American Airlines is now offering customers at-home COVID-19 tests to try to boost business to areas with travel restrictions within the United States. AA is the first airline to offer this preflight testing program. It does come with a price tag though. The Miami Herald writes:
Starting at $129, the PCR tests are available through at-home testing company LetsGetChecked. Passengers order the testing kits online five days before their departures, and return the nasal swab specimens to the company 72 hours before their flights. Results are usually available within 48 hours, American Airlines said in a statement.
Alison Taylor, Chief Customer Officer for American Airlines said, “We’ve made great strides to help open international travel with our testing partners, and we recognize the need for similar domestic travel solutions. 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.”
In some states, like Connecticut, a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival can exempt a traveler from self-quarantine requirements. But for travelers flying into a state like New York, the pre-flight test is just the first step. They still must quarantine for three days and then obtain a second negative test on day four in order to exit quarantine early.
Other U.S. destinations that have coronavirus related restrictions in place include Alaska, the District of Columbia, Chicago, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and Vermont.
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