Given that COVID-19 testing requirements now define any sort of travel effort, American Airlines' latest program is a welcome respite from the chaos. The airline has partnered with LetsGetChecked to send at-home, pre-flight COVID-19 testing kits to folks scheduled to travel to a city or state that has implemented restrictions.
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The program officially launched yesterday and applies to any passenger flying to any U.S. city, state or territory with COVID-19 travel restrictions on flights happening on or after December 12. Important note: the test will cost you $129.
Both companies recommend you order your kit five or more days prior to your scheduled departure. You'll be able to set up a UPS pickup of your sample and can expect to glimpse at your results about 48 hours later through a secure online portal.
"We’ve made great strides to help open international travel with our testing partners, and we recognize the need for similar domestic travel solutions," said Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer for American Airlines, in an official press release announcing the news. "As travel requirements continue to quickly evolve, we’re simplifying the research and COVID-19 testing fulfillment process for an overall more seamless travel experience."
As of press time, a total of 14 cities, states and territories have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place and therefore qualify for the new program. These include Alaska, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Chicago, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and Vermont. Feel free to read more about the program right here.
Needless to say, we are excited to see things moving in the right direction, hoping to—soon—be able to safely travel all around the country once more.
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