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United Airlines is making travel to Hawaii easier for its customers by allowing them to show proof of negative tests at United’s hub airports, allowing them to avoid document screening processes upon arrival in Hawaii.
The new pre-clearance program began this month and is available for United travelers on 110 of the airline’s weekly flights to Hawaii.
United will also be making it easier for customers to get the right tests to avoid Hawaii’s 10-day quarantine, by making approved COVID-19 tests available to all travelers regardless of where they travel from in the U.S.
Speaking on the program, United’s Chief Customer Officer, Toby Enqvist stated:
“We’re making it easier for customers traveling to Hawaii to spend more time enjoying their trip and less time waiting in lines. Testing is the key to opening domestic and international travel so we’ll continue to lead the way in rolling out solutions that are simple and safe so our customers have what they need when they take their next trip with us.”
United’s Pre-Clearance Program
To participate in the pre-clearance program, United customers will first need to enroll in Hawaii’s Safe Travels program and complete the state’s COVID-19 questionnaire within 24 hours of departure.
Customers can then proceed to upload their negative test results to the Safe Travels website.
The COVID-19 test must be taken 72 hours prior to departure from one of Hawaii’s trusted testing partners.
Once the above steps are completed, customers may see a United team member at the gate to their flight to Hawaii in which they will be verified for qualifying to bypass airport screening upon arrival in Hawaii.
After approval, customers will receive a wristband which will permit them to skip test screenings in Hawaii.
Testing Options
United is making it easier for travelers to obtain COVID-19 test options by expanding mail-in tests to customers no matter where their travel in the U.S. originates.
The airline will also be in touch with customers prior to travel to advise them of what testing options they have locally.
United is also offering a program in partnership with XpresCheck in which customers have the option to access same-day testing facilities in select U.S. airports.
XpresCheck is currently offering testing facilities in United’s terminal at the Denver airport, with new facilities coming to United terminals at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport in the coming weeks.
Credit: FlyDenver.com
XpresCheck facilities allow customers to book an appointment online for a rapid molecular test on the same day as their travel, with walk-in appointments also available on a first come, first serve basis.
United Working to Make Pandemic Travel Easier
In addition to United’s pre-clearance program to Hawaii, the airline is working to make enhancements to improve the travel experience.
Credit: United Airlines
United recently unveiled their new ‘Travel-Ready Centre’, a tool in which ‘customers can review COVID-19 travel requirements, find local testing options and upload any required testing and vaccination records for domestic and international travel, all in one place.’
The airline is also allowing all customers to fly standby on another flight to the same destination for free on the same day, with all MileagePlus Premier members able to confirm a new flight on the same day to the same destinations at check-in when space is available for the same fare class.
Given the uncertainty for travel during the pandemic, United has also eliminated most change fees.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
vethelp
Thursday 4th of February 2021
Thanks Halladay11 for your posting, know I know how's the situation to travel to Hawaii, Thanks.
Carlos Rivera
Wednesday 3rd of February 2021
Thanks, Aaisha Ali, to keep me updated about the How United is doing to make flights more convenient.
haliday11
Wednesday 3rd of February 2021
We just arrived in Hawaii on Alaska Air. Same system. Breezed through Honolulu with a pre-clearance bracelet straight to baggage claim and out the door. Easy peasy!
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 4th of February 2021
Good to know! Enjoy your trip! :)