Airports Offering Covid Testing: A Comprehensive List

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the airline industry, with airlines and airports implementing various measures to restore traveller confidence and encourage passengers back onto planes. One such measure is the introduction of COVID-19 testing facilities at airports, which has become almost as important as a passport or ticket when travelling. Testing facilities at airports allow travellers to bypass mandatory quarantine periods in their destination countries and provide peace of mind for those concerned about contracting the virus during their journey. While some airports offer testing services as part of their state's entry requirements, others are in the process of adding testing areas to their facilities. This paragraph will explore the airports that are currently offering COVID-19 testing and discuss the potential benefits of this initiative for the aviation industry.

Testing options in US airports

As air travel resumes, US airports are offering COVID-19 testing to help passengers meet the requirements of their destination. Testing options vary across airports, with some offering rapid tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests.

Boston Logan Airport

The XpresCheck facility at Boston Logan Airport offers COVID-19 testing from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm. Testing is available to travellers, airport employees, and members of the public. Tests include a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for $75, a rapid molecular test for $200, and an antibody test for $75. The facility also offers rapid flu, strep throat, and mono tests for $25 each, and a flu shot for $50.

JFK Airport

JFK Airport has two COVID-19 testing sites. The first is an XpresCheck testing facility located in Terminal 4, pre-security, which offers rapid molecular tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests. Online registration is recommended, but walk-ins are accepted. The second site is in JetBlue's Terminal 5, offering free, walk-in testing from 9 am to 7 pm.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport offers onsite rapid tests administered by CareNow. American Airlines passengers with upcoming flights can also redeem 12,000 miles for an at-home COVID-19 test.

Alaska Airports

The state of Alaska requires travellers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival or take a test upon arrival. Testing is available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Juneau International Airport, and Ketchikan Airport. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides free PCR testing and all three COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone aged 12 and older.

Arizona Airports

Arizona's Governor has instructed the state's Department of Health Services to arrange coronavirus testing in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and Tucson International Airport. Testing is available for arriving and departing travellers.

Other US Airports

Other US airports offering COVID-19 testing include Bradley International Airport in Massachusetts, Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. Some airlines, such as British Airways, also offer discounted at-home testing kits for passengers.

International testing facilities

XpresCheck

XpresCheck has opened several COVID-19 testing facilities at airports in the United States. These include:

• A pop-up facility at Dulles International Airport, located pre-security in the main terminal on the baggage claim level, near door 2. This facility has nine separate testing rooms and can administer more than 500 tests per day.
• A pop-up facility at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in the existing XpresSpa location pre-security in National Hall near Terminal B. This facility has four separate testing rooms and can administer over 300 tests per day.
• A testing facility at Newark Liberty International Airport, offering rapid molecular tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests.
• A testing facility at JFK Airport, located in Terminal 4, pre-security. Another testing site is available in JetBlue’s Terminal 5, providing free, walk-in testing from 9 am-7 pm.

Other US Testing Facilities

• Boston’s Logan Airport has an XpresCheck coronavirus testing facility in the International Arrivals area, administering over 400 tests per day.
• Arizona’s Governor has instructed the state’s Department of Health Services to implement coronavirus testing in the state’s airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and Tucson International Airport.
• A free testing site has been set up at LaGuardia Airport by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in collaboration with NYC Health & Hospitals.
• Delhi Airport has a testing facility for arriving international passengers, with results available within eight hours.
• Mumbai Airport has launched a 24X7 COVID-19 testing facility for arriving international passengers, with results available for Rs1,600.
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) requires all arriving passengers to undergo COVID-19 testing and be negative to avoid a 14-day quarantine.
• Alaska’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Juneau International Airport, and Ketchikan Airport all offer onsite Covid-19 testing as part of the state’s entry requirements.

Testing for specific destinations

Testing requirements vary depending on your destination country, so it's important to confirm the specific entry requirements for your destination well in advance of your trip. Testing requirements and availability can change frequently, so it's important to stay informed by regularly checking for updates from your airline, airport, and destination country. Signing up for travel alerts and consulting reputable sources such as government health departments can help you stay prepared.

If you're flying from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you can use the airport's app or website to search for specific testing locations based on your terminal. The cost of a rapid COVID test at ATL varies depending on the type of test and the provider. You can expect to pay anywhere from [$Low Estimate] to [$High Estimate] per test. Many testing facilities at ATL require appointments, so it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel times.

If you're flying from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with American Airlines, you can redeem 12,000 miles for an at-home COVID-19 test at least 10 days before your flight. If you're flying to the U.S., you can download the digital health passport app VeriFLY to upload your negative COVID-19 test result and receive a QR code to facilitate the check-in process.

If you're flying on British Airways, you can use the VeriFLY app for flights to the U.S., and on the way back to the U.K., you can use a pre-purchased COVID-19 testing kit from Qured at a discounted price.

If you're flying from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), you will need to undergo COVID-19 testing and test negative to avoid a 14-day quarantine.

Testing for US arrivals

As of May 2022, international arrivals are no longer required to be fully vaccinated or to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the US. However, it is still mandatory to carry proof of vaccination for all non-citizens aged over five. It is recommended that all vaccines, including boosters, are completed prior to visiting the US.

Previously, even with a valid vaccination certificate, visitors were expected to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Unvaccinated individuals were required to show a negative test taken within 24 hours of arrival.

Some airlines and airports continue to offer pre-travel COVID-19 testing. For example, passengers flying with British Airways can use the VeriFLY app for flights to the US, and can purchase discounted COVID-19 testing kits from Qured for their return journey to the UK. American Airlines passengers with at least 10 days before their flight can redeem 12,000 miles for an at-home COVID-19 test.

Several airports across the US have offered pre-travel coronavirus testing, including:

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Juneau International Airport, and Ketchikan Airport in Alaska
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, and Tucson International Airport in Arizona
• Boston's Logan Airport
• JFK Airport in New York
• LaGuardia Airport in New York

Testing for airline passengers

Testing for COVID-19 has become an essential part of air travel, with airlines and airports implementing various measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff. Many countries and airlines require travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recovery before boarding, and some even require testing upon arrival. Here is an overview of the testing procedures for airline passengers:

Pre-Travel Testing:

Many airlines and countries require passengers to undergo COVID-19 testing within a specified timeframe before their departure. For example, the United States requires incoming passengers to provide a negative test result taken within one day of departure or proof of recovery. Similarly, Alaska has entry requirements that mandate travellers to present a negative test result within 72 hours before arrival or take a test upon arrival.

On-Site Airport Testing:

Several airports across the globe have introduced on-site COVID-19 testing facilities to facilitate traveller compliance with testing requirements. For instance, Boston's Logan Airport features an XpresCheck testing facility in the International Arrivals area, offering rapid molecular tests, PCR tests, and blood antibody tests. Similarly, JFK Airport in New York has an XpresCheck testing site in Terminal 4 and another free walk-in testing site in JetBlue's Terminal 5.

In-Flight Testing:

Some airlines have implemented in-flight testing procedures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew. For example, Air Canada has introduced a comprehensive suite of health and safety protocols called Air Canada CleanCare+, which includes a touch-free experience from the bag drop to virtual queueing. Additionally, British Airways recommends passengers use the VeriFLY app for flights to the US, and a discounted pre-purchased COVID-19 testing kit from Qured for their return journey to the UK.

Post-Arrival Testing:

Some destinations require arriving passengers to undergo testing upon arrival, regardless of their pre-departure test results. For instance, Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) mandates all incoming passengers to undergo COVID-19 testing, with negative results exempting them from a 14-day quarantine.

Health Questionnaires and Contact Tracing:

In addition to testing, many airlines require passengers to complete health questionnaires before boarding. For example, Alaska Airlines has implemented the Next Level Care commitment, which requires guests to answer questions about their health and exposure to COVID-19 within 72 hours of boarding. Contact tracing is also a crucial component of airlines' safety protocols, with Air Canada keeping a record of all guests for 30 days.

These testing and safety protocols vary across airlines and destinations, and it is essential for passengers to stay informed about the specific requirements of their chosen carrier and destination.

Frequently asked questions