JetBlue has announced a new partnership to offer its customers with pending travel plans COVID-19 testing. The testing will be an at-home option for customers who need to have a negative COVID-19 test before departure.
COVID-19 tests for JetBlue passengers
JetBlue bills the at-home COVID-19 testing as providing peace of mind to customers wanting a test beforehand and for those who need a COVID-19 test beforehand. Vault Health will handle all the testing and provide JetBlue’s discounts on their tests and a dedicated support phone line.
The test is an at-home saliva test that is administered via an online video connection through Vault Health. The test supervisor is on the video connection who ensures the customer is providing the sample correctly. Then, the sample is overnighted to a lab that processes and analyzes the specimen. Results are provided to customers in 72 hours or less. This test meets the medical standard for many jurisdictions as a PRC test.
Joanna Geraghty, President and Chief Operating Officer of JetBlue, stated the following:
“We continue to hear from health officials that testing is incredibly important in the fight against the coronavirus, and we want to make sure our customers have options for testing, especially prior to travel. As more and more regions reopen, many are requiring test results to enter. Now with easier testing options, those safety requirements may not be a deterrent for travel, but rather provide greater public health and peace of mind with little inconvenience.”
As for the test itself, Jason Feldman, Founder and CEO of Vault Health, stated the following:
“We are so happy to be able to provide JetBlue customers peace of mind during their travels. This saliva test is one of the most reliable and accurate COVID tests available in the country with fast turnaround time to results.”
How to get the test
Vault Health has a dedicated landing page for JetBlue customers accessible here. On the page, the customers have to provide their confirmation code to start the process and receive a discount. Do note, however, that not all jurisdictions accept saliva PCR tests taken at home. The onus is on the travelers to ensure their destinations will accept the at-home saliva test.
Airlines and testing
Airlines have taken the initiative to try to get customers to book with them. Offering COVID-19 tests when so many places require them is one way for airlines to have a competitive advantage. Many states are also requiring testing to avoid quarantines, and Hawaii is planning on reopening with such a program from October. Hawaiian and United are already offering passengers such options.
In addition, some Caribbean countries where JetBlue is very strong. As such, it makes sense for JetBlue to offer this service for passengers. JetBlue has not indicated what the cost will be per passenger, but it will likely vary from person to person. Also, note that there may be shipping costs involved.
Are you going to take advantage of JetBlue’s testing program? Let us know in the comments!