Lax Covid Testing: What You Need To Know

As of 2020, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 testing for a fee. The airport has three testing sites, which offer PCR-type nasal-swab tests with results expected within 24 hours. Testing is offered on a walk-up basis from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ontario International Airport, located about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, also offers COVID-19 testing for a fee. The testing is conducted in the airport's parking lot on a drive-through basis.

Testing sites and fees

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 testing at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 6. The tests are conducted by Clarity Lab Solutions and are priced at $150, with results expected within 24 hours. Testing is offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on a walk-up basis.

In addition to the regular PCR tests, LAX also offers rapid PCR tests with results available in less than an hour for $199. These tests are available at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and at ticket counters C01-C05 on the Upper/Departures Level.

LAX also offers rapid antigen tests with results in 30-60 minutes for $80. These tests are available only at the LAX Terminal 6 lab location.

Ontario International Airport also offers COVID-19 testing in Parking Lot 3 (between terminals 2 and 4). The testing is conducted by Covid Clinic and is available from 3 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The tests offered include an antibody or standard molecular NAAT test for $125, a rapid antigen test for $150, a rapid molecular NAAT test for $249, and an expedited PCR-type test for $475.

It is important to note that testing requirements and recommendations may change over time, so it is always a good idea to check the LAX website for the most up-to-date information on testing sites and fees. Additionally, passengers are encouraged to be proactive and not travel to the airport if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Test types and results times

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers several COVID-19 test options with varying result times. The tests are available for a fee, and appointments are highly recommended.

One of the fastest options is the rapid antigen test, which provides results in 30-60 minutes. This test is available at the LAX Terminal 6 lab location and costs $80. However, the lab has a capacity of processing up to 200 antigen tests per day, so availability may be limited.

Another option is the rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which provides results in 3-5 hours through the airport's on-site laboratory. The cost of this test is $125.

For those who need even faster results, LAX also offers a one-hour PCR test for $199. This test is available at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and select ticket counters on the Upper/Departures Level.

In addition to the rapid testing options, standard PCR tests are also available at several locations throughout the airport, with results typically expected within 24 hours. The cost of these tests is $150.

It is important to note that the type of test required for travel may vary depending on the destination and airline, so customers should ensure they are aware of the specific requirements for their journey. Test results will be returned electronically, and strict COVID-19 safety measures, including face coverings and social distancing, are in place throughout the airport.

Safety measures

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers several COVID-19 safety measures to ensure the well-being of travellers. Here are some key safety protocols implemented at LAX:

Testing Facilities:

LAX provides on-site COVID-19 testing options for travellers, including rapid antigen tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests. The rapid antigen tests are available at Terminal 6, with results available in 30-60 minutes for $80. The PCR tests are offered at multiple locations, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 6. PCR tests range in price from $125 to $199, depending on the desired turnaround time, with results available in 3-5 hours or within 24 hours.

Face Coverings and Social Distancing:

All individuals inside the airport terminals and using ground transportation are required to wear face masks or coverings at all times. Travellers above the age of two must comply unless they have a certified medical exemption. Masks can be temporarily removed for identification purposes at security checkpoints and when eating or drinking. It is recommended to bring extra masks for the trip.

Symptom Screening:

Travellers are advised not to come to the airport if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. If staff suspect that a passenger is exhibiting symptoms, they may be subject to additional screening.

Hand Hygiene:

Practising regular hand washing or sanitization is strongly encouraged throughout the airport.

Travel Requirements:

All travellers arriving from international destinations must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before landing in the United States. This proof can be in written or electronic form and may be required by airlines during check-in. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals travelling domestically are exempt from quarantine if asymptomatic, but it is recommended to take a viral test 3 to 5 days after arrival for international travel.

Testing for children

While I could not find information specific to COVID testing for children at LA airport, I did find that LA airport (LAX) follows COVID safety guidelines set by the CDC. California airports have been relaxing their COVID-19 restrictions, and masks are no longer required at airports. However, it is still important to check if your airline and destination have further travel requirements.

If you are looking for testing for children, the Vecino's Airline Children's Clinic provides COVID-19 testing for infants, toddlers, children, and teens through age 17. Testing is available inside the clinic or at a drive-through station, with results provided on the same day. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by phone. A consultation with a pediatrician is included with every testing appointment. The pediatrician will help determine when testing is recommended. Generally, children with COVID-19 symptoms should be tested promptly to determine whether they have an active infection.

Other SoCal airports with testing

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 testing with results guaranteed in less than an hour, in addition to PCR tests with results in 3-5 hours or 24 hours, and rapid antigen tests with results in 30 minutes. The tests are available at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 6.

Ontario International Airport, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, has a drive-through COVID-19 testing operation in Parking Lot 3 (between terminals 2 and 4). The tests are offered daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and are priced at $125 for an antibody or standard molecular NAAT test, $150 for a rapid antigen test, $249 for a rapid molecular NAAT test, and $475 for an expedited PCR-type test.

John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana is opening a clinic next spring that will offer rapid COVID-19 testing, flu shots, and telehealth appointments. In the meantime, the airport has a pop-up health fair in Terminal B offering free flu vaccinations, as well as nutrition and exercise tips.

San Diego International Airport does not have widespread COVID-19 testing, but Alaska Airlines and partner Carbon Health offer airport tests to passengers bound for Hawaii, where a recent negative test is required to avoid quarantine.

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