New COVID-19 kits let Air Canada travellers bound for Pearson Airport in Mississauga test themselves

Mississauga | Ontario | COVID | Latest News | Travel |

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Published October 25, 2021 at 2:26 pm

More flights to Vegas and Spain take to the skies from Pearson Airport in Mississauga

Travellers returning to Pearson Airport in Mississauga on Air Canada flights from abroad can now use a COVID-19 self-test to meet Canadian government entry requirements instead of having to visit a foreign testing clinic. 

Canada’s flagship carrier and Canadian healthcare company Switch Health announced the new test kits today, saying passengers conduct the tests under the remote supervision of a Telehealth professional from Switch Health. After completing the test, the traveller receives an electronic report to show to officials as they come into Canada. 

The portable self-administered COVID-19 molecular and antigen test kits are initially available, in limited quantity, only to Aeroplan members for $79 to $149 and up, depending on the specific kit. The antigen test kits (two tests per kit) start at the lower end of the price scale while RT-LAMP kits are on the higher end.  

Aeroplan memberships are free.  

“Air Canada is a leader in adopting and implementing science-based safety measures to simplify our customers’ journey,” said Mark Nasr, a senior vice-president at Air Canada. “Together with Switch Health, we are pleased to offer our customers the most comprehensive range of travel testing options that will make travelling abroad easier and more predictable. Switch Health also seamlessly integrates into Air Canada’s digital tool allowing customers to securely submit their COVID-19 test results and records of vaccination, further simplifying the travel experience.” 

Switch Health CEO Dilian Stoyanov said the company is pleased to offer patient-focused digital solutions to make travel easier. 

“Offering these COVID-19 tests will help get Canadians back to their favourite activities, like global air travel with Air Canada, safely, reliably and at their convenience.” 

Customers flying into Canada are currently required by the federal government to present a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of their flight. The new Switch Health RT-LAMP Test Kit lets them complete the test themselves. 

The RT-LAMP test is one of several ways Air Canada is offering solutions to ease customer experience and reduce the inconvenience related to current pre-departure testing requirements, Air Canada officials say.  

 

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