Lax Airport's Covid Testing: What You Need To Know

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 testing for travellers. Testing options include rapid antigen tests with results in 30 minutes, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests with results in 3-5 hours or less than an hour for a higher price. Testing sites are available at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, Terminal 2, and Terminal 6. LAX implemented these testing options to ensure passengers could travel safely and access more destinations that require negative COVID-19 test results for entry.

Testing sites and pricing

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has three testing sites located 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 antigen tests with results available in 30-60 minutes for $80. These rapid tests are available only at the LAX Terminal 6 lab location.

For those seeking even faster results, LAX offers a one-hour PCR test for $199 at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and at ticket counters C01-C05 on the Upper/Departures Level.

It is important to note that different destinations may require specific types of tests, and it is the customer's responsibility to know which test is needed for their travel plans.

For travelers arriving at LAX from outside the country, a negative COVID-19 test is required no more than 72 hours before arrival in the United States. Proof of a negative test must be available in written or electronic form, and most airlines will also require this at check-in.

Testing requirements for travel

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 testing for travellers. Testing sites are available 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 available within 24 hours. Rapid antigen tests are also available at the Terminal 6 lab location for $80, with results available in 30-60 minutes.

When travelling, it is important to check the testing requirements for your destination country, as these may vary. Many countries require travellers to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken within a specified timeframe before arrival, such as within 72 hours or 96 hours. Some countries may also accept negative rapid antigen test results. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your destination, including any formatting requirements for test results, as failing to provide the correct documentation may result in being turned away.

Additionally, some countries may require travellers to submit additional documentation, such as a Health Declaration form or a travel authorization form. It is also important to consider the processing time for test results, especially when factoring in time differences between your departure and arrival locations. For example, receiving test results 48 hours before arriving at a destination that is two hours ahead may result in rejection of those test results.

For travel to the United States, individuals must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken no more than one day before boarding their flight. This requirement applies to all travellers aged two and older, regardless of vaccination status or nationality. Persons who have recently recovered from COVID-19 may provide documentation of recovery, such as a positive COVID-19 test result from no more than 90 days before departure, along with a letter from a licensed healthcare provider clearing them for travel.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to check the testing requirements for your destination and allow sufficient time for testing and obtaining results.

Safety measures at the airport

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to airports implementing new safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures vary depending on the airport and the country, but they all aim to protect the health and safety of passengers, staff, and the general public.

One of the key measures is the introduction of COVID-19 testing facilities at airports. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers rapid antigen tests with results available in 30 minutes, as well as rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests with results in 3-5 hours through its on-site laboratory. These tests can cost up to $199 per person, and appointments are highly recommended. Ontario International Airport, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, also offers COVID-19 testing for a fee in its parking lot. Similarly, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) requires travellers from certain countries to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test and mandates a 14-day or 21-day quarantine period depending on vaccination status.

In addition to testing, airports have implemented other safety measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Changi Airport in Singapore, for instance, has introduced zoning and segregation of the workplace, with strict access controls between zones to minimize contact between workers. They have also enhanced the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers, particularly those in high-risk areas. Furthermore, HKG has deployed high-tech "sterilization robots" to continuously clean surfaces and applied antimicrobial coatings to high-touch surfaces to kill germs and viruses.

Airports have also made efforts to ensure physical distancing and improve ventilation systems. Hong Kong International Airport has redesigned its physical environment to maximize distancing and safety for staff. Changi Airport has also taken steps to reduce the likelihood of an airport worker infecting close contacts at home. Additionally, the existing ventilation system in the terminals delivers one cycle of complete air change every six to ten minutes in general spaces and every three minutes in the toilets, in alignment with COVID-19 defence guidelines.

Overall, airports have implemented a range of safety measures to protect the health and safety of all individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, including testing, enhanced PPE, improved sanitation, physical distancing, and upgraded ventilation systems. These measures aim to provide a safe and comfortable experience for travellers while complying with regulatory rules and guidelines.

Rapid antigen tests

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers rapid antigen COVID-19 tests with results available in 30 minutes. The tests are available at the airport's on-site laboratory, with a capacity of up to 200 antigen tests per day. The cost of the test is $80, and appointments are highly recommended.

While rapid antigen tests are quick and accessible, it is important to note that they are generally less likely to detect the virus than NAAT tests, especially when symptoms are absent. Therefore, following FDA recommendations, individuals with symptoms should consider two negative antigen tests, while those without symptoms should take three antigen tests, spaced 48 hours apart, to confirm a negative result.

The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is an example of a self-test kit that can be used at home or after being in public. It involves four simple steps and provides results in 15 minutes. The test is non-invasive, requiring only a gentle brush against the inner wall of the nostrils with a soft, highly absorbent nasal swab. Each kit includes two tests and is compact enough for easy storage or travel.

PCR tests

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests with results guaranteed in less than an hour at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The tests are in addition to PCR tests being offered for sale at several locations throughout the airport, with results available in either 3-5 hours or within 24 hours, depending on the location. The cost for getting the results within the hour is $199 per person, while the PCR tests with results in 3-5 hours are $125 each.

The COVID-19 lab that opened across from Terminal 6 in late December continues to offer PCR nasal swab tests with results available in 3-5 hours. That lab also processes samples collected at Terminal 2 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal, with results returned in less than 24 hours. The nasal-swab antigen tests, which are available only at Terminal 6, cost $80 and have results available in 30-60 minutes.

The on-site testing program at LAX has evolved, with test results moving from 24-48 hours during the interim testing solution in November 2020 to as little as 30 minutes today. The airport said PCR tests are required to enter certain destinations or to skip quarantine periods upon arrival, but added that antigen tests may be accepted by some airlines and destinations. It is the customer's responsibility to know the type of test results needed for their destination.

Frequently asked questions