On September 29, 2020, American Airlines announced that they will begin opening up preflight testing for COVID-19. They announced three new testing programs to begin this month.
JAMAICA
Their initial testing program will begin in Miami (MIA) this month for flights to Jamaica. The initial phase of testing will be for Jamaican residents traveling back to their home country. If the passenger tests negative, then they will not have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in to Jamaica. As this pilot program proves to be successful they will begin to offer it to all passengers traveling to Jamaica. A timeline for this has not been announced yet.
THE BAHAMAS AND CARICOM
American Airlines is also working with the Bahamas and CAIRCOM (The Caribbean Community) to expand the preflight testing program across the Caribbean. American’s next international program will be with the Bahamas and is expected to launch this month. It is American’s hope that they will be able to expand this program to a grouping of 20 Caribbean countries.
HAWAII
Starting October 15, 2020, American Airlines will begin preflight testing for passengers traveling from Dallas-Fort Worth to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG). This program will be in partnership with LetsGetChecked, CareNow and the DFW Airport.
Beginning next month, American will offer three options for preflight testing to customers with flights from DFW to Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG):
At-home test from LetsGetChecked, observed by a medical professional via virtual visit, with results expected in 48 hours on average.
In-person testing at a CareNow urgent care location.
Onsite rapid testing, administered by CareNow, at DFW.
Testing must be completed within 72 hours of the final leg of departure. Travelers who test negative will be exempt from the state’s 14-day quarantine.
For more information about American Airlines preflight testing programs click here.