COVID 19 PCR Test for Travel – American Airlines

It is in our nature to travel and move from one country to another as the world begins to open up again. However, we must know that the world has changed and that traveling demands specific health and safety measures. Based on guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we’ve compiled a list of key items to know before, during, and after your international travel.

With this, proof of a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test or proof of recovery is required for all arriving international passengers of United Airlines, including U.S. citizens. We’ve jotted down below the important notices you need to follow and the requirements needed according to CDC for your smooth travel experience.

Remember that your location may have additional travel restrictions. Because travel requirements change often, we recommend double-checking the most up-to-date information before departing – Travel Restrictions.

Travel with confidence with American Airlines

International travels with American Airlines made extra smooth and easy when you prepare ahead of time the following travel requirements. Everything you need in one place!

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Check and complete trip requirements

  • Download the American app for free and use the ‘Ready to fly hub’.
  • Upload your travel and health documents to VeriFLY™, and receive your clearance to fly.
  • If COVID-19 travel testing is required, use one of our testing sites or visit your local urgent care clinic.

Travel with ease – use the American app to manage your travel on the go.

  • Check-in for your flight
  • Access your boarding pass
  • Access travel and health documents
  • Track your bag

For more information about travel requirements, you may visit American Airlines.

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FOR FULLY VACCINATED PEOPLE

Before your travel:

  • You have to make sure that you checked the requirements (type of test and health protocols) for the airline and destination of your choice. Take note that some airlines require not only PCR test results but also other documentation such as your vaccination certificate/card. 
  • You also need to monitor the rules and regulations implemented as well as the current COVID-19 situation in your destination country
  • As soon as you’ve accomplished the planning and counter-checking stage, make sure to book your PCR Test for Travel appointment at Statcare Urgent & Walk-In Medical Care for a safe, smooth, and fast PCR testing process. The results of your PCR test can be accessed between 24 to 48 hours through our online portal after 72 hours (3 days). 

        

Remember while traveling:

  • Traveling into, within, or out of the United States requires wearing a mask over your nose and mouth on flights, buses, trains, and other kinds of public transportation, as well as indoors at U.S. transit hubs like airports and stations. 
  • In outside areas of a conveyance, passengers are not required to wear masks (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus). 
  • Always remember to observe social distancing and follow the demands that your destination country is endorsing. 

 

Returning to the U.S.

  • Once headed back to the United States, all travelers, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, must have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days prior to travel or documentation of COVID-19 recovery in the previous 3 months.
  • The U.S. also implements viral testing after 3-5 days of your travel from abroad. 
  • In case COVID-19 symptoms have manifested, you need to isolate and get tested right away. 
  • Lastly, make sure to follow the safety protocols performed in all local and state sectors after your international travel.

 

FOR UNVACCINATED PEOPLE      

Ideally, people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine should avoid traveling to and out of the United States. The US Government restricts travel from certain countries. However, in the event that an individual must travel, this person should strictly follow regulations to protect themselves and others from contracting the virus. 

Prior to your travel:

  • Make sure to follow and prepare the requirements needed by the airline of your choice. 
  • You must also check the details of the health and safety protocols of your destination, failure to follow these protocols can lead to denied entry and required to return to the U.S. In your target country, you should also keep an eye on the legislation and regulations in place, as well as the current COVID-19 status
  • Once you’ve completed the planning and counter-checking stages, make an appointment for a PCR Test for Travel at Statcare Urgent & Walk-In Medical Care for a safe, easy, and quick PCR testing experience. The results of your PCR test can be accessed through our online portal after 72 hours (3 days). Plus, all Statcare locations are open 7 days a week, including evenings and holidays.

 

While traveling:

  • As CDC recommends, all unvaccinated travelers should keep their masks on and observe social distancing. 
  • Traveling into, within, or out of the United States requires wearing a mask over your nose and mouth on flights, buses, trains, and other kinds of public transportation, as well as indoors at U.S. transit hubs like airports and stations. In outside areas of a conveyance, passengers are not required to wear masks (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

 

Before heading back to the United States:

  • Make sure to get a PCR test 3 days before your travel and the results must be negative from the COVID-19 virus. 
  • In case you contracted the virus during your travel, documentation of your recovery, like proof of a negative PCR test or antibody test, must be kept in the past 3 months before boarding your flight back to the U.S.  

Once you’ve arrived from your trip abroad to the U.S

You are required to self-quarantine at home for 7 days and make sure to get tested after 3-5 days of your arrival to the U.S. In case you tested positive for the virus, you have to self-isolate to protect others from getting infected and get in touch with your local health center for contact tracing.

If ever you didn’t get tested for COVID-19, you will have to self-quarantine for 10 days to monitor yourself after the trip.

It is mandated by the government that anyone who travels abroad should not be around people who have comorbidities and immunocompromised health conditions for 14 days regardless if you get tested or not.

Lastly, make sure to follow the safety protocols performed in all local and state sectors after your international travel.

Always be up to date by visiting your state, territorial, tribal, and local health departments for the latest information about COVID-19 and testing announcements. Statcare offers COVID-19 nasal swabs (PCR and rapid tests) in multiple locations in NYC.