Airports And Covid Testing: What's The Us Protocol?

As of June 2023, the US does not require COVID-19 testing for domestic flights. However, the Biden administration has previously considered introducing a coronavirus testing requirement for domestic flights, and in January 2023, the US reinstated a COVID-19 testing requirement for all travellers from China.

Domestic flights

As of February 2021, the White House had no plans to require people to take COVID-19 tests before domestic airline flights. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that "reports that there is an intention to put in place new requirements, such as testing, are not accurate." She added that the CDC "will continue to review public health options for containing and mitigating spread of COVID-19 in the travel space."

However, the CDC had previously stated that it was "actively looking" at expanding mandatory COVID-19 testing to domestic flights. The CDC's director, Rochelle Walensky, said that additional screening in airports could help detect asymptomatic spreaders.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also commented on the potential requirement, saying that it would be "guided by data, by science, by medicine, and by the input of the people who are actually going to have to carry this out." He added that making air travel safer would encourage more people to fly.

Not everyone is receptive to the idea of COVID-19 testing for domestic flights. Ed Bastian, Delta Air Lines' CEO, called the possibility a "horrible idea" that could take "10% of testing resources" away from sick people. Bastian also argued that testing protocols would not make domestic travellers safer and would instead be a "logistical nightmare" for the transportation, travel, and hospitality industries.

If implemented, the policy for domestic flights would likely be similar to that for international flights, where testing is required in the three days leading up to your flight, and a rapid antigen test is sufficient.

International flights

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted air travel, with various regulations and restrictions being implemented to curb the spread of the virus. As of June 12, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) no longer requires COVID-19 testing for travellers entering the United States by air. This decision, according to a senior administration official, was "based on science and data" and would be reassessed after 90 days. Prior to this, from January 26, the CDC had mandated that all travellers arriving in the US from international locations, including US citizens, must present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19. This applied to all aircraft operators, including non-commercial and business aviation operators. The test had to be taken no more than three days before departure, and the operator had to confirm the passenger's identity and ensure the test result was negative.

The end of the mandatory testing requirement for international travellers was welcomed by travel industries and businesses, who had criticised the mandate. Over 260 organisations even sent a letter to the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, urging the administration to abolish the pre-departure testing rule. However, it's important to note that while the CDC no longer requires testing, individual airlines and countries may still enforce their own COVID-19 testing policies for incoming travellers. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination country before travelling internationally.

The CDC continues to play a vital role in monitoring and responding to the pandemic. They have implemented a Traveller Genomic Surveillance Program to detect new COVID-19 variants entering the country. Additionally, the CDC actively provides travel health notices, advising travellers on the necessary precautions to take when visiting specific regions. These notices are regularly updated to reflect the evolving pandemic situation.

While the mandatory testing requirement for international flights has been lifted, the CDC and other stakeholders remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety of travellers. It is always advisable to stay informed about the latest travel guidelines and recommendations provided by the CDC and other official sources. By adhering to these guidelines, travellers can make informed decisions and take the necessary precautions to protect their health and well-being during their journeys.

Vaccination status

As of June 2022, the Biden administration has lifted the COVID-19 testing requirement for air travellers entering the US. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends that people boarding flights to the US get tested close to their departure time and refrain from travelling if they are sick.

Previously, the CDC required all US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents aged 18 and above to show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel. Those who were not fully vaccinated were required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before their flight. All travellers also had to fill out an online attestation form.

Children between the ages of 2 and 17 were not required to show proof of vaccination but had to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before travel, as well as an attestation form indicating a negative test result or recovery from the illness. Children under 2 years of age were exempt from these requirements.

The CDC considers individuals fully vaccinated 14 days after their primary vaccination series. Only vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) are accepted.

Testing time frame

As of January 2021, the US was considering introducing a coronavirus testing requirement for domestic flights, following the implementation of similar measures for international flights. This was already in place for international flights, with testing required in the three days leading up to your flight, and a rapid antigen test deemed sufficient.

In January 2023, the US announced new COVID-19 testing requirements for all travellers from China, due to a surge of infections in the country. From January 5, 2023, all travellers to the US from China were required to take a COVID-19 test no more than two days before travel and provide a negative test before boarding their flight. This applied to anyone aged two and above.

In June 2022, the Biden administration lifted the requirement for fully vaccinated travellers to show proof of a negative test within three days of travel to the US, and for unvaccinated people to show a negative test within one day of travel. This was due to the "tremendous progress" made in the fight against the virus, with vaccines and treatments now widely available.

However, as of January 2024, the CDC has published a new order requiring pre-departure COVID-19 testing for all passengers arriving in the US from international locations. Passengers must be tested no more than three days prior to departure and must provide proof of a negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. This applies to all aircraft operators, including non-commercial operators.

Delta Airlines requires passengers to have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination before boarding their flight. Each injection of the vaccination requires this COVID-19 testing. Individuals must pass any COVID testing before checking in at the airports.

While the US has lifted some testing requirements for travellers, it has also recently reintroduced testing requirements for travellers from China and, as of January 2024, for all international arrivals. It is important to stay up to date with the latest requirements and recommendations when travelling.

Testing exemptions

As of June 2022, the Biden administration has lifted the COVID-19 testing requirement for air travellers entering the country. However, the CDC still recommends that people boarding flights to the U.S. get tested close to their departure time and refrain from travelling if they are sick.

Previously, the CDC required all passengers arriving in the U.S. from international locations to be tested no more than three days before departure and to provide proof of a negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the aircraft operator. This applied to all aircraft operators, including non-commercial, business, and general aviation operators.

There were some exemptions to the testing requirement:

• Crew members on official duty, including those on "deadhead status" (transportation of a non-operating flight crew member), were exempt as long as they followed industry-standard protocols for COVID-19 prevention.
• Operators transporting passengers with COVID-19 pursuant to CDC authorisation and guidance were also exempt.
• Federal law enforcement personnel on official duty, including U.S. military personnel, were not subject to the testing requirement.
• Aircraft operators granted specific waivers by the CDC due to a lack of available SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity in the foreign country were also exempt.

It is important to note that these exemptions were specific to the CDC's testing requirement for inbound international travel and may not apply to other COVID-19 testing requirements that may be implemented by states or individual airports.

Frequently asked questions