Covid Testing Availability At Logan Airport: A Guide

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel plans, many airports have implemented testing facilities to help curb the spread of the virus. Boston's Logan International Airport is one of them. The airport's COVID-19 testing facility, located in Terminal E, offers three different types of tests, with a capacity to administer about 400 tests per day. The testing site has seen long lines, with wait times of up to 4 hours for those without appointments. Logan Airport's COVID-19 testing services are available to all passengers, both arriving and departing, helping to ensure safe travel during these challenging times.

Boston's Logan Airport COVID-19 testing facility

Boston's Logan International Airport has a COVID-19 testing facility within Terminal E, which is the terminal for international travel. The testing facility, XpresCheck, is operated by the health and wellness company XpresSpa Group. It was constructed in 2020 and can administer around 400 tests per day.

The facility offers three different types of tests, ranging in price from $75 to $200. Passengers can get tested either before flying or after landing. The wait time for testing, without an appointment, was around four hours on one of the busiest travel days of the year in 2021.

For those travelling internationally, a negative COVID-19 test is required before boarding a flight. Masks are also mandatory. Proof of a PCR test with your name, date, result, and lab of origin is typically the minimum requirement for travel. However, some countries, like Canada, require additional information through an app.

Testing requirements for international flights

As of 2020, Boston's Logan International Airport has offered COVID-19 testing for all passengers arriving and departing post-security. The testing facility, located in Terminal E, offers three different types of tests, with prices ranging from $75 to $200. However, it is important to note that these tests are not free, and passengers are responsible for covering the cost. While the test results cannot be used for reimbursement, they can be submitted to insurance companies for potential coverage.

For those travelling on international flights, it is mandatory to undergo COVID-19 testing before departure. This requirement is in addition to the mandatory mask mandate that is in place. The COVID test station at Logan International Airport has been noted to have long wait times, with lines of up to 4 hours for those without appointments.

When travelling internationally, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements of your destination country. Most countries require, at the very least, proof of a negative PCR test that includes your name, date, result, and lab of origin. Some countries, like Canada, may require additional information to be filled out through an app. It is recommended to carry printed documents as proof of a negative test result, as some countries may not accept digital copies.

For example, if your destination is South Korea, you will need to present the required documentation upon arrival at immigration. Additionally, you will be required to download and use a specific app during your stay to track your movements while in quarantine. On the other hand, if you are travelling to China, you will need to obtain a green QR code from the embassy after providing proof of your negative PCR test result and vaccination status.

It is always advisable to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and guidelines provided by the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth journey and compliance with all necessary testing requirements for international flights.

Testing wait times at Logan Airport

Testing wait times at Boston Logan International Airport have varied, with the airport previously offering COVID-19 testing facilities with a daily capacity of around 400 tests. In December 2021, the wait time for a test without an appointment was approximately 4 hours on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

The testing facility, XpresCheck, is located in Terminal E, the terminal for international travel. It offers three types of tests ranging from $75 to $200, which can be reimbursed by insurance companies. The facility includes seven separate testing rooms, and tests are available for both departing and arriving passengers.

The high demand for testing at Logan Airport reflects the cautious attitude of travellers and the airport's commitment to safety. As Dr. Sugata Bhattacharjae noted, "If people think COVID is over, there's one place where people are really careful—the airports."

To avoid lengthy wait times, it is advisable to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test in advance or consider at-home testing options, which are widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. These tests typically provide results within 10 to 15 minutes and can be an effective tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, especially when used repeatedly.

For international travel, it is essential to be aware of the specific requirements of your destination country. Most countries require proof of a negative PCR test with your name, date, result, and lab of origin. Some countries, like Canada, also require additional information through a specific app.

At-home testing kits in Boston

As of November 2023, Logan International Airport offers COVID-19 testing within Terminal E, which is the terminal for international travel. The XpresCheck COVID-19 testing facility can test about 400 people per day, either before flying or after landing. Testing is not free and costs between $75 and $200.

The iHealth COVID-19 At-Home tests, available at these distribution hubs, may be used for up to 15 months from their date of manufacture. If you test positive, it is recommended that you call your healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. The Mayor’s Health Line can also be contacted at 617-534-5050 for any questions. Distribution Hubs are generally closed on state and federal holidays, as well as for unforeseen circumstances.

As of November 2023, Boston-area COVID wastewater data showed an increase ahead of Thanksgiving gatherings, prompting the city to provide more free at-home test kits to residents. Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests at www.covid.gov/tests.

Acceptable forms of negative COVID test documentation

Boston's Logan International Airport offers COVID-19 testing at Terminal E, the airport's international terminal. The testing facility offers three different types of tests ranging from $75 to $200. However, it is important to note that the tests are not free, and passengers are responsible for submitting their own insurance reimbursement claims.

Regarding acceptable forms of negative COVID-19 test documentation, it is recommended to have, at the very least, proof of a PCR test that includes your name, the date, the result, and the lab of origin. It is also advised to have printed documentation, as some countries, like Canada, require an app to be filled with this information. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country, so it is essential to check the requirements for your destination or transit country. For example, if you are travelling to Korea, you will need to show your documents at immigration and download a specific app for quarantine tracking once you arrive. On the other hand, if you are travelling to China, you will need to obtain a green QR code from the embassy after providing your negative PCR test result and vaccination status.

Frequently asked questions