Want a mail-in COVID-19 test kit? You can now redeem HawaiianMiles for one
Negative COVID-19 tests are becoming increasingly important for travel — both domestically and internationally. As such, many airlines and airports are stepping up to make it easier for travelers to get tested.
In most cases, these travel-approved tests are quite costly. However, Hawaiian Airlines hopes to make them more accessible by allowing travelers to redeem miles for them.
For more travel tips and news, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Redeem HawaiianMiles for a COVID-19, mail-in test kit
Hawaiian Airlines has just announced a new promotion where you can redeem 14,000 miles in exchange for a COVID-19, mail-in test kit. The airline says that this will only be available for a limited time, with no set end date yet.
The mail-in test kits are administered by Vault Health, an approved testing partner to visit the state of Hawaii. The tests are conducted using a saliva sample collected with assistance from a testing supervisor in a video call and guarantee an overall turnaround time under 72 hours.
"Our at-home supervised saliva COVID test provides a safe, convenient and reliable result delivered pre-travel," said Vault Health Founder and CEO Jason Feldman. "We are excited to work with Hawaiian Airlines who continues to innovate on behalf of their customers making travel easier and safer for everyone."
To take advantage of this redemption option, you must fill out this form and select COVID mail-in test kit as the award type. You'll then receive a confirmation email which includes a link to order the mail-in test kit from the Vault Health website. The test kit is available for travelers of all ages including children.
Related: Best ways to redeem points and miles on Hawaiian Airlines
Is it worth it?
Redeeming miles for non-travel redemptions usually represents significantly lower value than doing so for flights. However, in this case, it could be worth it if you're sitting on a large haul of HawaiianMiles.
A test kit ordered through Hawaiian typically costs $119, thus giving you a value of 0.85 cents per point on this redemption. TPG values HawaiianMiles at 0.9 cents per point so this is a slightly less than ideal redemption, but not horrible.
Hawaiian is currently the only U.S. carrier to allow flyers to redeem miles for a pre-travel coronavirus test. However, as a point of comparison, Hawaiian's drive-through tests cost $90 to $150 (depending on how quickly you need your results) and United’s on-site rapid test at San Francisco (SFO) costs $250.
If you're short HawaiianMiles and want to take advantage of this redemption option, you could transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards. Amex points transfer to Hawaiian at a 1:1 ratio and typically instantly. Just keep in mind that TPG values Amex points at 2 cents each, so you wouldn't be getting the best value.
Related: You can now redeem your HawaiianMiles for TSA PreCheck
Hawaii's testing requirement
To enter Hawaii without a mandatory, 14-day quarantine, you must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departing on the final leg of the journey to Hawaii. Furthermore, the test must come from one of the state's 17 approved partners, such as Vault Health. Additionally, depending on the island, you may need to take a second test upon arrival.
Related: 5 things to know about visiting a reopening Hawaii
Bottom line
With many loyalty programs limiting non-travel redemptions, it's nice to see that Hawaiian is letting its members redeem miles for an at-home coronavirus testing kit. Depending on where you live, testing can be a lengthy and costly process, so being able to get a reliable test at no out-of-pocket cost is welcome. Keep in mind that you don't actually need to fly Hawaiian or even visit the state of Hawaii to benefit from this test. Vault Health's testing kits are FDA-authorized and accepted by most destinations that have pre-travel testing requirements.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
2X | Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. |
1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus MilesAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees