Flying in and out of Brazil with the new restrictions
Jan 29, 2021, 9:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Flying in and out of Brazil with the new restrictions
I had the $1300 J fare booked to GRU a few days after the entry restriction of a negative test came into effect for arrivals into Brazil. Then came the USA restriction for a negative test into the USA. I kept my plans the same since this was a work/earning status trip.
Trip was scheduled for Wednesday morning departure from ELP-DFW-GRU.
I got tested on Monday from both Walgreens and CVS since they both had PCR tests but gave different days for results which made me nervous and had planned all the available options. Test results came from both places on Tuesday evening and my original plan was good to go.
Since the trip starts in ELP, the agents checked the documents thoroughly and even stated that one of my pages didn’t have the test type and wouldn’t be accepted so they don’t need that page. That page had the lab name printed on it so I had printed it out. The other page didn’t have the lab name but it stated RT—PCR. That was the only place where the docs were checked. No check done in DFW and not even a mention at GRU immigration.
will update on my return flight back.
Trip was scheduled for Wednesday morning departure from ELP-DFW-GRU.
I got tested on Monday from both Walgreens and CVS since they both had PCR tests but gave different days for results which made me nervous and had planned all the available options. Test results came from both places on Tuesday evening and my original plan was good to go.
Since the trip starts in ELP, the agents checked the documents thoroughly and even stated that one of my pages didn’t have the test type and wouldn’t be accepted so they don’t need that page. That page had the lab name printed on it so I had printed it out. The other page didn’t have the lab name but it stated RT—PCR. That was the only place where the docs were checked. No check done in DFW and not even a mention at GRU immigration.
will update on my return flight back.
Last edited by anaggie; Jan 30, 2021 at 7:44 am
Jan 29, 2021, 11:15 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
On return, presuming a nonstop GRU-US entry point, all checks are handled by the air carrier per the CDC Order. CDC advises that it may do spot checks at the POE, but nobody has reported any yet and one would expect them to be rare. The carrier is simply directed to deny boarding if you do not have a qualified negative test result and the completed Attestation.
For the benefit of others, your experience with one test result being rejected points to the importance of triple checking every document and making certain that it complies with every requirement of the jurisdictions for which you will use it.
For the benefit of others, your experience with one test result being rejected points to the importance of triple checking every document and making certain that it complies with every requirement of the jurisdictions for which you will use it.
Jan 30, 2021, 2:12 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Getting the tests done
Staying in São Paulo at the Renaissance. City is in red phase which means all shopping, restaurants and bars closed.
I went to the drogasil near the hotel and paid R$230 for both the antigen and antibody (I think we had it end of December). I think the antigen test is R$160. I had them copy the information from my passport to put on the test results form. Both test negative. Took 45 mins from the hotel and back.
I then went to the CR Diagnostics at Mocca shopping and that was an experience. The shopping center is closed so I had to walk into the actual mall and then got escorted to the testing site by a very helpful security guard. I talked to an attendant and being a drive thru site, I needed a car. They said to call Uber when my turn comes close and then get into the car to get tested. You need a passport since the test is for travel, pay R$350 for the PCR test and the results come back by 7am the next day The line was approx one hour long and all in all it took 3 hrs from start to finish. Better than going to the airport 6-7 hours before my flight.
I did both tests just to see if AA will accept the antigen test. If they do accept the antigen test, then I won’t have to go thru the PCR headache.
Update — Logged in at 9am and test results came back — negative.
I went to the drogasil near the hotel and paid R$230 for both the antigen and antibody (I think we had it end of December). I think the antigen test is R$160. I had them copy the information from my passport to put on the test results form. Both test negative. Took 45 mins from the hotel and back.
I then went to the CR Diagnostics at Mocca shopping and that was an experience. The shopping center is closed so I had to walk into the actual mall and then got escorted to the testing site by a very helpful security guard. I talked to an attendant and being a drive thru site, I needed a car. They said to call Uber when my turn comes close and then get into the car to get tested. You need a passport since the test is for travel, pay R$350 for the PCR test and the results come back by 7am the next day The line was approx one hour long and all in all it took 3 hrs from start to finish. Better than going to the airport 6-7 hours before my flight.
I did both tests just to see if AA will accept the antigen test. If they do accept the antigen test, then I won’t have to go thru the PCR headache.
Update — Logged in at 9am and test results came back — negative.
Last edited by anaggie; Jan 31, 2021 at 6:56 am
Jan 30, 2021, 7:22 pm
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
AA will follow the exact requirements of the CDC Order, which is explicit on what is required by way of test and information appearing on the result.
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/G...ncrypted-p.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/G...ncrypted-p.pdf
Feb 1, 2021, 6:17 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Check in at GRU
Check in was smooth and efficient at GRU. I didn’t hear any passenger who was shocked about the new test requirements while checking in but I was checked in less than 10 minutes.
The agent looked at my antigen test and made sure the details matched the passport and the negative result. After the signing of the attestation form, I was on my way.
No check at the gate, or upon landing or CBP.
Very efficient and smooth overall. I hope the USA doesn’t change the testing requirements down the road and I wish all the countries accept rapid tests. Maybe make a restriction on rapid tests to 24hrs before departure and no more than 72 hours before arrival.
The agent looked at my antigen test and made sure the details matched the passport and the negative result. After the signing of the attestation form, I was on my way.
No check at the gate, or upon landing or CBP.
Very efficient and smooth overall. I hope the USA doesn’t change the testing requirements down the road and I wish all the countries accept rapid tests. Maybe make a restriction on rapid tests to 24hrs before departure and no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Feb 20, 2021, 2:57 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,225
FYI, I was denied boarding on GOL yesterday with an antigen test flying SLZ-GRU-US. GOL finally figured out they were wrong - after the flight departed. Getting them to fix their error has been the most frustrating experience I've ever had travelling. Something to keep in mind if you are not starting at GRU/GIG.