May 12, 2021, 7:34 pm
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
Jun 30, 2021, 10:54 pm
#106
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: UA MM, AA PPro
Posts: 1,480
Jun 30, 2021, 11:48 pm
#107
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: UAL 1KMM,Hilton Diamond
Posts: 759
I used the kit a couple weeks ago. I boarded in Spain, transited in Lisbon and London. I started the journey on TAP. I had no problem with the results being accepted
Jul 1, 2021, 11:44 am
#108
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,357
Just to report back, I bought a 2pack from Optum. I was able to use the test returning from Greece via Germany (LH+UA). The video aspect didn't work very well. They could see and hear me but I couldn't see or hear them. We were able to do it all over chat though. To be safe, I printed out the test report vs using the app. There doesn't seem to be anything on the test that says it was a "home" test so I guess that helps. It does show the "hours since test" on the printed report which is pretty useless.
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Jul 1, 2021, 12:45 pm
#109
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,773
That's what I was looking for
Bummer, thought the 6-pack was perfect for a pair of us travelling together 
The tests cannot be shared. They are issued by (online) prescription. So all six tests must be used by the same person. It is in their FAQs and I confirmed with them personally as well. I suspect the barcodes are registered to the prescription holder. So not that cheap if you have to order more than one set and all must be used by the end of the year.
https://www.emed.com/contact-us
https://www.emed.com/contact-us
CAN I SHARE MY TESTS WITH SOMEONE?
No. The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test requires a prescription for the person ordering the test. Qualified individuals are prescribed the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test via eMeds healthcare provider partner. A qualified individual must receive a prescription before a test can be administered.
Jul 1, 2021, 2:24 pm
#110
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 7,030
Jul 1, 2021, 3:59 pm
#111
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,216
Just to report back, I bought a 2pack from Optum. I was able to use the test returning from Greece via Germany (LH+UA). The video aspect didn't work very well. They could see and hear me but I couldn't see or hear them. We were able to do it all over chat though. To be safe, I printed out the test report vs using the app. There doesn't seem to be anything on the test that says it was a "home" test so I guess that helps. It does show the "hours since test" on the printed report which is pretty useless.
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Jul 1, 2021, 4:29 pm
#112
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,357
I would just buy the smaller packs as needed to be safe. Also, depending on what country you are returning from, it isn't that hard to get a test.
Jul 1, 2021, 6:31 pm
#113
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,216
It would be cumbersome for us when we're in a remote part of Iceland. I'll pay the damn $210 to spare ourselves from wasting hours of our holiday time for the superfluous test.
Jul 2, 2021, 1:40 am
#114
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: United 1K 3MM
Posts: 387
The 6-pack can be shared. Each person needs a separate account. See this post: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33357413-post41.html
I just shared a 6 pack among 4 people. The important detail is that you need to sign out of eMed in between tests, not just closing the browser, when using the same device. Otherwise you cannot link to another NAVICA account.
Jul 2, 2021, 4:16 am
#115
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: 35,506
ne it.
Jul 4, 2021, 12:57 pm
#116
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
I just registered & ordered a 6 pack. During the process, I was asked if I wanted to register a 2nd person, so I entered my wife’s info, also. I’ll see if that has any effect.
Jul 4, 2021, 1:17 pm
#117
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: United 1K 3MM
Posts: 387
J
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Still on the fence about buying a larger pack. There is some amount of risk with using this with another airline if you are connecting to UA. You can't always guarantee your hotel WIFI will be good enough. You have a limited amount of time before the test kit expires. Who knows if the US will suddenly decide to remove the test requirement and allow vaccination card instead.
Jul 7, 2021, 7:58 am
#118
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 61
Experiences with EMed
I am going to Europe twice in the next 3 months. EMed which was recommended by United seems like a much cheaper costs (6 tests for the price of 1 PCR) but I am nervous as their email customer service was poor. It was much better when I called. Anyone used them? I would love feedback. I am nervous about availability of proctors when you need to do the test. We have a group traveling and I don't want us to be stuck in que for hours. here is the website for anyone curious https://www.emed.com/products/covid-...pack?hsLang=en
Jul 7, 2021, 8:04 am
#119
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 7,030
There are a few threads that answer your request:
UA Returns to Italy, Preflight Testing Quarantine Free Flight,new entry rule 21 June
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/show...php?p=33380512
Covid test for entry/re-entry to US [merged thread]
Good luck.
UA Returns to Italy, Preflight Testing Quarantine Free Flight,new entry rule 21 June
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/show...php?p=33380512
Covid test for entry/re-entry to US [merged thread]
Good luck.
Last edited by Kmxu; Jul 7, 2021 at 8:31 am
Jul 7, 2021, 8:50 am
#120
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: BA Silver, UA 1K, DL Platinum
Posts: 698
I used them a couple of days ago from Paris. Connection was essentially instant.
for my minor childs test we had audio issues and got disconnected at the results stage. We reconnected immediately and had to wait the 15 minutes timer for the test again but he understood the issue and zoomed through the collection steps.
Overall I was happy with experience although I would rather the test was scrapped for fully vaccinated passengers. At CDG they did ask to see the test results at check in - I showed the app results and that was fine.
for my minor childs test we had audio issues and got disconnected at the results stage. We reconnected immediately and had to wait the 15 minutes timer for the test again but he understood the issue and zoomed through the collection steps.
Overall I was happy with experience although I would rather the test was scrapped for fully vaccinated passengers. At CDG they did ask to see the test results at check in - I showed the app results and that was fine.