LAX and JFK Now Offer PCR Test Results Within Hours
There have been many recent advancements made assisting travelers navigating this new normal of growing health guidelines and social distancing measures. The latest step forward is taking place right now at one of the most active airports in the country. In partnership with Clarity Labs, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has taken a proactive step in the right direction towards faster, safer travel by offering on-site Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nasal swab testing at Primary Laboratory outside across from Terminal 6 (8:00am-6:00pm) and the other two satellite laboratories in Terminal 2 and inside of Tom Bradley International Terminal (8:00am-7:00pm).
Los Angeles International Airport’s space-aged Theme Building.
“Results of tests taken at the laboratory location (Terminal 6) are returned electronically in 3-5 hours or within 24 hours for tests collected at the in-terminal locations (Terminal 2 and Bradley Terminal),” per the statement on the airport’s website, FlyLax.com. The cost of the test is $125 out of pocket, but “guests will receive an itemized receipt to submit to their insurance providers for reimbursement if the tests are covered by their healthcare provider.”
This ensures the health and well being of those heading to the gates and those returning home who want to get tested before possibly driving off into heavily populated Los Angeles County, a region of California already grappling with a high rate of new COVID-19 cases by the day. On the other side of the country, testing has also become available at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York inline with the new health safety measure being implemented according to its website.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
“Terminal One has teamed up with Adams Medical, who will be providing several forms of testing services, including an advanced form of PCR testing in which, most cases, results can be available in two-to-three hours. Adams Medical will also offer a selection of PPE for purchase. Antibody testing is also available. Testing Services meet US and International standards and are available for purchase to Passengers, Employees, Airlines and Companies.”
Faster service is offered in Terminal Four (Level One) with XpresCheck Monday-Friday (10:00am-6:00pm) and walk-in testing is available at the Terminal Five (JetBlue) stop on the AirTrain for a no-cost, walk-in appointment (9:00am-7:00pm).
If this extended time away from the skies has taught us anything, it's that entry into a country from the United States makes trips feel like you’re relocating altogether. This addition is an option welcomed by the international business traveler who still wants to make a first great impression safely in person or the traveler who is just tired of appreciating the colors on the same four walls for another weekend in need of a negative test result in order to fly. Slowly vanishing are instances when travelers have to frantically Google the nearest testing facility with time to spare before takeoff. A dwindling trend for the tropical escapist who is always mentally sitting in a window seat--stressless--and ready to land in the next destination on your list. The need for international tourism continues to propel these fast turnarounds of innovation helping to keep their businesses airborne while keeping you safe in the process.