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BinaxNOW, NAVICA & United: Book Your Travel Now
Our BinaxNOW Home Tests and NAVICA app are making return trips from international travel easier.
Editor's Note: As of June 13, 2022, the U.S. government has removed the requirement of a negative COVID-19 result to return to the U.S. As more parts of the world reopen and we co-exist with COVID-19, fast and reliable rapid tests will remain a critical tool. We recommend checking with your airline and the local government of the country where you're traveling to confirm COVID-19 guidelines and testing requirements.
COVID-19 spent most of the past year making a small world the smallest it's ever been.
With vaccines being widely available in the U.S., people are now ready to book a trip to see loved ones or restart a delayed trip, even if that requires a major change of time zones.
To enjoy your international trip fully and not spend a day sorting through logistics to meet the U.S. CDC's requirements for testing to return home, we have good news: Abbott and United are partnering to make an at-home COVID test available that meets the updated CDC guidelines for return travelers.
It's a combination of our BinaxNOW Home Test through the eMed digital health platform and the ability to digitally show test results through our complementary NAVICA app (for Apple IOS and Android). These two, along with your boarding pass, will get you on United flights bound for the U.S.
How does it work? When can I get it? Answers to these and more are below.
Who's doing this? Abbott and United.
Any other airlines? Only Abbott and United are partnering to make the process seamless. Anyone traveling internationally on another airline can order our BinaxNOW Home Test through eMed and use the results displayed in the NAVICA app.
Who's eligible? Anyone whose flight originates from the U.S. and is returning to the U.S. from a trip abroad.
What do I need? To start, the BinaxNOW Home Test which can be ordered from eMed through United's Travel-Ready Center when you make your travel plans. The tests will be shipped to you prior to your trip.
Next, you need Abbott's NAVICA app installed on your smart phone. The NAVICA app can be found here for Apple IOS and here for Android.
From United, you'll need the usual requirements for travel, including your boarding pass, passport and the like. United's Travel-Ready Center will help you navigate what test you need for entering the country you are visiting.
Can I use the BinaxNOW Self Test? No. Abbott's recently authorized BinaxNOW Self Test that's available over-the-counter at retail stores is not eligible for travel purposes. You should purchase the BinaxNOW Home Test through eMed.
This is for international travel only? The CDC requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding a flight coming to the U.S. It recently updated its guidelines to accept rapid, self-administered testing options that meet its requirements. There is currently no similar requirement for air travel within the continental U.S.
And what kind of test is BinaxNOW? Antigen. The test detects proteins that tell whether you are infected with COVID-19.
Can I carry my BinaxNOW Home Test on the plane with me? Yes, it's required. Similar to how you travel with prescription medicine, you should carry on your unopened, unused tests. Do NOT pack it in your checked luggage. BinaxNOW test packaging is light-weight, about the size of a day planner and fits easily into a passenger's carry-on luggage, briefcase or purse.
How much will it cost? Through eMed, you can order a six-pack of tests for $150 plus tax and shipping. We strongly recommend traveling with more than one test kit.
When should I take my test before returning to the U.S.? No more than three days prior to your flight taking off. We also recommend you not wait until the last minute — in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.
What do I need for my BinaxNOW Home Test to be digitally supervised while abroad? Plan to take the test somewhere that's quiet with a clean, flat surface. You'll need a strong and reliable broadband internet connection and 20-30 minutes for the process to take place. You'll also need a video connection, either through a camera on your laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Sounds simple. What if I need more help? We have you covered. When taking your test, you'll log in to the eMed platform. A live, certified guide will be there to walk you through the testing process.
When do I get my results? You can expect them to arrive within minutes through your NAVICA app. If test results are negative, eMed will send a digital health certificate with a QR code via the NAVICA app. United accepts that as proof of your negative test result.
And what if I test positive or results are invalid? If you test positive, United's Travel-Ready Center can help. If your results are invalid, you can use the second test you're traveling with and try again.
What if I'm traveling with others? Each test result and NAVICA app are tied to specific passengers, helping ensure the integrity of the results for each individual. If each traveler follows the steps, they'll have peace of mind that our technology will help ease their entire experience coming home.
What if I'm traveling with kids? People 15 and older can collect their own swabs to run BinaxNOW tests. For children 4 and older, parents or guardians should collect the swab. For younger kids, check out United's Travel-Ready Center for guidance.
What if I'm outside the country and I lose my test? We like to plan ahead while travelling. That's why when you order through eMed, you will purchase a 6-pack of tests. United's Travel-Ready Center can also help.
Is this program available outside the U.S.? We're launching for U.S. travelers coming home.
This is all about testing on my way back to the U.S. Do I need to take a BinaxNOW Home Test before I leave? Each country has its own testing requirements to enter. United's Travel-Ready Center lets customers review country-by-country rules.
We hope this answers your most pressing questions about the BinaxNOW Home Test, NAVICA app and traveling back to the U.S. from an international flight.
Wait. There is one more question, the most important one: Are you ready to travel again? It's a big world out there.
This story was originally published on May 12, 2021 and updated on June 13, 2022.
Important Safety Information
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. The test has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner. For serial testing, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test should be performed twice over 3 days, at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) apart. For symptomatic use, a single test can be used.