In partnership with Gateway Labs, the carrier will offer drive-through PCR testing from October 15, 2020. Initially, testing facilities will be located near LAX and SFO and customers who test negative within 72 hours of departure will be exempt from Hawai’i’s 14-day quarantine.
Hawaiian Airlines announced on Friday (September 25, 2020), the launch of convenient new drive-through COVID-19 testing near select U.S. mainland gateways. Starting around October 15, 2020, in partnership with Worksite Labs, the carrier will offer “gold standard” drive-through Droplet Digital PCR nasal swab tests near San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The cost of the test is $90 for results within 36 hours and $150 for same-day express service. Hawaiian Airlines plans on adding additional testing sites near other U.S. mainland gateways soon. By testing negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of departure, guests to Hawai’i will be exempt from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine, allowing them to begin enjoying the islands from the moment they arrive. In Friday’s announcement, Hawaiian Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Marketing, Avi Mannis said,
“As Hawai’i’s leading airline, it is critical to ensure that access to testing does not impede travel to Hawai’i, for visitors or our kama‘āina (residents). Our testing option will offer Los Angeles and Bay Area travelers superior value and we look forward to expanding the program and bringing additional choices to more of our gateway cities as we welcome guests back with our industry-leading Hawaiian hospitality, while keeping our community safe. We’re grateful to the state of Hawai’i for its partnership in developing the pre-travel testing program.” Also commenting on Friday’s announcement, Worksite Labs’ CEO, Gary Frazier, added,
“Worksite Labs is proud to offer Hawaiian this innovative solution as we work to combat the current pandemic and provide more testing options so travelers can understand their COVID-19 status and enjoy their trip to Hawai’i while stimulating the local economy.”
Hawaiian Airlines has implemented a comprehensive health and safety program covering all aspects of the guest journey. While checking in, customers must complete a health acknowledgement form indicating that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will wear a face mask throughout their travels. Hawaiian guests who are two years or older and unable to wear a mask must undergo a health screening before boarding. The carrier’s ‘Keeping you Safe’ program includes enhanced cleaning throughout the airport and aircraft, including electrostatic cabin spraying. Additionally, travelers arriving in Hawai’i or between islands must also complete the state’s online ‘Safe Travels Hawai’i’ form.
Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai’i’s hometown airline, has been the number one U.S. carrier for on-time performance for the past 16 years (2004-2019). The carrier has been in business for 91 years and is Hawai’i’s largest and longest-serving airline. Prior to the pandemic, Hawaiian offered more nonstop connectivity between Hawai’i and the U.S. mainland, serving 13 gateways. The carrier also connects the islands with Japan, South Korea, Australia, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA).
Source: Hawaiian Airlines