Hawaiian Airlines to Offer Guests Drive-through Pre-Travel COVID-19 Tests

Rhea-AI Summary

Hawaiian Airlines will launch drive-through COVID-19 testing in select U.S. mainland locations, starting October 15. Travelers who test negative within 72 hours will bypass the 14-day quarantine in Hawai'i. The tests, offered in partnership with Worksite Labs, will be available at LAX and SFO, costing $90 for results within 36 hours or $150 for express same-day service. The initiative aims to boost travel while ensuring safety and convenience for guests. Enhanced health protocols are in place to safeguard passengers and crew during flights.

Positive

• Launch of drive-through COVID-19 testing to facilitate travel.
• Testing locations at major airports (LAX and SFO) to increase accessibility.
• Negative test results allow travelers to avoid mandatory quarantine, potentially boosting bookings.
• Enhanced health and safety measures in response to the pandemic.

Negative

• Testing costs may deter some travelers from booking flights.
• Operational capacity is capped at 70%, possibly limiting revenue.

HONOLULU, Sept. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines is making it easy for travelers to finally take a long-awaited Hawai'i vacation with convenient drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways that will allow guests to bypass the state of Hawai'i quarantine and begin enjoying the islands from the moment they arrive.

Hawaiian's partnership with Worksite Labs will give guests exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing ($90 for results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service) from dedicated, conveniently located labs. Hawai'i's hometown carrier expects to start offering the Droplet Digital PCR shallow nasal swab tests – a "gold standard" COVID-19 screening that meets state of Hawai'i guidelines – around Oct. 15, when travelers who test negative within 72 hours of departure will be exempt from Hawai'i's 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Hawaiian's initial labs will be operational near Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) international airports, with more testing locations coming soon at its other U.S. mainland gateways.

"As Hawai'i's leading airline, it is critical to ensure that access to testing does not impede travel to Hawai'i, for visitors or our kama'āina (residents)," said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. "Our testing option will offer Los Angeles and Bay Area travelers superior value and we look forward to expanding the program and bringing additional choices to more of our gateway cities as we welcome guests back with our industry leading Hawaiian hospitality, while keeping our community safe. We're grateful to the state of Hawai'i for its partnership in developing the pre-travel testing program."

"Worksite Labs is proud to offer Hawaiian this innovative solution as we work to combat the current pandemic and provide more testing options so travelers can understand their COVID-19 status and enjoy their trip to Hawai'i while stimulating the local economy," said Gary Frazier, CEO of Worksite Labs. 

Hawaiian Airlines is actively developing additional testing partnerships to support travelers' needs, with more to be announced soon. The state of Hawai'i also continues to expand its list of partners for testing.

In addition to offering its guests convenient testing, Hawaiian has implemented a comprehensive health and safety program covering all aspects of their journey.

Starting at check-in, guests must complete a health acknowledgment form indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will wear an adequate face mask or covering at the airport and during the flight. Guests 2 years of age and older who are unable to wear a face mask or covering due to a medical condition or disability must undergo a health screening to board.

Hawaiian's "Keeping you Safe" enhanced cleaning includes frequent disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests. The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to cap cabin capacity at 70 percent through October to allow for onboard distancing.

All travelers arriving in Hawai'i or flying between the islands must now also complete the state's online Safe Travels Hawai'i form.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian^® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 16 years (2004-2019) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawai'i.

Now in its 91st year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai'i's biggest and longest-serving airline. In 2019, Hawaiian offered nonstop flights between Hawai'i and more U.S. gateway cities (13) than any other airline, along with service connecting the islands with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaiian is operating an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai'i and the U.S. west coast to support essential travel and critical cargo services.

The airline is committed to the health and safety of its guests and employees and has reinforced enhanced cleaning procedures across its business. While the experience may be a little different, the authentic Hawaiian hospitality remains unchanged. Additional details on how Hawaiian is keeping guests and employees safe can be found at HawaiianAirlines.com/KeepingYouSafe.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian's Twitter updates (@HawaiianAir), become a fan on Facebook  (Hawaiian Airlines), and follow us on Instagram (hawaiianairlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian's LinkedIn page.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines' online newsroom.

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SOURCE Hawaiian Airlines

FAQ

What COVID-19 testing option is Hawaiian Airlines offering?

Hawaiian Airlines is offering drive-through PCR COVID-19 tests in partnership with Worksite Labs, allowing travelers to bypass quarantine if they test negative.

When does the COVID-19 testing start for Hawaiian Airlines travelers?

The drive-through testing will begin on October 15.

What is the cost of the COVID-19 test offered by Hawaiian Airlines?

The cost is $90 for results within 36 hours or $150 for same-day express service.

Where will Hawaiian Airlines offer the COVID-19 tests?

Initial testing locations will be at Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) international airports.

What are the requirements for passengers flying to Hawai'i?

Travelers must complete a health acknowledgment form and provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before departure.