I took 5 COVID-19 tests to go to Hawaii, and it was worth it
I realize I sound completely insane when I say I took five COVID-19 tests for one trip to Hawaii, but hear me out and keep reading for a side-by-side comparison of the testing services out there.
First, the backstory. I had a much-needed trip to Hawaii booked way back in January when Alaska Airlines was having a major sale (and before everyone figured out how to go to Hawaii). I got flights from my current home base of Montana for a total of $398 round-trip. That's a screaming deal, and combined with good rates on hotels, I was determined to make it happen.
Very determined.
The remote nature of my father's ranch outside Butte, Montana, meant my options were limited when it came to tests that would be back 72 hours or less before my flight to Hawaii. In fact, there is only one place in all of Montana accepted by the Hawaii Safe Travels program -- a Walgreen's in the state capital of Helena.
My other options were at-home video kit tests. I decided, for safety's sake, to do the two at-home kits I had and to also make the two-hour trek to Helena for a drive-through test at Walgreen's. I thought it would be a fun experiment for TPG readers to see who would win the race for results.
None of those three options, however, would guarantee me results in time for my connecting flight to Hawaii. As the dates of my trip approached, I grew increasingly worried I wouldn't have the results in time. That's when I made the decision to change my flight to Seattle, leaving a day early in order to use Alaska Airlines' partner Carbon Health rapid testing site at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
In the end, all four results came back in time for my flight. Then I got a mandatory fifth test on arrival at Kona International Airport (KOA). So I took five tests for a total of $418 out-of-pocket.
Here's how the tests stacked up.
Vault COVID-19 test - at home winner
Vault was the fastest. The test cost $119. You order it online, and it comes in the mail with a kit and an already-addressed return envelope. I took the test at noon on Tuesday. I logged into my Vault account, waited for a medical practitioner to join me live via video conference. She watched me open the box and then spit into a plastic tube until it was filled to a line on the tube. Then she watched as I sealed the container.
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I dropped it off at UPS at 1 p.m. that day in Helena, the lab had it the next morning and I had the results by 5 p.m. that same day (Wednesday). That's an incredible 28-hour turnaround.
TPG tip: Write "HAWAII STAT" (or whatever destination you're going to) on the testing box for lab urgency.
Other TPG staffers have had similar good experiences with Vault. My colleague Richard Kerr needed quick tests for his wife and himself for a Bahamas trip. He said, "got test overnight after ordering. 10-minute wait to get on live with someone, took test at 10 a.m. and dropped off at FedEx pick up. Had results at 2 p.m. next day." That's a 28-hour turnaround for him too.
Related: TPG compares 4 at-home tests
Azova COVID-19 Test - Runner-up
Another video test service that is accepted by Hawaii is from Costco. There is a pretty complicated formula to help you figure out when you need to take the test prior to departure, so be sure to confirm when you are booking that there is ample time for mail and processing.
Their Azova at-home test also got me the results on time, though it wasn't quite as fast as Vault. I did the spit test with a practitioner watching via video link, and I dropped off the kit at UPS at 1 p.m. In the case of Azova, the results didn't come in until 9 p.m. the following day. That's still just about a 32-hour turnaround. That's remarkable considering there is shipping and lab work involved.
Walgreen's COVID-19 testing
My only option in all of Montana for in-person testing was a Walgreen's drive-through COVID-19 test site in Helena. Montana is the fourth-largest state by geography, so it's pretty wild that I was down to one drive-through option. I love Helena, but less than 24 hours to visit in the middle of winter isn't my idea of fun. I also spent $115 on a hotel room at Delta Hotels Helena that was unexpected. I made an appointment ahead of time and took the test at 12:15 p.m. on March 9.
It's a self-swab kit they hand to you through a bank teller-style drive-through window. You run the swab in your nose, seal it in a plastic "bio-hazard" bag and drop it in a slot on the side of the building. The whole process took about 20 minutes.
There was no promised results time, but I ended up getting a negative result via email on March 11 at 8:15 a.m. That's about a 44-hour turnaround and also in time for my Thursday evening flight to Hawaii.
Carbon Health Rapid COVID-19 test via Alaska Airlines - #1
As you've probably guessed by now, I'm nervous by nature. The day of my first three tests, I was still freaking out about getting results back in time, so I made a decision to take one for the team, go all-in on the testing test and move my flight from Bozeman to Seattle up a day in order to take advantage of rapid testing provided via Alaska Airlines in Seattle. That cost me another hotel night in Seattle ($103) and 12,500 Alaska Airlines miles to book a last-minute flight on Alaska Airlines from Bozeman to Seattle. (I had a nonrefundable fare, so Alaska wasn't able to change my connecting flight so that leg got canceled with no penalty instead.)
Related: I spent 3 days quarantining in Kauai’s resort bubble
Alaska teamed up with Carbon Health to do rapid tests for passengers traveling to Hawaii.
The testing site, unlike in Los Angeles, is not inside the airport. While it's called the Alaska Airlines Gold Coast Center, it's actually quite a distance away in a parking lot a few air train stops from the airport.
Here are just a few of the caveats if you go this route from Alaska Airlines:
- Schedule your appointment. "This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites."
- Appointments are available daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Alaska guests must show their flight itinerary
- Test results will be ready by 2 p.m. the next day.
- Alaska Airlines Gold Coast Center location provides only rapid testing for a discounted cost of $185. FSA/HSA-eligible. Rapid test results will be ready within two hours.
The good news is that once I finally arrived with my luggage, it was a quick process. The $180 price tag hurt, but I had the results back in an incredible 22 minutes!
Kona Airport COVID-19 Test-on-arrival
The biggest testing surprise came when I arrived in Hawaii. Apparently, Kona International Airport (KOA) does free (and mandatory) COVID-19 testing on most flights coming from the mainland United States. You show your Safe Travels QR code, answer some questions, fill out a worksheet, confirm your contact tracing information and then get swabbed for coronavirus. Airport officials only contact you if you test positive. The program isn't widely known and is supposed to be random, but it appears passengers on most arriving flights are getting tested.
Related: Fair warning: Hawaii is crowded again
That was my fifth test for this short stay, but at least it was free.
Hawaii rules
To visit Hawaii, you get a COVID-19 test from an approved company, upload the results into the state of Hawaii’s portal, answer a series of questions and, once you’ve followed all those steps, you get a QR code to show upon arrival.
Reminder: You will need a test taken within 72 hours of the last leg of your flight to Hawaii. Make sure you register with Hawaii’s Safe Travels system and get tested only at sites or companies that are approved by the state of Hawaii.
Related: Traveling soon? Here’s how to get a COVID-19 test
For more on Hawaii, be sure to read our complete guide to visiting Hawaii.
Was it worth it?
Hawaii is absolutely worth the extra hoops you have to jump through right now to visit. A few cautionary notes. First, make sure the test you get is on the list approved by the State of Hawaii (be careful with that). People have been turned away at the airport on the way to Hawaii or even upon arrival.
Related: Hawaii making it easier to visit
All in, it was about $418 for tests plus another $300 for extra unexpected hotel and food costs in Helena and Seattle. I didn't get billed for the Walgreens test (free), the Vault test was $118, Costco's Azova test was $118 and Alaska Airlines rapid Carbon Health test was $180.
I saved money on airfare but spent the difference and more on tests and extra travel.
Still, I consider it all money well spent for views like this.
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| 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. |
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Intro offer
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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. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 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.
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- 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. (Partner offer)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.