Not that the airlines are going to go all Mean Girls on us. But these days, proof of a COVID vaccination and/or a negative COVID test is necessary for gaining access to your seat in the plane’s cabin.
Airports are stepping up to the challenge by offering rapid COVID testing on the spot.
For many states, a negative COVID test will need to be performed. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Get tested 1 – 3 days before your flight.
- A positive result means no travel and to quarantine immediately.
- Plan to get tested 3 – 5 days after your flight.
- If you do not get tested after your flight, at the very least reduce all nonessential activities for 10 days.
Airport testing will definitely make everything so much easier! Rather than take time out from your vacay or business meeting, you could take a test on the spot right at the airport. Though not all airports offer this service, many do. Check out this page for participating airports and test pricing.
Currently Hawaii is an exception. Travel to Hawaii requires a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) from a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment lab. To learn more, check out this page.
Hotels and resorts may soon follow suit. There are a few beginning to offer such testing, expect more to hop on board soon. Hyatt Ziva Cancun, for example, is offering free of charge COVID testing at arrival to the hotel. Guests that test positive are offered a discounted rate until they test negative. Fiesta Americana hotels allow guests that test positive on their departure to stay in their room, under quarantine, for up to 10 days at the low cost of $10/day.
Finding and scheduling a test has definitely gotten easier over the past few months. Even so, airport convenience is nice and for those times when we are pressed for time!
The world is opening up to us once again, it will be interesting to see what new COVID-related procedures will emerge and become common place.
Stay safe, meeting managers!
