United Airlines is now the first American airline to provide passengers with access to the airport coronavirus testingThe rollout is a streamlined way for passengers to book a ticket, schedule a test and upload the results to the company’s app, which travel experts say could be the “new normal” of travel.
Nearly a year after the pandemic, people around the world still don’t know how to follow a patchwork of COVID-19 travel guidelines and protocols.
“I was thinking all the time when I got here, waiting for my COVID test,” traveler Noah Johnston told CBS News’ Errol Barnett. “It adds an extra layer to travel that you don’t have to worry about under normal circumstances.”
United Airlines’ “Travel Ready Center” tries to solve the problem.
On the digital platform, passengers can do everything from checking COVID-19 requirements to scheduling a test at the terminal. Where previously a traveler could jump from page to page on various government websites, United’s new app ensures that relevant information is added directly to their ticket based on where they are going.
“Based on the ticket you bought, tailored to you so you know everything you need, especially as the whole COVID landscape is changing,” said Michelle Brown, United Airlines director of Digital Products.
CBS News took a firsthand look at the testing process at Newark Liberty International Airport’s XpresCheck – owned by Xpres Spa Group, a company that previously focused primarily on airport spas – where United’s new pop-up site opens Monday.
Doug Satzman, CEO of XpresCheck, said his company is uniquely positioned to offer COVID19 testing in the terminal after the focus has shifted from manicures and massages to medical testing.
“Our spa business closed at the end of March,” said Satzman. “So here we have three zones – we have a check-in, we have testing rooms, and then we have a full-service lab.”
He noted that the update is unlikely to go away any time soon.
“As 9/11 changed air safety forever, we still take off our shoes,” he said. “COVID will also change the security protocol at airports for a long time.”
Once tested, passengers upload results to their booking profile.
“The airlines are investing in testing because they know it’s a good business,” said Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst and chairman of the Atmosphere Research Group, adding that the move was a necessity.
He continued, “Some countries or destinations want you to have one PCR testOthers will undergo an antigen test. So it’s really confusing. “
Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, noted that while the process is simpler and could be the future of flying, a negative rapid test result does not guarantee safety.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s another layer that can be introduced to reduce risk,” he explains
Since the app’s launch three weeks ago, United says they’ve already seen hundreds of thousands of customers upload their COVID-19 test results before boarding.
In addition to rapid tests, the Travel Ready Center also offers PCR or antigen tests. The centers are so far available at Newark, San Francisco and LAX airports, with plans for expansion.