In coordination with the State of Hawaii, Alaska Airlines’ guests traveling from the West Coast to the Hawaiian Islands can now bypass the airport screening process upon arrival in Hawaii with a negative COVID-19 test.
On Friday (December 11, 2020), Alaska Airlines announced the introduction of their Hawaii Pre-Clear program which will allow customers to bypass the airport screening process when they arrive in Hawaii with a negative COVID-19 test. The program, which was launched this week in coordination with the State of Hawaii, will not only exempt visitors from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine, but also allow them to start their vacation promptly. Alaska Airlines started their pre-travel testing program in mid-October for quarantine exemption, but customers were experiencing long wait times for screening upon arrival.
Speaking on the first of its kind pre-clearance program, Alaska Airlines’ President, Ben Minicucci, said,
“As guests start planning their 2021 travel to Hawaii, we're focused on making the journey as safe, easy and hassle-free as possible. We appreciate Hawaii's partnership to help ensure our guests are well-informed and visit these beautiful islands responsibly, wearing a mask and following the state's safety guidelines.”
Also commenting on the Pre-Clear program, Hawaii’s Governor, David Ige, added,
“On behalf of the State of Hawaii, we appreciate Alaska's commitment in helping to keep our community safe. Alaska has been a true partner from the very start of the pre-travel testing program by communicating with their guests about the state's requirements so that they are well-prepared for their visit. Alaska's Pre-Clear program adds another layer of safety by helping to ensure that the majority, if not all, of Alaska's guests arrive in Hawaii with proof of their negative COVID-19 test results.”
Alaska launched the Pre-Clear program over the past week with flights from the West Coast and Maui, and starting the week of December 14th, the carrier will roll out the program on all flights to Oahu and Kona. Eligible guests will receive an e-mail prior to departure asking them to complete the required steps for the Hawaii Pre-Clear program. Each guest must have a ‘Safe Travels’ profile and will be required to add flight details and lodging information. A negative COVID-19 PCR test from an approved testing partner must also be uploaded as a PDF and a mandatory travel questionnaire should be completed. Once all steps have been completed, the guest will receive a pre-clear wristband at check-in or at the boarding gate.
Alaska Airlines and their regional partners serve over 115 destinations in the United States and North America, providing essential service for their guests and critical cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level Care. The carrier has hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Anchorage and is known for low fares, excellent service and sustainability efforts. Along with their Global Partners, Alaska Airlines’ guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 global destinations. On March 31, 2021, Alaska Airlines will become a member of the oneworld global alliance. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines