(TAN): United Airlines has announced to expand its customer Covid-19 testing efforts to include flights out of Houston to select destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Starting for flights departing on December 7, customers originating from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will have the option to take a self-collected, mail-in test that meets local entry requirements for the destinations.
“Widespread testing is key to unlocking international borders and safely reopening global travel. This is particularly important for our customers in Houston, who rely on United to keep them connected with their family and friends in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United.
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The self-collected, mail-in Covid-19 test priced USD 119, will be administered by Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) and processed at their laboratory in San Antonio, Texas. United will reach out to customers 14 days ahead of their flights to provide instructions on ordering a test and the testing process.
ADL’s self-collection kit includes a plastic tube, a nasal swab and instructions on how to properly collect a specimen. ADL’s telehealth system will be available to support customers traveling to countries that require a health care professional to supervise the test.
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United has seen a positive impact on travel demand and significant increases in customer load factors and revenue when testing options are available. As for example, after United announced its Covid-19 test for customers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii and allowing them to avoid a 14-day quarantine, the airline saw a nearly 95% increase in passengers compared to the prior two-week period.
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