Who's doing this? Abbott and United.
Any other airlines? Only Abbott and United are partnering to make the process seamless. Anyone traveling internationally on another airline can order our BinaxNOW Home Test through eMed and use the results displayed in the NAVICA app.
Who's eligible? Anyone whose flight originates from the U.S. and is returning to the U.S. from a trip abroad.
What do I need? To start, the BinaxNOW Home Test which can be ordered from eMed through United's Travel-Ready Center when you make your travel plans. The tests will be shipped to you prior to your trip.
Next, you need Abbott's NAVICA app installed on your smart phone. The NAVICA app can be found here for Apple IOS and here for Android.
From United, you'll need the usual requirements for travel, including your boarding pass, passport and the like. United's Travel-Ready Center will help you navigate what test you need for entering the country you are visiting.
Can I use the BinaxNOW Self Test? No. Abbott's recently authorized BinaxNOW Self Test that's available over-the-counter at retail stores is not eligible for travel purposes. You should purchase the BinaxNOW Home Test through eMed.
This is for international travel only? The CDC requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight coming to the U.S. It recently updated its guidelines to accept rapid, self-administered testing options that meet its requirements. There is currently no similar requirement for air travel within the continental U.S.
And what kind of test is BinaxNOW? Antigen. The test detects proteins that tell whether you are infected with COVID-19.
Can I carry my BinaxNOW Home Test on the plane with me? Yes, it's required. Similar to how you travel with prescription medicine, you should carry on your unopened, unused tests. Do NOT pack it in your checked luggage. BinaxNOW test packaging is light-weight, about the size of a day planner and fits easily into a passenger's carry-on luggage, briefcase or purse.
How much will it cost? Through eMed, you can order a six-pack of tests for $150 plus tax and shipping. We strongly recommend traveling with more than one test kit.
When should I take my test before returning to the U.S.? No more than three days prior to your flight taking off. We also recommend you not wait until the last minute — in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
What do I need for my BinaxNOW Home Test to be digitally supervised while abroad? Plan to take the test somewhere that's quiet with a clean, flat surface. You'll need a strong and reliable broadband internet connection and 20-30 minutes for the process to take place. You'll also need a video connection, either through a camera on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Sounds simple. What if I need more help? We have you covered. When taking your test, you'll log in to the eMed platform. A live, certified guide will be there to walk you through the testing process.
When do I get my results? You can expect them to arrive within minutes through your NAVICA app. If test results are negative, eMed will send a digital health certificate with a QR code via the NAVICA app. United accepts that as proof of your negative test result.
And what if I test positive or results are invalid? If you test positive, United's Travel-Ready Center can help. If your results are invalid, you can use the second test you're traveling with and try again.
What if I'm traveling with others? Each test result and NAVICA app are tied to specific passengers, helping ensure the integrity of the results for each individual. If each traveler follows the steps, they'll have peace of mind that our technology will help ease their entire experience coming home.
What if I'm traveling with kids? People 15 and older can collect their own swabs to run BinaxNOW tests. For children 4 and older, parents or guardians should collect the swab. For younger kids, check out United's Travel-Ready Center for guidance.
What if I'm outside the country and I lose my test? We like to plan ahead while travelling. That's why when you order through eMed, you will purchase a 6-pack of tests. United's Travel-Ready Center can also help.
Is this program available outside the U.S.? We're launching for U.S. travelers coming home.
This is all about testing on my way back to the U.S. Do I need to take a BinaxNOW Home Test before I leave? Each country has its own testing requirements to enter. United's Travel-Ready Center lets customers review country-by-country rules.
We hope this answers your most pressing questions about the BinaxNOW Home Test, NAVICA app and traveling back to the U.S. from an international flight.
Wait. There is one more question, the most important one: Are you ready to travel again? It's a big world out there.
