Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United and Abbott Partner to Make Return to U.S. "Worry Free" for International Travelers with Home-Testing Kits
Newly issued guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now accepts rapid, self-administered testing option that meet its criteria
United customers can depart the U.S. with the Abbott BinaxNOW™ Home Test in their carry-on bag and administer the test via the eMed digital health platform to re-enter the U.S.
CHICAGO and ABBOTT PARK, Ill., May 12, 2021
-- United and Abbott today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration to use Abbott's BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Home Test and Abbott's NAVICA app to help make the international travel experience more seamless. Recently updated CDC guidelines permit travelers to self-administer a rapid antigen test under the real-time supervision of a telehealth service and use the verified negative test result to board an international flight to the U.S. if they test negative.
"We appreciate the private sector proactively helping travelers have access to easy, reliable COVID-19 test options," said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. "Comprehensive testing that is easy, rapid, accurate and trusted is a fundamental strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19."
United customers can depart the United States with the BinaxNOW Home Test in their carry-on bag and administer the test via the eMed digital health platform while overseas, avoiding the need to find a testing center abroad. United is the only airline to offer end-to-end integration between a digital platform and a testing app with the integration between the United Travel Ready Center platform and Abbott's NAVICA app which provides a seamless passenger experience when departing and re-entering the United States. Since the Travel-Ready Center launched in January, United customers have been able to easily access testing or vaccine requirements needed for travel destinations, upload completed test results and vaccine records, as well as have them verified, all within the United app.
"We want to give our customers greater peace of mind that when they travel internationally, they'll be able to return to the U.S quickly and safely," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer at United. "The Abbott BinaxNOW Home Test meets CDC requirements and, along with our partners at Abbott, United is doubling down on our commitment to make international travel as safe and convenient as possible by offering an easy testing option when customers are ready to return to the United States."
The BinaxNOW Home Test kit is lightweight, about the size of a day planner and fits easily into a passenger's carry-on luggage, briefcase or purse. It is recommended that passengers travel with more than one BinaxNOW test in their possession in the event of an inconclusive test result.
"The BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test is the most studied and widely used rapid test in the United States today and with our partner United, we're making testing even more broadly available as the country returns to international business and leisure travel," said Andrea F. Wainer, executive vice president of Abbott's rapid and molecular diagnostics business. "The CDC's recent guidance also reinforces the importance of our NAVICA app, because airlines and other safety-conscious industries, such as workplaces and higher education, will need digital solutions that can be used to quickly and easily validate and verify test results."
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test can help restore a sense of normalcy to everyday life by reuniting family members and loved ones, providing additional confidence while traveling, and making it easier to do international business. Authorized since August 2020, more than 200 million BinaxNOW tests have been distributed throughout the United States, where they've been used by K-12 schools, universities, nursing homes, and underserved communities and serve as a powerful tool to help prevent the virus from spreading.
For a detailed description of the Abbott home-testing process, visit united.emed.com. To view video and photos of the process click here.
The Abbott BinaxNOW™ Home Test meets the the CDC's guidance due to the unique digital proctor experience through eMed, which provides observed sample collection, testing and digitally verified test results. Abbott's recently authorized BinaxNOW™ Self Test for over-the-counter purchase is not eligible for travel purposes.
.....
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2. This test is authorized for prescription home use with self-collected observed direct anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset or adult collected nasal swab samples from individuals aged four years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset.
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is to be performed only with the supervision of a telehealth proctor.
Newly issued guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now accepts rapid, self-administered testing option that meet its criteria
United customers can depart the U.S. with the Abbott BinaxNOW™ Home Test in their carry-on bag and administer the test via the eMed digital health platform to re-enter the U.S.
CHICAGO and ABBOTT PARK, Ill., May 12, 2021
-- United and Abbott today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration to use Abbott's BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Home Test and Abbott's NAVICA app to help make the international travel experience more seamless. Recently updated CDC guidelines permit travelers to self-administer a rapid antigen test under the real-time supervision of a telehealth service and use the verified negative test result to board an international flight to the U.S. if they test negative.
"We appreciate the private sector proactively helping travelers have access to easy, reliable COVID-19 test options," said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. "Comprehensive testing that is easy, rapid, accurate and trusted is a fundamental strategy for preventing the spread of COVID-19."
United customers can depart the United States with the BinaxNOW Home Test in their carry-on bag and administer the test via the eMed digital health platform while overseas, avoiding the need to find a testing center abroad. United is the only airline to offer end-to-end integration between a digital platform and a testing app with the integration between the United Travel Ready Center platform and Abbott's NAVICA app which provides a seamless passenger experience when departing and re-entering the United States. Since the Travel-Ready Center launched in January, United customers have been able to easily access testing or vaccine requirements needed for travel destinations, upload completed test results and vaccine records, as well as have them verified, all within the United app.
"We want to give our customers greater peace of mind that when they travel internationally, they'll be able to return to the U.S quickly and safely," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer at United. "The Abbott BinaxNOW Home Test meets CDC requirements and, along with our partners at Abbott, United is doubling down on our commitment to make international travel as safe and convenient as possible by offering an easy testing option when customers are ready to return to the United States."
The BinaxNOW Home Test kit is lightweight, about the size of a day planner and fits easily into a passenger's carry-on luggage, briefcase or purse. It is recommended that passengers travel with more than one BinaxNOW test in their possession in the event of an inconclusive test result.
"The BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test is the most studied and widely used rapid test in the United States today and with our partner United, we're making testing even more broadly available as the country returns to international business and leisure travel," said Andrea F. Wainer, executive vice president of Abbott's rapid and molecular diagnostics business. "The CDC's recent guidance also reinforces the importance of our NAVICA app, because airlines and other safety-conscious industries, such as workplaces and higher education, will need digital solutions that can be used to quickly and easily validate and verify test results."
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 rapid test can help restore a sense of normalcy to everyday life by reuniting family members and loved ones, providing additional confidence while traveling, and making it easier to do international business. Authorized since August 2020, more than 200 million BinaxNOW tests have been distributed throughout the United States, where they've been used by K-12 schools, universities, nursing homes, and underserved communities and serve as a powerful tool to help prevent the virus from spreading.
For a detailed description of the Abbott home-testing process, visit united.emed.com. To view video and photos of the process click here.
The Abbott BinaxNOW™ Home Test meets the the CDC's guidance due to the unique digital proctor experience through eMed, which provides observed sample collection, testing and digitally verified test results. Abbott's recently authorized BinaxNOW™ Self Test for over-the-counter purchase is not eligible for travel purposes.
.....
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2. This test is authorized for prescription home use with self-collected observed direct anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset or adult collected nasal swab samples from individuals aged four years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of symptom onset.
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is to be performed only with the supervision of a telehealth proctor.
Related thread: Be Careful! EMed/Abbot Binaxnow Navica MELTDOWN. Impossible to get test done.
UA: Use Home Testing Kit for U.S. Return from International
#361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
All very true and a good reminder of relative value!! For us this is already a fallback since we’re coming off a cruise ship. If they test us the night before disembarkation we’ll be four days out from our flight but if we persuade them to test the next morning we’ll be three days out. Small ship, top level customers, the odds are actually high that they’ll do it and it not we’ll have 3 days to find a local tester and I know our small hotel where we’re known will help. This is all in Lisbon. I may still just buy the 6 pack for$150. Thanks for centering me.
The instructions say "DO NOT OPEN THE BOX" I assume they mean the individual test boxes and not the shipping package?
Last edited by milepig; Oct 5, 2021 at 10:06 am
#362
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,429
This applies to any test. For example, we were supposed to go for a 1hr results PCR test this AM. We had appointments all set up on Friday. We go there and were told that the place no longer offers that service. So, we had to find an alternative that will allow us to travel tomorrow.
#363
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
I went ahead and ordered from emed. I liked the part about "this is a prescription and must be approved..." that took like 2 seconds! I felt like I'd just bought spurious meds off the internet (not that I'd know anything about that).
The instructions say "DO NOT OPEN THE BOX" I assume they mean the individual test boxes and not the shipping package?
The instructions say "DO NOT OPEN THE BOX" I assume they mean the individual test boxes and not the shipping package?
On our most recent trip my wife and I each carried one in our carry on bag and checked bag and it was pretty unobtrusive.
#364
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1MM, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,003
This might have been asked or answered, but how long does it take to get the kits? I am traveling in two weeks, but just heard about this test option.
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
Last edited by naumank; Nov 8, 2021 at 1:53 am
#365
Join Date: Aug 2021
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 25
This might have been asked or answered, but how long does it take to get the kits? I am traveling in two weeks, but just heard about this test option.
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
#366
Join Date: Jun 2021
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K, AAdvantage Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 298
This might have been asked or answered, but how long does it take to get the kits? I am traveling in two weeks, but just heard about this test option.
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
Also, I found this self test kit (https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/bi...414527-product) on Walgreens.Com. Is this the same product as available on emed.com?
The Walgreens link was for a self-test that is not approved for travel. In the stores at certain locations in NY, NJ, and CA you may also be able to purchase the home test. I know of one person who managed to find one at a Walgreens near Newark Airport in NJ.
#367
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: CHS
Posts: 2,246
Just ordered the eMed 2 Fridays ago and received them the following Tuesday via overnight (they shipped on Monday). It's quite fast.
#368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 10,159
Does anyone have an update on the expiration of these? I found some 2nd hand info via web search about them being extended to 12 months, so some kits are now good 3 months past the expiration on the sticker, but have no idea which ones qualify. Seems pretty convoluted.
#369
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1MM, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,003
One more question: on emed's ordering page, it asks me to enter up to 3 names. Does it matter which names I enter at this stage?
Last edited by naumank; Nov 8, 2021 at 10:37 am
#370
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SBA
Programs: UA MM etc
Posts: 62
emed.com now contains the note "The test kits you are about to purchase from eMed have been approved for use by the FDA at least through February 1, 2022, after which they will expire." This is crippling news for all of us who won't be returning to the US before Feb 1. Anyone have any information beyond what is on the emed site? Or is there another source of proctored antigen tests that have a later expiration date?
Last edited by brhacker; Nov 8, 2021 at 1:05 pm
#371
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Great! Our travel group will have 4 people. Can I order just one set (6 kits)? (Or should I order 2 packages - 12 test kits - just to be safe?) Does everyone need to have their own account on emed.com?
One more question: on emed's ordering page, it asks me to enter up to 3 names. Does it matter which names I enter at this stage?
One more question: on emed's ordering page, it asks me to enter up to 3 names. Does it matter which names I enter at this stage?
During test, it is best to have one person tested first and other watching to avoid any mistake. The video on emed site helps, too.
Good luck.
#372
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,540
Just order one set of six kits for the group. The names added to the order do not matter at all. Each person needs his/her own emed account before testing.
During test, it is best to have one person tested first and other watching to avoid any mistake. The video on emed site helps, too.
Good luck.
During test, it is best to have one person tested first and other watching to avoid any mistake. The video on emed site helps, too.
Good luck.
#373
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
Also worth noting that navica app has to be downloaded in the U.S., from a U.S.-registered Apple account (don't know about Android). Colleague here has his app-store registered in UK so couldn't load it. Point is, load, populate, and test your apps BEFORE you leave the States.
#374
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,540
Jamie
#375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,429