XpresSpa may be ditching airport manicures for coronavirus tests
Need an eye mask? How about a massage? Oh, and what about a COVID-19 test? Well, you just may be able to get all three next time you stop by airport mini-spa XpresSpa.
XpresSpa announced on Friday evening that it will pilot a testing program at New York's JFK International Airport (JFK) to provide diagnostic COVID-19 testing.
For now, the testing services will be reserved for airline and airport employees in JFK's Terminal 4. However, the company said that it's working with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to add additional testing locations in the future.
Related: Will you need a coronavirus test to fly? Here's everything we know right now
Details on pricing have not been released yet. Currently, Priority Pass members have access to discounts for XpresSpa services, but whether or not that will include discounted COVID-19 tests is still unclear.
"We are moving forward with our public and private relationships to make COVID-19 screening and testing in U.S. airports a reality and hopefully will be able to begin pilot testing shortly for the benefit and protection of our fellow citizens," said XpresSpa CEO Doug Satzman. "Since the onset of this pandemic, we have thought that we can and should play a significant role within the travel sector in the fight against COVID-19 and other highly contagious diseases in the future given our airport relationships, infrastructure, workforce with TSA clearance and strong desire to keep everyone safe."
Related: Clear wants to help businesses track employee COVID-19 cases
In the press release, XpresSpa shared that it's exploring converting other airport spa locations into testing sites. Currently, Atlanta (ATL) and Chicago (ORD) have been in discussion as the next testing sites.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.