Hawaiian Airlines adding COVID-19 tests for travelers

Dedicated network of testing laboratories created exclusively for Hawaiian Airlines guests

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Hawaiian Airlines announced today that it will be providing convenient drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways that will allow guests to bypass the state of Hawaii quarantine and begin enjoying the islands from the moment they arrive.

The airline has partnered with Worksite Labs to give passengers exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing from dedicated, conveniently located labs. The tests are Droplet Digital PCR shallow nasal swab tests, described as a “gold standard” COVID-19 screening that meets state of Hawaii guidelines.

The tests will cost $90 to receive results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service.

Hawaiian Airlines says the testing program should be available around Oct. 15, when travelers who test negative within 72 hours of departure will be exempt from Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Hawaiian’s initial labs will be operational near Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) international airports, with more testing locations coming soon at its other U.S. mainland gateways.

“As Hawaii’s leading airline, it is critical to ensure that access to testing does not impede travel to Hawaii, for visitors or our kama‘āina (residents),” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “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 Hawaii for its partnership in developing the pre-travel testing program,” Mannis 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 Hawaii while stimulating the local economy,” said Gary Frazier, CEO of Worksite Labs.

Hawaiian Airlines is actively developing additional testing partnerships to support travelers’ needs, with more to be announced soon. The state of Hawaii also continues to expand its list of partners for testing.

In addition to offering its guests convenient testing, Hawaiian has implemented a comprehensive health and safety program covering all aspects of their journey.

Starting at check-in, guests must complete a health acknowledgment form indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will wear an adequate face mask or covering at the airport and during the flight. Guests 2 years of age and older who are unable to wear a face mask or covering due to a medical condition or disability must undergo a health screening before they will be allowed to board.

Hawaiian’s “Keeping you Safe” enhanced cleaning includes frequent disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests. The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to leave 70 percent cabin capacity through October to allow for onboard distancing.

All travelers arriving in Hawaii or flying between the islands must now also complete the state’s online Safe Travels Hawaii form.

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