United Airlines says it will roll out a new COVID-19 testing program for passengers beginning Oct. 15, the Chicago-based carrier announced Thursday.
At first, testing will only be available for passengers traveling to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport. Why Hawaii? The airline, the first in the U.S. to offer rapid testing, has more flights to the state than any other U.S. carrier, and the Aloha State’s new testing requirements begins the same day as United’s.
Passengers will have the choice of taking a rapid test from Abbott Labs at the airport the day of their flight with results available in about 15 minutes or using a mail-in test at home prior to travel. Those opting for the at-home test are advised to request the test kit 10 days prior to travel and submit their sample within 72 hours of their flight.
Travelers will have to take the test within 72 hours before their flight arrives in the islands in order to bypass the state’s strictly enforced 14-day quarantine. Both tests will allow travelers to satisfy the 72-hour window required by Hawaii’s new testing program.