Access COVID-19 testing and vaccinations at these U.S. airports

Despite the ongoing pandemic, travelers are still taking flights. Some are racing against time to find a test before departure, while others haven't managed to get vaccinated yet. Thankfully, several U.S. airports are stepping in to assist.

Here’s a look at airports providing COVID-19 health services.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

In August 2021, First Call Medical Center launched a comprehensive urgent care clinic at BWI. According to clinic director Dr. Ron Elfenbein, the facility provides various COVID-19 tests, including rapid COVID antigen, rapid COVID PCR, combined COVID and flu rapid antigen, as well as tests for COVID, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Additional services include strep, flu, RSV, mono, urine, and pregnancy testing.

For those who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, the clinic administers all three options: Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer. Test results are available in as little as 15 minutes to a maximum of two hours. The clinic is situated in Terminal C, behind the Jet Blue ticket counter, and operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Dr. Elfenbein stated, "We try to limit vaccine availability for airport staff to three days a week to reduce waste. If a vial is punctured and we don’t use it by the end of the day, the leftover must be discarded."

According to Elfenbein, the BWI clinic experiences high traffic. "BWI features a large USO lounge and serves as a significant embarkation point for U.S. military personnel, who must undergo a PCR test before flying," he explained. The military does not provide this service, so we handle it for them. Our daily average has surged from 30 people when we opened to nearly 350 recently, averaging around 130 travelers daily."

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK "strongly" advises that international travelers complete their COVID-19 testing before arriving at the airport. However, if that's not feasible, testing is available at three locations within the airport.

Terminal 1, Departures Level (Pre-Security)

Testing is conducted by Adams Health Services using the Biomeme SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, with results provided within two to three hours. Antibody testing is also offered, with services available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Terminal 4, Arrivals Level (Pre-Security)

XpresCheck offers testing with PCR and Rapid RT-PCR tests, delivering results in as quickly as one hour. Testing hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends.

Terminal 8, Red Parking Garage

Testing is administered by NYC Health + Hospitals using PCR and rapid antigen tests, with results available in as little as one hour. The testing facility operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Doctors Test Centers, in collaboration with Simple Laboratories, provides rapid antigen screening and PCR testing at O'Hare. This service is available at no cost to travelers and airport staff until the end of 2022. To take a test, individuals must present proof of travel (either within 72 hours prior to a flight or within five days after) or proof of airport employment.

The COVID-19 testing facility at O'Hare is located in the Bus Shuttle Center on Level 1 of the main parking garage, situated between elevator centers 3 and 4. Travelers can access rapid and PCR tests daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled online in advance, and walk-ins are accepted based on availability.

The BD rapid antigen test takes five minutes to complete and costs $120, with results available within 20 minutes. The RT-PCR test, also completed in five minutes, costs $145 and results are delivered within 72 hours. For further details, visit the airport's website.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

The airport's testing facilities are organized and funded by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. This department has partnered with Capstone to provide free PCR testing and all three COVID-19 vaccinations (subject to availability) for anyone aged 12 and older, including visitors from other states or countries. Vaccines are not available for children aged 5-11.

While walk-ins are welcome, travelers are encouraged to pre-register via the Alaska Safe Travels app. Test results may take up to 72 hours, though when TPG senior news editor Clint Henderson and I visited Anchorage on March 21, we received our results the following morning after testing.

Free COVID-19 testing for travelers and badged employees is available behind airport security next to Starbucks, located between concourses B and C. The vaccination clinic can be found on the public side of the airport near the escalator to the A gates. Testing and vaccinations are offered 24/7.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

The Minnesota State Department of Health, in collaboration with Vault Health, provides free COVID-19 testing at the airport for state residents. The testing site is located pre-security in Terminal 1, Level 2 of the Blue Ramp. Testing hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by appointment only, which can be scheduled online. Results are typically available within 48 hours.

Wanderlust provides COVID-19 testing options including antigen, NAAT, and RT-PCR in Terminal 1, pre-security, on Level 3 of the Gold Ramp. The antigen test is priced at $99, NAAT at $179, and RT-PCR at $199, with results available in under an hour. Both walk-ins and appointments are accepted daily. Operating hours are Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Minnesota Department of Health provides free vaccinations in Terminal 1, post-security, and Terminal 2, pre-security. Both locations offer Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines, including boosters, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day.

Summary

These are just a few airports that provide COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Check your local airport's website prior to your next flight to confirm the availability of testing or vaccinations — and remember to verify any associated fees.