United Airlines is now the first US Airline to give passengers access to the airport coronavirus test. The launch is a streamlined way for passengers to book a ticket, schedule a test and upload the results to the company’s app, according to which travel experts may be the “new normal” trip.
Nearly a year into the pandemic, people around the world are still confused about how to follow a rag blanket of COVID-19 travel guidelines and protocols.
“I thought all the time while I was coming here, waiting for my COVID test to come in,” traveler Noah Johnston told CBS News’ Errol Barnett. “It adds another layer to the journey that you would not have to worry about under normal circumstances.”
United Airlines’ “Travel Ready Center” is aimed at solving the problem.
With the digital platform, passengers can do everything from the COVID-19 requirements to planning a test at the terminal. While previously a traveler may have been able to jump from page to page on various government websites, United’s new app ensures that relevant information is attached directly to their ticket based on where they’re headed.
“Based on the ticket you purchased, customized so you’ll know everything you need to know, especially since all of the COVID landscape is changing,” said Michelle Brown, president of United Airlines Digital Products.
CBS News took a first-hand look at the testing process on XpresCheck of Newark Liberty International Airport – owned by Xpres Spa Group, a company that previously focused primarily on in-airport spas – where United’s new pop-up website opens Monday.
XpresCheck CEO Doug Satzman said his company has a unique position to offer COVID19 tests within the terminal, after shifting the focus from manicures and massages to medical tests.
“Our spa business closed at the end of March,” Satzman said. “So here we have three zones – we have a login, we have test rooms, and then we have a full service lab.”
He noted that the update is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
“As the 11/11 air safety changes forever, we are still taking off our shoes,” he said. “COVID is also going to change the security protocol at airports for a long time to come.”
Once tested, passengers upload the results to their booking profile.
“The airlines are investing in providing testing because they know it’s good business,” said Henry Harteveldt, president of the travel industry and the atmospheric research group.
He continues: ‘Some countries or destinations want you to have a PCR test. Others will take an antigen test. So it’s really confusing. ‘
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, noted that while the process is simpler and may be the future of flying, a negative quick test result does not guarantee safety.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s another layer that can be used to reduce the risk,” he explained.
Since launching the app three weeks ago, United have said they have seen hundreds of thousands of customers upload their COVID-19 test results before boarding their flight.
In addition to rapid testing, the “Travel Ready Center” also offers PCR or antigen testing. The centers are so far available at Newark, San Francisco and LAX airports, with plans to expand.