An additional 3,000 locations for obtaining a pre-flight test

CHICAGO – United Airlines this week announced it was making it easier for its customers to book a COVID-19 test through its website and mobile app, following the addition of more than 3,000 new test locations at stores operated by Walmart and Albertsons Cos.

With the additions, United passengers now have 3,800 locations at which they can get a COVID test powered by Accenture technology and the CLX Health’s TrustAssure network.

Test results are available within four and 48 hours of the test, the airline said. The results are also submitted directly to United’s website and app for review by company personnel prior to the passenger’s departure.

United this month became the first major carrier to require its 67,000 U.S.-based employees to be inoculated against COVID-19 by late October to report to work.

Passengers booking domestic travel on United or another carrier are not required to show proof of inoculation to board the aircraft, though the CDC requires all travelers (including U.S. citizens) flying to or transiting through the U.S. from international destinations to provide proof of either a negative COVID-19 test within the last three days or documentation of recovery from COVID-19.

United said it remains the only airline that gives customers destination-specific travel requirements and the ability to upload country-specific required forms, testing results and vaccination records, all within the United app and on the United.com website. To date, nearly 3.3 million vaccination records, test results and destination entry forms have been submitted through United’s online platforms.

Americans are booking more international flights

“United continues to deliver solutions that make it simple for customers to understand and meet all testing and vaccination requirements directly through our award-winning digital channels,” said Linda Jojo, United’s executive vice president for technology and chief digital officer. “As more Americans resume international travel, this enhancement to our mobile app and website will give our customers confidence and peace-of mind knowing they have access to all of the information and services they need right in the palm of their hand or on their laptop.”

Through United’s Travel Ready Center, customers can view a list of localized, eligible COVID testing locations, now including select Albertsons Companies and Walmart locations, as well as additional drug store, pharmacy chains, and local health care providers across the country. Customers can then select their preferred location and schedule an appointment directly through United’s website and mobile app. Once the test is reviewed, customers will see a status indicator informing them that they are “travel-ready” and can receive their mobile boarding pass. The airline plans to continue to expand its offering, including adding international testing sites for customers flying to the U.S. This process was designed with privacy in mind so that limited personal data is involved.

“At Albertsons Cos., we are always seeking convenient solutions for our customers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our partnership with United Airlines, to provide access to pre-travel COVID testing, is just another example of this intent,” said Omer Gajial, senior vice president of pharmacy and health at the Boise, Idaho-based company. “With our integrated testing solution, our customers can easily schedule their COVID-19 test at one of our convenient store locations, and results are seamlessly and confidentially delivered to United Airlines.”

United said the additional test locations are just the latest initiative the airline has introduced to make travel easier for customers who need proof of a negative COVID-19 test. United was the first to set up an easy way for international travelers to bring a CDC-approved test with them, self-administer while abroad, and return home through a collaboration with Abbott. United was also the first airline to offer COVID-19 tests to customers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii, and the first to launch a free transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot program for customers traveling from Newark to London.