Get COVID-19 testing, shots at these US airports
Travelers are still flying despite the pandemic dragging on. Some are cutting it close as they struggle to find a test before their flight, while some just haven't had time to get their jabs. Now some U.S. airports are here to help.
Below we take a look at airports that offer COVID-19 health services.
Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 test
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
First Call Medical Center opened a full-service urgent care clinic inside BWI in August 2021. Among the services it offers are myriad COVID-19 tests, said clinic director Dr. Ron Elfenbein. They include rapid COVID antigen, rapid COVID PCR, combined COVID and flu rapid antigen, combined COVID, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It also offers strep, flu, RSV, mono, urine and pregnancy testing.
If you still haven't gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, the clinic offers all three – Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer. Test results take from15 minutes to two hours. The clinic is located in Terminal C behind the Jet Blue ticket counter and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day.
"We do try to limit vaccines for airport personnel to only three days a week to minimize waste," said Elfenbein. "Once we puncture a vial, if we don't use it all by end of the day, we have to waste the rest."
The BWI clinic is pretty busy, said Elfenbein. "BWI has a big USO lounge and is an active point of embarkation for the U.S. military and they are required to get a PCR test prior to flying," he said. The military does not supply this. We do it for them. We have gone from a low of 30 people a day when we opened to almost 350 a day a few weeks ago. We average somewhere around 130 travelers a day."
Related: 7 reasons to visit Baltimore
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK "strongly" recommends that departing international travelers do their required COVID-19 testing before coming to the airport. But if that's not possible, the airport offers testing in three locations.
Terminal 1, Departures Level (Pre-Security)
Testing is provided by Adams Health Services using the Biomeme SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test with results available in two to three hours. Antibody testing is also available. Testing is offered from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily.
Terminal 4, Arrivals Level (Pre-Security)
Testing is provided by XpresCheck using the PCR and Rapid RT-PCR tests with results available in as little as an hour. Testing is available from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Terminal 8, Red Parking Garage
Testing is provided by NYC Health + Hospitals using PCR and rapid antigen tests with results available in as little as an hour. The testing site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily.
Related: The best and worst U.S. airports
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Doctors Test Centers, in connection with Simple Laboratories, offers rapid antigen screening and PCR testing at O'Hare. The service will be available for travelers and airport employees for free until the end of 2022. Those who want to take a test need to show proof of flying (either within 72 hours before a flight or five days after) or proof of airport employment.
The COVID-19 testing site at O'Hare is in the Bus Shuttle Center on Level 1 of the main parking garage, between elevator centers 3 and 4. Travelers can get rapid and PCR tests every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Appointments can be booked in advance online and walk-ins are welcome pending availability.
The BD rapid antigen test takes five minutes and costs $120. Results are delivered within 20 minutes. The RT-PCR test, which also takes five minutes, costs $145 and results are sent within 72 hours. For more information, check out the airport's website.
Related: Chicago O'Hare versus Midway
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
The airport's testing sites are arranged and funded by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. In turn, the department has contracted with Capstone to offer free PCR testing and all three COVID-19 vaccinations (subject to availability) for anyone 12 years of age or older, including visitors to Alaska from other states or countries. Vaccines for those age 5-11 years old are not available.
While walk-ins are accepted, travelers are encouraged to pre-register using the Alaska Safe Travels app. It can take up to 72 hours to get test results, although when TPG senior news editor Clint Henderson and I traveled to Anchorage on March 21, we had our results the next morning after testing.
The free COVID-19 testing for the traveling public and badged employees is located behind airport security next to Starbucks between the B and C concourse. The vaccination clinic is on the public side of the airport down near the escalator leading to the A gates. Testing and vaccines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Related: Anchorage briefly becomes busiest airport
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
The Minnesota State Department of Health and Vault Health manages free COVID-19 testing at the airport for state residents. The test site is located pre-security in Terminal 1, Level 2 of Blue Ramp. Testing hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by appointment only, which can be scheduled online. Results are available within 48 hours.
Wanderlust offers COVID-19 testing – antigen, NAAT and RT-PCR – with a quick turnaround in Terminal 1 pre-security, Level 3 of Gold Ramp. The antigen test costs $99, NAAT is $179 and RT-PCR is $199, with results available within an hour. Both walk-ins and appointments are available daily. Hours are Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m.
The Minnesota Department of Health offers free vaccinations in Terminal 1, post-security and Terminal 2, pre-security. Both sites offer Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines and boosters from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.
Bottom line
These are only some airports that offer COVID-19 testing and vaccines. Go to your local airport's website before your next flight to see if testing or shots are available — and don't forget to check if there's a fee.
Related: Traveling soon? Here's where you can quickly get a COVID-19 test
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended 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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.