It looks as though pre-travel COVID testing will play a key role in flights to Hawaii and Hawaii airline competition for the foreseeable future. We mentioned free COVID airport tests before. Today’s news confirms that costs will continue to drop and availability increase to make travel to Hawaii easier. That’s good news.
Southwest Airlines jumped further into the airline COVID testing scheme when they announced that Hawaii trusted partner, CityHealth Urgent Care, will offer pre-travel testing starting at $20 for their Hawaii travelers at Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Jose airports. By clicking the link to CityHealth, you can access their appointment calendar.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines also have pre-travel testing. Carbon Health works with Alaska for $170 per person, and Worksite Labs does the Hawaiian tests for $90 per person and Vault (at home) for $119.
CityHealth offers confirmed appointments for SWA passengers.
A 72-hour test result is guaranteed. The company provides priority testing for SWA passengers. That means that SWA passengers receive a confirmed appointment time. Others can use the service as well but on a space-available basis, which does not guarantee a test. There is a $20 administrative fee, while CityHealth expects the test’s full cost may be covered either through insurance or the CARES Act.
New SJC airport location for CityHeath.
Tests are performed in the prior taxi holding area of the airport. The address is 2470 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110. Appointment times are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
John Aitken, SJC airport director, said, “We are pleased that our partners at Southwest Airlines and CityHealth now offer pre-flight COVID-19 testing at SJC. This new testing opportunity represents an investment in our shared commitment to health and safety and is a welcome addition to our airport’s slate of globally-recognized health and safety measures.”
Tony Roach, SWA managing director, said, “Aligned with the value and flexibility Southwest brings in our service to the Hawaiian Islands, our work with CityHealth to offer testing to our customers in the South Bay and Peninsula now complements other locations throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento. We’re glad to support an affordable and convenient way to get tested and get to the preferred warm water destination of Hawaii for Customers who fly with California’s largest airline, Southwest.”
Sean Parkinm, CityHealth CEO, said, “Few industries have felt the impact of COVID-19 as much as the travel industry. CityHealth is proud to partner with Southwest Airlines to help promote safer travel through pre-travel testing. We are working closely with San Jose International Airport to welcome passengers back to air travel and safely reach their destinations, whether it’s visiting family, taking that much-needed vacation, or an important business meeting that can’t be done over a virtual meeting.”
Does a $20 COVID test entice you to fly Southwest?
I understand that SWA does not provide the $20 COVID tests at LAX or passengers leaving for Hawaii or from ATL at this time.
What do you suggest for a passenger leaving from Atlanta going to Hawaii? Possibly going through LAX?
Thank you for all the information you have been providing! We are flying out of LGB (Long Beach, CA), and plan on taking the $20 test through CityHealth. Is the CityHealth covid testing only for Southwest passengers? We are flying with Hawaiian Air. Thank you for any info you can provide.
Hi Susie.
Thank you. That testing is offered to all passengers and not restricted by airline.
Aloha.
So, this test will be accepted by American Airlines? American has few testing options.I recently tested at Worksite Labs in Long Beach for a Hawaiian flight I recently took which was great. I am flying to Kauai on American coming up and trying to see what options I have. Ontario Airport (near me) has a testing facility that just opened up and says it is for Hawaii but Safe Travels does not yet posted them. Thanks for any info. I follow Beat if Hawaii and love it.
Hi Beth.
Certainly check but it would not seem to matter to the airline. We understand Ontario Airport testing is coming online or has already. Perhaps others can comment from their experience.
Aloha.
Thank you so much for you reply! I truly appreciate it! And all that you do to keep us informed.
Hi Susie.
You’re most welcome. Thank you.
Aloha.
Hi,
Appreciate these helpful info! Do you know if I can still schedule an appointment through CityHealth if I’m not flying with Southwest?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Amy.
We do believe so. It would be best to try and see if it works to schedule.
Aloha.
Hi Amy, We are flying Hawaiian in 3 weeks and will be testd at City Health in Dublin. They are on the Hawaii approved list for travel to the state. So all should be good to go if you guys test there! 🙂