Dec 9, 2020, 4:41 am
Last edit by: weezl
The purpose of this thread is outlined in the first post; "I was thinking it might be helpful for any of us going to the islands to share our experiences getting tested.
... I'm curious to hear about others getting tested by airlines, at airports, etc. and being able to get the test done within the correct time frame. Monday/Tuesday departures seem particularly challenging due to the weekend within the 72-hour period."
Please limit posts to ones directly related to the above; general "does this test qualify?" and "where can I get tested?" questions are best asked (and answered) in the master thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/2013922-covid-19-10-day-arrivals-quarantine-pre-post-arrival-test-out-policies.html
Q. Are the COVID tests for leisure travel to Hawaii covered by medical insurance?
A. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2011906-covid-19-travel-medical-insurance.html
FYI-Flight delays don’t count against the T-72 cutoff, they go by the original scheduled departure time not the delayed departure time.
... I'm curious to hear about others getting tested by airlines, at airports, etc. and being able to get the test done within the correct time frame. Monday/Tuesday departures seem particularly challenging due to the weekend within the 72-hour period."
Please limit posts to ones directly related to the above; general "does this test qualify?" and "where can I get tested?" questions are best asked (and answered) in the master thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hawaii/2013922-covid-19-10-day-arrivals-quarantine-pre-post-arrival-test-out-policies.html
Q. Are the COVID tests for leisure travel to Hawaii covered by medical insurance?
A. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/coronavirus-travel/2011906-covid-19-travel-medical-insurance.html
FYI-Flight delays don’t count against the T-72 cutoff, they go by the original scheduled departure time not the delayed departure time.
72-Hour Pre-Departure Covid Testing (Experiences Only)
Oct 11, 2020, 12:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,865
72-Hour Pre-Departure Covid Testing (Experiences Only)
I was thinking it might be helpful for any of us going to the islands to share our experiences getting tested.
I'm departing Sunday 10/25. What I've read so far is the test must be conducted no longer than 72 hours from the LAST leg of your flight. So, for me that will be out of SEA-TAC at 11:25AM which means the test must be done after 11:25AM Thursday 10/22.
I called Kaiser Permanente (they are my provider) and the people on the phone were initially a bit unsure since it's such a fluid situation but they ultimately do seem ready. They said the request must go through my primary doctor and that should be quick and I should hear from them Monday.
I'm curious to hear about others getting tested by airlines, at airports, etc. and being able to get the test done within the correct time frame. Monday/Tuesday departures seem particularly challenging due to the weekend within the 72-hour period.
I'm departing Sunday 10/25. What I've read so far is the test must be conducted no longer than 72 hours from the LAST leg of your flight. So, for me that will be out of SEA-TAC at 11:25AM which means the test must be done after 11:25AM Thursday 10/22.
I called Kaiser Permanente (they are my provider) and the people on the phone were initially a bit unsure since it's such a fluid situation but they ultimately do seem ready. They said the request must go through my primary doctor and that should be quick and I should hear from them Monday.
I'm curious to hear about others getting tested by airlines, at airports, etc. and being able to get the test done within the correct time frame. Monday/Tuesday departures seem particularly challenging due to the weekend within the 72-hour period.
Oct 11, 2020, 4:26 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Where are you located? Before you do anything, confirm that the test you are being offered meets Hawaii's criteria (which are somewhat different than most destination testing requirements). Also, where are you located? There are many jurisdictions which provide free no questions asked testing. The larger issue is whether you will have a timely result.
Oct 11, 2020, 5:05 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,865
Where are you located? Before you do anything, confirm that the test you are being offered meets Hawaii's criteria (which are somewhat different than most destination testing requirements). Also, where are you located? There are many jurisdictions which provide free no questions asked testing. The larger issue is whether you will have a timely result.
Oct 11, 2020, 6:38 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
I'm in Oregon and will definitely make sure the test type is correct. Kaiser is on Hawaii's list of providers and when I talked to them they pulled up info specifically for the travel to HI so I'm hoping it will be. I'm pretty sure as a member there is no cost to me but I will clarify that also. Worst case maybe a co-pay.
Again, nothing to do with COVID just a friendly tip if you need to visit a doctor or the emergency room while here.
Oct 11, 2020, 7:13 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 52
We will be flying direct from LAX to OGG on Monday, October 26 for an (attempted) honeymoon. Since our flight is at 9am, we are actually doing the Vault Health test. It is $150/person, and they overnight a test to you via UPS. You sign on for a Zoom call with a doctor within the 72 hour-window (so we will do it Friday morning), who must witness and administer the saliva sample.
You drop it off at UPS who overnights it back, and they promise results within 48-72 hours. I can get the test for free at CVS or Walgreens, but I do NOT trust the turnaround time due to previous experiences.
You drop it off at UPS who overnights it back, and they promise results within 48-72 hours. I can get the test for free at CVS or Walgreens, but I do NOT trust the turnaround time due to previous experiences.
Oct 12, 2020, 5:19 am
#6
Join Date: May 2020
Programs: UA, DL, AA, B6, WN
Posts: 101
We will be flying direct from LAX to OGG on Monday, October 26 for an (attempted) honeymoon. Since our flight is at 9am, we are actually doing the Vault Health test. It is $150/person, and they overnight a test to you via UPS. You sign on for a Zoom call with a doctor within the 72 hour-window (so we will do it Friday morning), who must witness and administer the saliva sample.
You drop it off at UPS who overnights it back, and they promise results within 48-72 hours. I can get the test for free at CVS or Walgreens, but I do NOT trust the turnaround time due to previous experiences.
You drop it off at UPS who overnights it back, and they promise results within 48-72 hours. I can get the test for free at CVS or Walgreens, but I do NOT trust the turnaround time due to previous experiences.
Oct 12, 2020, 9:19 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 52
Also, another data point for those doing research: I initially looked at Carbon Health's partnership with Alaska Airlines to get my testing done seeing as how they actually had a couple random clinics in Los Angeles, promise results with two hours, and my insurance would cover it. I called the LA clinics and those two-hour tests are actually ONLY available at one Seattle mobile testing location specifically for Alaska Airline flights to Seattle. The tests in LA take 5-7 days to get back. Just FYI.
Oct 12, 2020, 11:43 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Definitely will do!
Also, another data point for those doing research: I initially looked at Carbon Health's partnership with Alaska Airlines to get my testing done seeing as how they actually had a couple random clinics in Los Angeles, promise results with two hours, and my insurance would cover it. I called the LA clinics and those two-hour tests are actually ONLY available at one Seattle mobile testing location specifically for Alaska Airline flights to Seattle. The tests in LA take 5-7 days to get back. Just FYI.
Also, another data point for those doing research: I initially looked at Carbon Health's partnership with Alaska Airlines to get my testing done seeing as how they actually had a couple random clinics in Los Angeles, promise results with two hours, and my insurance would cover it. I called the LA clinics and those two-hour tests are actually ONLY available at one Seattle mobile testing location specifically for Alaska Airline flights to Seattle. The tests in LA take 5-7 days to get back. Just FYI.
I am booked for a Carbon test at the pop-up mobile testing site in SEA. It is $135 if you are flying AS and $180 (I think) if not. I am flying out on AS. But there is no requirement that says you have to prove you are flying AS. They didn’t even ask that question when I made the appointment. So what is to stop anyone who is flying on any other airline from booking through the AS link just to get the rapid test before they fly out of SEA, or just to get the cheaper price if they need it for any other destination or any other reason?
Oct 12, 2020, 6:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 29
Denver resident heading to Lanai for a honeymoon (hopefully) Oct 22. Booked a PCR test with National Jewish since they were a CLIA certified lab for Oct 19 and was planning on a backup test at UC Health on Oct 19 as well (also CLIA certified). (Wasted $190 for two people).
New guidance came out and now going to attempt to certify via Vault. Signed up on a Sunday (11th) and they shipped it out overnight on a Monday (12th) with expected arrival Tues (13th). I'll take the test on Mon Oct 19th and overnight it back in. Hope it arrives at the lab on the morning of Oct 20th and they can get it turned in 48 hours. Fingers crossed. There doesn't seem to be another alternative since neither CVS nor Walgreens are testing here and Quest is a crapshoot on turnaround time.
Was hoping UC Heath/National Jewish would suffice as they have their own labs and have been turning tests within 24-48 hrs, but that new guidance really screwed us in Denver (and probably lots of other places as well). Whats the point of mentioning CLIA certified labs in any official announcement unless you plan on allowing valid tests from them. Just adds to the confusion.
I'm sure everyone can find this on their own, but here's the official link for convenience
https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
New guidance came out and now going to attempt to certify via Vault. Signed up on a Sunday (11th) and they shipped it out overnight on a Monday (12th) with expected arrival Tues (13th). I'll take the test on Mon Oct 19th and overnight it back in. Hope it arrives at the lab on the morning of Oct 20th and they can get it turned in 48 hours. Fingers crossed. There doesn't seem to be another alternative since neither CVS nor Walgreens are testing here and Quest is a crapshoot on turnaround time.
Was hoping UC Heath/National Jewish would suffice as they have their own labs and have been turning tests within 24-48 hrs, but that new guidance really screwed us in Denver (and probably lots of other places as well). Whats the point of mentioning CLIA certified labs in any official announcement unless you plan on allowing valid tests from them. Just adds to the confusion.
I'm sure everyone can find this on their own, but here's the official link for convenience
https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/
Oct 12, 2020, 7:38 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
I don't see the confusion. Their Trusted Partners are clearly listed. This list also adds 3 airlines: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/governors-office-news-release-gov-ige-announces-trusted-testing-and-travel-partners-for-covid-19-pre-travel-testing-program-that-starts-october-15/
With all the changes over the past few months the whole process has been confusing & frustrating though. Hope your honeymoon happens.
With all the changes over the past few months the whole process has been confusing & frustrating though. Hope your honeymoon happens.
Oct 12, 2020, 7:39 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,815
Again a bit OT but since we aren’t at Oct 15 yet....
I am booked for a Carbon test at the pop-up mobile testing site in SEA. It is $135 if you are flying AS and $180 (I think) if not. I am flying out on AS. But there is no requirement that says you have to prove you are flying AS. They didn’t even ask that question when I made the appointment. So what is to stop anyone who is flying on any other airline from booking through the AS link just to get the rapid test before they fly out of SEA, or just to get the cheaper price if they need it for any other destination or any other reason?
I am booked for a Carbon test at the pop-up mobile testing site in SEA. It is $135 if you are flying AS and $180 (I think) if not. I am flying out on AS. But there is no requirement that says you have to prove you are flying AS. They didn’t even ask that question when I made the appointment. So what is to stop anyone who is flying on any other airline from booking through the AS link just to get the rapid test before they fly out of SEA, or just to get the cheaper price if they need it for any other destination or any other reason?
As part of the intake process, have your Alaska flight confirmation code ready to present to a Carbon clinician. You'll then receive a rapid COVID-19 test.
Oct 12, 2020, 8:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Well it isn’t the 15th yet so I expect no one has used Carbon yet. Since they guarantee a 2 hour turnaround, I can’t see people going in this early with all the uncertainty and they only offer tests on Mon, Wed and Fridays, Today was the first day. So probably the first people to use it will be this coming Wednesday. Hopefully someone will report back this week. If not, I will be the guinea pig on Oct 23.
Oct 13, 2020, 12:44 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,178
Shelf Life of Mailed Tests?
For those going the mail-in route, what is the shelf life of the test kits?
Whether you're in Hawaii or on the mainland, would it make sense to order one/some to have on-hand and take it (via the telehealth route) when you're within 72 hours of departure to Hawaii?
Whether you're in Hawaii or on the mainland, would it make sense to order one/some to have on-hand and take it (via the telehealth route) when you're within 72 hours of departure to Hawaii?
Oct 13, 2020, 6:02 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: MUC
Programs: LT Marriott Gold, Velocity Gold, Accor Gold
Posts: 335
Today I booked a flight for Monday 19 October and am hoping to be able to do the test through CVS. I am in San Diego and that seems to be the only game in town available to me. However CVS does not allow scheduling more than two days in advance so I am hoping that I can snag and appointment for Friday. If I am not able to get a test on Friday I will probably cancel the flight. I know CVS is 2-3 days turnaround so it may involve a short quarantine in HNL.