LAX now offering rapid coronavirus testing
To accommodate an increase in travel, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has begun offering rapid coronavirus testing near Terminal 6. Located inside a shipping container, the testing site provides PCR test results within 3-5 hours. According to Justin Erbacci, chief executive of Los Angeles World Airports, the testing center aims to provide a safer experience for those who are traveling right now, either for essential or leisure purposes.
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As one of the busiest airports in the world, LAX saw over 26,000 million travelers between January and November 2020 alone. While that is about a third of the numbers seen in 2019, it represents a substantial number of people who are traveling during a pandemic and need to do so safely. Officials anticipate processing 1,000 tests per day, a significant bump from the current 250-300.
Passengers transiting through Terminal 2 and Tom Bradley have access to a separate testing center that provides results within 24 hours. That center has processed 14,000 tests since opening in November.
LAX travelers seeking a PCR test are highly advised to book an appointment, though walk-in appointments are available. The lab expects a rise in demand as more people resume traveling. California has been under a stay-at-home order for most of December, contributing to a 40% drop in airport traffic during the holidays, which is much lower than officials had anticipated. With vaccine distribution set to increase in the next few months, this number is expected to rise along with a demand for PCR testing.
LAX is just one of 26 U.S. airports offering PCR testing. At $125, it’s also one of the cheapest. In comparison, same-day PCR tests at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) cost $250.
Travelers who are testing as part of entry requirements for destinations like Hawaii, Alaska and French Polynesia will want to head to the Terminal 6 testing site for a quicker turnaround. The center is open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Meanwhile, the Terminal 2 and Tom Bradley locations operate until 7 p.m.
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| 6X | 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
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| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees