Important news today on various fronts associated with Hawaii travel tests and the elimination of mandatory quarantine starting October 15. While we are still awaiting clarification from the state on multiple points associated with the Hawaii travel reopening, here’s the latest on Hawaii travel tests, and, some important questions.
Will you pay $250 for United Airlines’ Hawaii travel tests in 15 minutes?
Are you ready to pay substantially more for your test than for your flights? That’s just what United has in mind. If you thought that previous ancillary airline fees were bad, you haven’t seen anything yet.
United plans to begin a new rapid testing program in conjunction with Hawaii’s reopening on October 15. The Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 tests are to be administered by GoHealth Urgent Care and Dignity Health. The test is scheduled online, taken right before departure, and will offer results in 15 minutes. Tests are performed before entering the security checkpoint, and those testing positive won’t be allowed to fly.
United will fly daily between San Francisco and Honolulu, Lihue, Kona, and Maui.
“Our new COVID testing program is another way we are helping customers meet their destinations’ entry requirements, safely and conveniently…” — Toby Enqvist, UAL chief customer officer. United plans to expand the program later this year.
Alternative Color Genomics mail-in testing – $100.
As another option, United has partnered with Color for a mail-in COVID test taken at home within 72 hours of flight but ordered 10 days in advance. That is a self-administered test. United will advise customers by email to purchase that test 10 days in advance, then perform it at home within 72 hours and send it to Color. Color’s website says it normally returns results within 1 to 3 days although United says it should be sooner. That timing seems somewhat precarious to us.
Color said, “Convenient, widespread COVID-19 testing with fast and reliable results is critical to a return to normalcy and to accelerate the economic recovery… We are proud to partner with United to support the safe and responsible return of travelers to the skies.”
These tests employ a simpler process with fewer materials and equipment using a technique called LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification). Color Genomics says its tests are as accurate as PCR tests, and it received an FDA emergency use authorization in May.
IATA calls for “free” government-sponsored COVID testing.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today proposed testing be provided at no cost to passengers at all departing airports world-wide. CEO Alexandre de Juniac said responsibility for the cost of tests should not be that of travelers or airlines but should be paid for by the government. De Juniac said governments “Need to protect their own population from the virus, we propose a safe process of testing 100% of passengers at departure airports, through a rapid testing process.”
IATA’s research indicates that travelers want testing to be incorporated as part of the travel process in much the same way that security is. They said 84% of those surveyed would like testing required for all travelers, and 88% said they are ready to take such tests. With testing costs highly variable from free to as much as today’s at $250 per person, IATA says these fees need to be permanently abolished.
The airlines, including United and industry trade groups, have been asking the government for a federal testing program, but that has not been forthcoming. Trade group US Travel Association representative Tori Emerson Barnes said, “We applaud the U.S. airlines for their efforts to move this issue forward, and we will continue to advocate for greater federal involvement in COVID-19 testing… We have long maintained that testing is the key to both safer travel and reopening the economy.”
What about the availability of COVID testing for Hawaii-bound kids?
Kids and Hawaii are a match made in heaven. But with COVID, will kids have to stay at home for now? We certainly hope not.
There are differing minimum age policies at testing sites that are said to be based on a range of possible concerns, including health insurance, medical privacy, and fears of uncomfortable children.
Governor Ige said this week that Hawaii’s testing partnerships with CVS and Kaiser do not offer tests to children under 12. Lt. Gov. Green said late last week that those would be available via mail-in testing. So far, we have not seen anything more about that, who it will be from, or how it will work. The Color Genomics website says “Color is not currently available for individuals under the age of 18.”
Hawai partner Vault Heath has performed children’s test for camps in particular. We did not find anything about their individual $150 tests for children. One of our commentators, however, Rae-Marie, just checked and here’s what she found. “I emailed VAULT…, asking them if they would test children. I received this reply from them, ‘yes we do test children/minors long as a parent/legal guardian is present during the zoom call they will also have to be able to produce enough saliva to fill the tube
test results take 48 – 72 hours to process results once the lab receives the test kit.’ I hope their lack of punctuation doesn’t indicate a lack of accuracy in their testing. The time element is also a concern considering the time it would take to get the saliva to them.”
More COVID dog testing also underway.
Today, Helsinki joined others in using dogs for testing passengers for COVID. The pilot follows testing at the veterinary school at the University of Helsinki. They found dogs could find the virus with nearly 100% accuracy. Furthermore, they identified the virus earlier than other lab-based tests could, according to the Finnish aviation authority. They said, “The difference is massive, as a dog only needs 10-100 molecules to identify the virus, whereas test equipment requires 18,000,000.”
Detection dogs do not interact with travelers. “Those taking the test will swipe their skin with a test wipe and drop it into a cup, which is then given to the dog. This also protects the dog’s handler from infections…The pilot program that will be kicked off on Tuesday is unique and a world first. No other airport has attempted to use canine scent detection on such a large scale against COVID-19.” — Ulla Lettijeff, Finavia Airport Director.
COVID dog testing is also being offered in Dubai. One difference between the programs is that the Helsinki program uses locally trained dogs, whereas Dubai uses dogs from other countries.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Is there a link to CVS’ website where this testing info is available?
Yes, Hawaiian just announced they will have drive-through locations near LAX and SFO. $150 for same day. Was less for 36 hours.
I work in healthcare and am tested weekly for Covid-19. If I wanted to travel to Hawaii, would they accept a recent test so that I did not have to pay $250 for a test that occurred the day before? Kaye W
Maybe Hawaii will discover that Kauai’s feral chickens are excellent COVID diagnosticians, much like Helsinki’s dogs. Arriving passengers can be examined, one “cluck” for negative, two for positive.
Testing and home yourself? Mmm. What if I know from an earlier test that I tested positive, so I simply have another person take the test for me? All about the be money. Furthermore, I read an article the other day listing the top 20 places to stay away from that increase your chances of getting the virus. Surprise, traveling by air was in the top 10. Hawaii is one of my favorite places to visit for many years, however, I’m not putting myself or my family at risk.
Aloha fellow travelers,
We are planning to travel to Maui Oct. 17 – 31. We contacted our family doctor, pre-scheduled STAT testing 3 days before our flight departure. We should have the results within 24 hours from test time. DO NOT let United or any other airline bully you into paying ridiculous fees for Covid testing. Most insurance plans will cover the test at no cost.
Mahalo
Kim R.
Hi Kim.
This is all going to be quick changing from what we can see. Prices should be going down no matter where you obtain tests. Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha! Regarding the Color mail-in COVID test taken at home within 72 hours of flight but ordered 10 days in advance, if it is a self-administered test, what’s to stop a passenger from testing someone else? That other person could produce a negative result while the real passenger may potentially be COVID-positive and be allowed to board the plane and infect others.
Sadly we had to cancel our Hawaiian vacation on October 1st. We are just not sure when will be a good time to rebook. This is our second cancellation. I see that rapid testing will be available for flights departing San Francisco but what about Los Angeles? My other question is this…once everyone arrives in Hawaii with a negative result for covid19 what is being done to protect visitors from those, who are positive, already in Hawaii? Have those who work in the terminals also been tested for Covid?
United’s fee of $250 for Covid test is outrageous.
Hi guys!
Maybe we should ask LtGov Green how to avoid contracting COVID-19.
(I literally choked on my own saliva when reading the lastest updates. Totally enough to fill a test tube)
Mahalo for your work 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks for being one of our friends bringing some levity to the situation.
Aloha. R/J
Aloha Guys thanks for all the updates.
Now lets get to the issue at hand.
“250 COVID Airline Scam or Free + What About Kids?”
250: Paying $250.00 for a covid test is a choice. Resort folks who are dropping $1,000 a day for a cabana will have no problem with paying 250 for a covid test. Not condo folks who sit inline at Costco for an hour to pay .20 per gallon less for gas. I don’t see them stepping to the 250 plate.
Scam: a dishonest scheme; a fraud. The Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test is legitimate, so you’re not being Scammed. If Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos is at SFO administrating the test in one of her black turtle neck sweaters then there’s a good chance you’re being scammed.
Free: There’s no such thing as “free” that word should be stricken from the English language.
What About Kids? Is it really a vacation if the kids come a long? What a great excuse for not taking them. “Sorry kids not this year Nana will take good care of you while we’re in Hawaii”. Second Honeymoon anyone.
See make lemonade out of sour lemons.
Hi Richard.
Thanks for the lemonade and your dozens of comments. The new $250 ancillary fee seems pretty outrageous to us. Most BOH visitors are frankly not the $1,000 cabana types. They are much more frugal but still love Hawaii. As for free to consumers – that’s what IATA is proposing and they make an excellent point.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys
The issue as I see it is you’re framing United’s covid testing service as a negative where as I see it as a positive. It’s not mandatory it’s a another covid test option for travelers who are willing to pay for the convenience.
No different then paying extra for first class or baggage handling fee’s. Not everyone will take advantage of it, but it is available for those who want too.
That’s a good thing.
By the way I do know who BOH followers are.
Hi Richard.
Thanks again. We expect the prices to be dropping very soon.
Aloha.
Aloha Guys
I too noticed United’s $250 dollar test. Currently the test is located at SFO International Terminal which is quite far from United’s location in terminal 3. That could make timing for connecting flights problematic. However, the International Terminal is where Hawaii Air is located. The mail in test is $80 dollars but,there could be some timing issues with that test. Hoping after the dust settles things could get more interesting.
Mahalo Guys
Hi Roy.
Yes, we noted that it is in the international terminal for now. Since it for Hawaii flights, we assume rightly or wrongly that they will help accommodate those passengers.
Aloha.
I just left a comment about the possibility of Hawaiian Airlines Offering a rapid test but I neglected to check off that I would like to receive comments.
I wonder if Hawaiian Airlines will come up with a comparable rapid test. Also, are rapid tests going to be accepted?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Lt. Gov. Green just say yesterday or the day before that rapid testing is not acceptable for travel on Oct. 15th but should be later? The Governor’s latest proclamation didn’t mention rapid testing. You guys must be pulling your hair out trying to keep up with all the information…er, misinformation. I know I am. Thanks for staying on top of all the craziness and keeping us informed. You guys rock!
Hi Pam.
It sure seems like there will be rapid testing, but heck, it is in a state of flux for now. Thanks.
Aloha.
We had to cancel our yearly trip to Hawaii. The Covid tests are so inaccurate, I would never book a trip to Hawaii with the stipulation that I had to take a Covid test before I arrive. I guess we will have to wait until the madness is over.
With the inactivity in this area from Governments around the world and everyone kicking the can down the street, it could be 2022 or 2023 at this rate. You know the naysayers will try and rubbish vaccines and testing to damage things further. No one wants to be blamed so it is easier just to do nothing and look serious.
Aloha all – I’m all for pre-travel testing but this feels like the vultures are out in full force. We’ll just wait and see when we can safely travel to our beloved islands. We miss you and can’t wait to be back!
Thank you BOH for your detailed updates as always. I would love to go back to HI and visit friends this year but I’m concerned the date will be pushed back again. And it’s ridiculous for UA to charge $250 for testing! I’d rather do the $5 rapid test myself.
Hi Inah.
Yes we were in sticker shock too. Two people – $500. Ugg. Thanks.
Aloha.
Hello again, it’s the Canadian from Toronto who wants to spend 6 weeks on Maui. I can get a test here but when I saw the mail from the Points Guy today, I am seriously considering changing my flight from Toronto to SFO, do the Test there, cough up the $500 for my wife and me and take the direct flight to Maui. DOH did answer my email but had no clue what to do with international visitors and no binding comnments regarding the acceptance of a test approved by Health Canada. Another issue, does changing planes in Honolulu constitute inter island travel.
I think the October 15 opening may be kicked again. My flight on Hawaiian on 10/23 from San Jose to Maui has disappeared from their system and their schedule does not show anything other than minimal flights from the mainland to Honolulu for the rest of October. Perhaps this is just a schedule thing with them, or something else is amiss. Josh Green said that an announcement was supposed to be made today regarding the logistics for the testing.
Hey David, I had a nonstop flight booked on HA as well to OGG. They moved me to a 2 leg connection (HNL) without telling me. When I inquired, the agent said that all mainland flights were getting rerouted to HNL and a connection to the outer islands. Not sure if this is just a October thing because non-stop outer island flights ‘appear’ to again resume in November. I wouldn’t bank on that tho. I am guessing they are trying to temporarily reduce flights and keep them at capacity.
Thanks
IATA has the right idea. After-all, the test is only $5 from the suppliers. United’s proposal is ridiculous, IMO.
Jim B
I hate to be a Debbie downer here, but even if there is a test, free or otherwise, that is done before boarding, the question remains as to will the airline guarantee you get your ticket money refunded in full? Will they also refund in full everyone else in your party or do they have to go on without you or lose their money? What about refunds from the hotels, condos, and car rentals when given less than 24 hours notice of cancellation? Is the airline going to guarantee that the results of the test are correct? If the test results were a false positive I would think the airline could be looking at a lawsuit. If the test was negative when it should have been positive, you have just exposed everyone on that plane to COVID. I am sorry, but this, at least for me, is far from the answer to the problem.
The testing is just one layer of what’s needed to reduce the chances of people unwittingly spreading the virus. Not 100% but very helpful.
Just like masks, not 100% effective, but effective enough that if everyone wears masks there will be far fewer cases and of course far fewer deaths. The whole point is we can sit home and wait for the economy to totally collapse or figure a way to move forward and keep the cases to a manageable level rather then letting it get out of hand like NYC was.
The combination of everyone having been tested and wearing a mask would make coming to Hawaii extremely safe.
I agree.
Hi!
As much as I want to visit my family on Kauai and hopefully be able to in October, I am waiting for the dust to settle and the ever-present Gov. Ige last minute cancellation. On top of that the testing debacle is now becoming hilarious. Maybe in 2021.
Thanks for your great news.
Hi Dale.
Look forward to your returning to Kauai. Thanks.
Aloha.
I appreciate these updates. I am trying to plan a trip to Hawaii but it seems like the rules change daily. I want to be safe and also keep the Islands safe for islanders. What about the hotel information , can you advise us with their rules too please ? Hilton Hawaiian Village .TIA
Hi Patricia.
We may cover some of the hotel updates, but there are too many for it to be truly comprehensive. Best to check with your property as we get closer.
Aloha.
I just don’t understand-no testing for kids?? Aren’t families the exact group Hawaii wants to visit? I have 3 children-13, 11, and 9. All we want to do is socially distance ourselves on a beautiful beach, eat some amazing cuisine and repeat the next day. At $250 a pop and not even testing children, Hawaii is asking for single people or young couples who are more likely to go out at night and not socially distance. I certainly hope this changes as I want my children to experience the islands and see why their parents chose to get married there 20 years ago. I’m so glad I found the BOH newsletter. Great resource for the quickly changing times. Thank you!!
Hi Cherie.
We get it. Hopefully, the Lt. Gov. will have some answers soon since he’s the one who, contradicting the governor, said there would be mail-in testing for children. Thanks.
Aloha.
Aloha,
It’s not Lt Gov. Green that is against the testing of kids (twelve and under) It’s the actual labs that do the testing that will not test kids.
Just got off the phone with Kaiser Southern Calif – they have nothing in place for Hawaii pre-travel testing. Doctor said he’s read it in the LA Times and wondered where the governor got his information.
I am a Kaiser SoCal member and had a trip planned and paid for on Kauai. I was also informed by Kaiser that they do Not provide pretravel COVID tests for travel anywhere.
Hi, I have a question. Will Covid tests from other medical providers be accepted (i.e. Tahiti, for example, requires a RT-PCR test which is stricter, but doesn’t demand it to come from one specific provider). So does Hawaii tests need to be from CVS or Kaiser or is this simply an option?
Thank you so much.
Hi Thomas.
We don’t know yet but hope to have more answers on testing sooner than later. Thanks for your patience.
Aloha.
Good afternoon,
I read United’s announcement earlier today and I didn’t find pricing references. Recognizing airlines absolutely come up with ways to derive ancillary income, does Beat of Hawaii have insight in regard to the $250 figure referenced for testing?
Thank you for this forum and your continuing communication tied to many Hawaii travel-related topics.
Hi Kevin.
Not sure specifically what you’re asking about. The $250 is widely reported in the news and came directly from United. As to where your $250 goes, we’d suspect that United is getting a portion, but can’t say for sure.
Aloha.
Hello, it’s the Canadian again who wants to spend 6 weeks in Maui. After reading the Points Guy’s mail from today, I am seriously considering changing my flights and leave Toronto on the 14th, do the test at SFO, cough up the $500 for my wife and me and take the direct flight to Maui on the 15th. Health Hawaii has still no clue what to do with foreigners and even though I can get a test here, I don’t know if the test is accepted and if I can switch planes in Honolulu and have no quarantine since it is interisland travel. I have written to DOH and got a reply that they are working on it and to keep checking their website. The clock is ticking.
Gerhard – Canada & the US have agreed to restrict all non/-essential travel m, so I think you have a bigger concern.
Only Land and Sea Travel is restricted. Travel by Air is open. The Americans never stopped it.
This would be alot easier, if their were strict federal guidelines for travel. It seems to me that everyone traveling in the US should take a COVID test before departing. Maybe, if the federal government made these tests free, people would feel more comfortable traveling. This would make the need for more federal subsidies for the airlines a moot point. It would also take the onus off of state governments who are largely NOT equipped to make these decisions.
At least now we are getting some positive feedback regarding the testing protocol. I’m sure we’ll hear more as we get closer to the 15th. If it gets me on a plane to Maui, any reasonable fee for testing is acceptable .
Looking forward to being able to return to Maui and keep it safe for all residents and tourists.
Mahalo for the latest update!
Hi Keith.
Glad you are not deterred. Albeit slowly, we are getting more information. Thanks.
Aloha.
Thank you again BOH for the most timely and informative information, once again. Yesterday I spoke with my neighbor, who’s son is on a fishing trip in Alaska. We live in Utah, but prior to the trip, her son had moved to Southern California. As you know, Alaska requires a negative test 72 hours prior to travel (to avoid quarantine). As her son searched all around So Cal to find a test he could take and meet the requirement, he found only one place that was going to charge him $450 and couldn’t guarantee results in the time frame. He ended up flying to Utah, taking a saliva test with rapid results (15 minutes) for about $100, just hours before his flight to Alaska. We are lucky here, tests are available and affordable for travel. It doesn’t look like that kind of testing will be anywhere near ready or available for travelers from California, Oregon and Washington in the near future. Even though Oct. 15 is rapidly approaching, I’m wondering who will be able to come? I’m anxious to hear what experiences you hear about and see as we get closer. We have still postponed making any Hawaii plans until all the wrinkles are ironed out.
Hi Suz.
Thank you. We’ll keep looking for the most current and accurate information. With little time left to spare, we hope to have more to share very soon.
Aloha.
Suz C – It’s important to research these things for yourself.
There are rapid tests in Southern California for $125. Results back in 1 hour.
Hi Suz- I live in Southern California as well. Local Urgent Cares in OC area have a 15-minute rapid test for free; though my General MD says they are not very accurate. Maybe he needed a very specific kind of test to travel (?) This whole thing makes my head-spin!… the most accurate and reliable test is the blood anti-body test but that is after you have built up the anti-bodies…my daughter’s 3/5 college room-mates all tested positive for Covid and all with very mild symptoms (fever, little cough, loss of taste) & back to work within a week, the other 2 including my daughter tested negative twice- I think she already had it in February.
Dogs detecting the virus?? Now I have seen everything! Wish I was a trainer for those dogs. I am sure they would fetch a high selling price!
They have been using them in some countries to detect cancer for years.
I emailed VAULT, a company Josh Green mentioned in his Q and A on Friday, asking them if they would test children. I received this reply from them, “yes we do test children/minors long as a parent/legal guardian is present during the zoom call they will also have to be able to produce enough saliva to fill the tube
test results take 48 – 72 hours to process results once the lab receives the test kit” I hope their lack of punctuation doesn’t indicate a lack of accuracy in their testing. The time element is also a concern considering the time it would take to get the saliva to them.
The state of Hawaii is in a state of chaos and confusion. It’s really a difficult thing to watch the self-destruction.
Thank you.
These are the same ____ that were responsible for the missile alert. Why would we ever think that they could get testing figured out? My only hope is that Hawaiian airlines doesn’t fold because I have almost 150,000 miles.