Travel news, reviews and intel for high-flyers

WestJet Offers Pre-flight Testing for Canadian Travelers to Hawaii

Currently only available on flights from Alberta, the program gives passengers with negative test results a pass on Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine​

WestJet is collaborating with the State of Hawaii for a pre-flight COVID-19 testing program for passengers travelling from Canada to the islands. A negative test result, from WestJet laboratory partner DynaLIFE, is required within 72-hours of departure to Hawaii and will exempt the traveler from the state’s required 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

The test, which costs C$150 per person, must be paid by the passenger. The program is currently only available in Alberta, but the testing is open to all Canadian residents.

WestJet joins a number of US carriers, including United, American, Hawaiian Air and Alaska Air in Hawaii’s Trusted Travel Partner program, which offer pre-flight testing for travelers to the state. Find details here.

Recent changes to Hawaii’s pre-flight testing program mean travelers must ensure they have been tested within 72-hours of their flight departing to Hawaii and will be required to display their negative test result prior to boarding.

If test results are not available before boarding the final leg of the trip, the traveler is still subject to quarantine for 14 days or the length of the stay, whichever is shorter. All visitors intending to visit Hawaii must register prior to travel.

“Many Canadians love to visit Hawai’i during the winter months to escape the cold weather, so the timing for this works well. Hawaii has the most rigorous pre-travel testing program in the United States, and we’re grateful to WestJet for making it available to their passengers,” said Hawaii’s Governor David Ige.

“WestJet’s teams are working hard to rebuild confidence in air travel through important partnerships like this one with Hawaii’s Trusted Travel Partner program and DynaLIFE,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet chief commercial officer.

“With pre-departure and arrivals testing now available through the collaborative efforts of the governments of Canada, the government of Alberta and the YYC Calgary International Airport, our guests have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy safe and enjoyable travel without the rigorous quarantine requirements,” he said.

westjet.com