The global health crisis has hit airlines particularly hard, but many in the industry believe that offering COVID-19 testing at airports could help bring more passengers back onto planes.
Orlando International Airport
Some airports have already started doing this, while others are in the process of adding COVID-19 testing areas to their facilities. AFAR has compiled a list of current facilities in airports as well as a list of which airports are getting testing soon.
Having a list of airports offering testing options is great; but why does this matter for you? Well, on a broad level, testing facilities in more airports may encourage air travel to open further — including expanding flights to and from airports close to U.S. and International Disney parks. That’s a big deal for many Disney fans, especially those living outside of the United States.
But secondarily, more testing facilities means more travelers are able to bypass the implemented 14-day quarantines in many areas if they test negative in the airport. This could greatly affect routes that many people travel in order to enjoy a shorter vacation rather than a long-term stay; something many of us do when we visit Disney World.
U.S. Airports With COVID-19 Testing Facilities
In the U.S., both Newark International Airport in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York already have testing facilities that include the nasal swab tests, rapid testing, and antibody tests.
Orlando International Airport ©Orlando International Airport
United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines passengers traveling to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport have testing services available that allow passengers who test negative to bypass a 14-day quarantine once they arrive in Hawaii.
Orlando International Airport
Tampa International Airport currently has COVID-19 testing available to passengers. All Alaskan airports also offer testing as part of the state’s entry requirements. American Airlines has testing in place for flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Hawaii.
Orange County International Airport
U.S. Airports With COVID-19 Testing Facilities Coming Soon
Orlando International Airport near Disney World has announced that they are in the process of setting up a COVID-19 rapid testing site that will offer tests for passengers and airport employees. The site is expected to be operational by the end of December.
Face Mask Sign in Seattle Airport
American Airlines has plans to offer tests soon for flights from Miami to Jamaica. Hawaiian Airlines has plans to expand its testing to Los Angeles International Airport as well as other airports that serve airlines that fly regularly to Hawaii. Testing is coming soon, too, to Boston’s Logan International Airport.
Orlando International Airport ©Disney Orlando International Airport
Plans are also in place to put COVID-19 testing facilities in LaGuardia Airport in New York, where travelers coming from certain states currently have to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Star Wars United Airlines Plane ©United
International Airports With COVID-19 Testing Facilities
Heathrow Airport in London has testing facilities in two of its terminals. Currently, the UK has a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, but they hope that testing will allow passengers to bypass that. It’s even possible that more flights between London and New York could resume soon.
London © parliament.uk
Rome’s Fuimicino Airport and Hong Kong Airport also both offer testing. Japan’s Haneda, Narita, and Kansai Airports have rapid testing available to passengers arriving in the country, although there is still a ban on travel from the U.S. to Japan.
Epcot
Many international airlines have suspended flights to the U.S. and some don’t have plans to resume traveling there until the end of 2021. However, if having tests readily available changes that, more people from all over the world will have access to travel to Disney World — and other U.S. destinations — again soon.
Also, please note that if you are interested in getting a COVID-19 test before flying, check your airport’s website for more information, procedures, insurance coverage, and cost.
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When is MCO going to have a testing site? This would be a huge game changer for many visitors.
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period.
They may not have symptoms yet when they are tested.
Flying, is safe. Safer than it ever has been. The airlines are doing extensive cleaning between flights. Even with middle seats sold, the chance of getting Covid on a flight is practically zero. The cabin air on every modern airliner is completely changed every 3-4 minutes. What is recirculated is filtered via HEPA filters that are hospital operating room quality.
As an Airline Captain, I’m not even remotely concerned about riding in the cabin. Masks are required. Google DOD study on cabin air to find out more.
Covid testing is available at the little airport in Burlington, VT. Come on MCO!