 hours before their arrival.

United Kingdom

As of January 5, 2023, the UK required a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test for passengers arriving from China.

Australia

From January 5, 2023, travellers from China to Australia were required to submit a negative COVID-19 test.

Greece

Greece allows entry to those who are fully vaccinated, have recovered from a documented case of COVID-19, or can show a negative COVID-19 test before entry. All arrivals, regardless of vaccination status, are subject to random COVID-19 tests upon arrival.

Iceland

Iceland requires travellers to pre-register and provide personal, flight, and trip details before their arrival. Upon arrival, travellers must present their barcodes and vaccine cards, and they are then notified via text if they are exempt from quarantine.

India

India has mandated that travellers coming from certain countries must produce a negative RT-PCR test report.

Testing costs

The cost of COVID-19 testing varies depending on the location and the type of test. For example, in England, next-day RT-PCR test results from Stansted Airport cost £55, while 12-hour results cost £65 and 3-hour results cost £90. In the United States, the cost of COVID-19 testing at airports can range from $75 for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to $200 for a rapid molecular test and $75 for an antibody test. Some airports, like the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, offer XpresCheck centres that provide a range of testing options, including PCR tests for $75 and rapid molecular tests for $200.

The high cost of testing has been a significant barrier to international travel, with many individuals and families unable to afford the additional expense. This has led to accusations of profiteering by private companies and concerns about escalating inequality, as travel becomes unaffordable for those who are not wealthy.

To address these concerns, some governments have started to offer free or subsidised testing for travellers. For example, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic offer free PCR testing for travellers, while the United States has implemented a programme called "Test to Travel", which aims to reduce the cost of testing for travellers.

The cost of testing can also depend on the purpose of the test. For example, in Canada, COVID-19 testing for screening or travel purposes is not covered by public health services, and individuals must pay out of pocket for these tests. Additionally, the cost of testing may be higher for individuals who require rush results to meet travel deadlines.

It is important to note that testing requirements and costs can vary depending on the destination and the traveller's vaccination status. It is recommended to check the latest information for your specific destination to understand the testing requirements and costs that may apply.

Testing methods

Molecular Tests (PCR Tests)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are the most common type of COVID-19 test and are considered the gold standard. PCR tests detect the RNA (or nucleic acid) component of the virus. The test involves taking a swab of the patient's nose or throat, or a saliva sample. The test is highly sensitive and specific, making it more accurate than antigen tests, with results typically available within 24 to 72 hours.

Rapid Antigen Tests

These tests detect certain viral proteins in a nasal or throat swab sample. They are the fastest diagnostic test, typically producing results in 15 minutes, but they are not as accurate as PCR tests and are more likely to produce false negatives. They are useful for screening groups of people and in settings where rapid or repeated testing is needed.

Multiplex Assay PCR Test

This is a newer type of PCR test that can detect multiple viruses, including COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is more efficient than the older RT-PCR tests and helps to clarify what virus a patient has, as symptoms can be similar.

Antibody Tests

Antibody tests detect antibodies created by the body to combat the virus. These tests are not used for diagnosing current infections but can indicate if someone has had the virus in the past. Antibody tests are not widely used for COVID-19 testing due to questions about their accuracy and the varying levels of antibodies in patients.

Loop-Mediated Amplification Reaction (LAMP) Test

The LAMP test is a rapid at-home diagnostic test that detects genetic material from the coronavirus using a nasal swab. It is similar to the PCR test but may be less accurate. Results typically take about 30 minutes, but this test is only available by prescription.

Each testing method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of test depends on the specific requirements and context of the airport and the region. It is important to follow the testing guidelines and recommendations provided by health authorities and airports to ensure safe travel during the pandemic.

Testing times

Airports around the world have been introducing COVID-19 testing facilities to help reduce the spread of the virus and ensure safer travel. These tests can assist passengers travelling to destinations where proof of a negative COVID-19 test is required, such as Alaska, Hawaii, New York, and Maine. They can also be used by travellers who want to ensure a safer journey by getting tested.

The US

In the US, airports such as San Francisco International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport offer COVID-19 testing. The tests vary in price and type, with some offering rapid antigen tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and antibody tests. Some airports, like San Francisco International Airport, offer testing specifically for employees and select passengers.

Internationally

Internationally, several airports have also instituted COVID-19 testing, including Berlin-Tegel Airport and Frankfurt Airport in Germany, Hong Kong International Airport, Rome's Fiumicino Airport in Italy, Haneda, Narita, and Kansai Airports in Japan, and Heathrow Airport in London, UK. These tests help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure safer travel for passengers.

India

India has mandated that travellers arriving from certain countries, including China, must produce a negative RT-PCR test report. This is due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in China following the relaxation of its "zero-COVID" policies. Other countries, such as Australia, the UK, Canada, France, and the US, have also implemented similar requirements for travellers from China.

Future of Travel

As the world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that COVID-19 testing will continue to play a significant role in travel. While vaccine rollouts and new treatments emerge, testing remains a critical tool in the fight against the spread of the virus. For travellers, this means staying up-to-date with the latest testing requirements and guidelines for their destination and being prepared to provide proof of negative test results or vaccination status.

Frequently asked questions