United Airlines offers covid tests to passengers from Latin America

United Airlines has announced that, starting on December 7, it will offer covid-19 tests to its customers traveling from Houston to some countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The airline will contact passengers at George Bush International Airport 14 days before their flight to give instructions on how to request the test and the steps to follow. Travelers will have the option of taking the test at home and sending it by mail 72 hours before boarding the plane, as a measure to combat covid-19.

“Testing is key to unlocking international borders and safely reopening global travel. This is particularly important for our customers in Houston, who trust United, to keep them connected with their family and friends in Latin America and the Caribbean… United was the first airline to announce a passenger testing program and the first to offer free trials on transatlantic flights,” said Toby Enqvist, United Airlines director of customer service.

The destinations selected to opt for the covid-19 test provided by United will be: Aruba, Belize City, Guatemala City, Lima, Nassau, Panama City, Roatán, San Pedro de Sula, San Salvador and Tegucigalpa.

Image courtesy of Volavi

The test will cost $119, will be administered by the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) and processed in its Covid-19 testing laboratory in San Antonio, Texas.

The test kit will include a plastic tube, nasal swab, and instructions necessary to collect the sample correctly. The test results will reach the applicant within 24 to 48 hours after being emailed.

Learn more at Volavi