Air Canada to offer take with you covid test

[Minniemoo15]

Hi! First of all - thank you SO much wdwmom2. You've just saved our group of four hundreds of dollars with your post. We in BC are being completely ripped off and still paying $100+ for Rapid Antigen Tests that we need to travel to take - sometimes a long way.

I've just ordered two kits, each containing two rapid antigen tests, online at switchhealth.ca, for a grand total of less than $40pp ($79 for each kit of 2 tests).

To be clear - you do NOT need to be flying Air Canada to buy these tests at a discount. We're flying WestJet. What you DO need to get the discount is an Aeroplan number. I had one already but, if you're not a member, there's a handy link in the order page that allows you to sign up. Skeptic that I am, I made sure I called Switch Health to confirm that we didn't need to be flying AC to buy and, they assured me that this is a new partnership that offers discounts to Aeroplan Members but, the tests themselves have been available to anyone for some time.

I also wasn't too clear on the 2 tests in 1 kit thing so I reconfirmed that the tests could be taken by 2 individuals - i.e. one person doesn't use both tests. Also, I confirmed that not all tests need to be taken simultaneously. One of our group of 4 is leaving a few days before us and she'll be taking her test before we do and, that's okay.

So, there you are, that's my experience (so far) of the Switch Health self-tests.

My next step will be to purchase the LAMP self-tests. As another poster said - they are, at the Aeroplan reduced price of $149CAN, much cheaper than any rapid paid PCR US test and they offer the convenience of taking the test when you want, where you are. No faffing about with Ubers to Walgreens or City Hall, no stressing about timely results (we're only in Disneyland for 3 precious days). So, cheaper, less stress, more Disney time - definitely the way we're going to go!

Thank you for posting this - I had the same question (if the 2 pack Rapid Test could be used by 2 different people). This is a wonderful option !! I am feeling much more hopeful and excited about our March 2022 trip with the testing side of things now relatively stress-free.

 

[tlcdoula]

Hi! First of all - thank you SO much wdwmom2. You've just saved our group of four hundreds of dollars with your post. We in BC are being completely ripped off and still paying $100+ for Rapid Antigen Tests that we need to travel to take - sometimes a long way.

I've just ordered two kits, each containing two rapid antigen tests, online at switchhealth.ca, for a grand total of less than $40pp ($79 for each kit of 2 tests).

To be clear - you do NOT need to be flying Air Canada to buy these tests at a discount. We're flying WestJet. What you DO need to get the discount is an Aeroplan number. I had one already but, if you're not a member, there's a handy link in the order page that allows you to sign up. Skeptic that I am, I made sure I called Switch Health to confirm that we didn't need to be flying AC to buy and, they assured me that this is a new partnership that offers discounts to Aeroplan Members but, the tests themselves have been available to anyone for some time.

I also wasn't too clear on the 2 tests in 1 kit thing so I reconfirmed that the tests could be taken by 2 individuals - i.e. one person doesn't use both tests. Also, I confirmed that not all tests need to be taken simultaneously. One of our group of 4 is leaving a few days before us and she'll be taking her test before we do and, that's okay.

So, there you are, that's my experience (so far) of the Switch Health self-tests.

My next step will be to purchase the LAMP self-tests. As another poster said - they are, at the Aeroplan reduced price of $149CAN, much cheaper than any rapid paid PCR US test and they offer the convenience of taking the test when you want, where you are. No faffing about with Ubers to Walgreens or City Hall, no stressing about timely results (we're only in Disneyland for 3 precious days). So, cheaper, less stress, more Disney time - definitely the way we're going to go!

EDIT - link to purchase aeroplan - URL if link doesn't work switchhealth.ca/en/partners/aeroplan or just search Switch Health and follow the links there.

Did you see how to schedule a time to do the test?

 

[cdunn03]

We are going to Disneyland in January. I really hope that the government changes its mind and let’s us to the quick antigen test! Has anyone heard anything?

 

[2Lunds]

We are going to Disneyland in January. I really hope that the government changes its mind and let’s us to the quick antigen test! Has anyone heard anything?

Nope. I have a Google Alert set, and a saved search on Twitter

 

[quandrea]

[

We are going to Disneyland in January. I really hope that the government changes its mind and let’s us to the quick antigen test! Has anyone heard anything?

undoubtedly we will hear of any changes here first!

 

[thenicefamily]

Did you see how to schedule a time to do the test?

You need to set up an account with ASMO, after you order your tests. Then, I'm thinking that once your kits arrive, you'll be able to enter the serial number on them and schedule the appointment for them to oversee you taking them.

 

[tlcdoula]

You need to set up an account with ASMO, after you order your tests. Then, I'm thinking that once your kits arrive, you'll be able to enter the serial number on them and schedule the appointment for them to oversee you taking them.

I messaged them online and they just responded. They said there are not appointments you just log in to that account you make and then wait for an available telehealth associate. Usual wait time is 10-15 mins.

They said to make an account for each person doing the tests so you can access the results etc. I have ordered 2 tests for us to use on our way home and I hope it works. They have sold out of the antigen tests so I will keep my appointment and do those here. If they do come back in stock I might go that route to because that will save us some money.

 

[thenicefamily]

My rapid antigen and LAMP test kits are on their way. If anyone's interested in the process of taking/recording/scheduling the tests, below is from an e-mail I received from Switch Health:

NOTE: I'm very famliar with taking these at-home self-tests because I've just returned from 4 weeks in England where they give packs of 7 of these tests away free in the streets and in the shops. Many people take them twice-weekly, just to be certain they're still covid-free, as they are concerned about coming into contact with compromised people or infecting co-workers. It's really very easy and, the only thing you're paying for here, really, is someone official to watch you take it so that their confirmation of your result can be accepted at the borders. Not saying their time isn't valuable, just saying, that's what you're paying for. The tests themselves are probably quite inexpensive to produce. I sure wish Canada would offer them for free to workplaces (and maybe individuals/households). For those concerned about infecting others, it's a great peace of mind. My daughter's a nurse in a clinic and I know for certain that having these tests on hand for staff use would be a wonderful thing.

Here are the steps to take the tests!

RT-LAMP

1. Go to https://portal.switchhealth.ca
2. If you do not have an account, create an account by following the prompts.
3. Once logged in, on the left-hand side click “Home Test”.
4. Select your type of Home Collection Kit: RT-LAMP Test
5. Apply the QR code label in the appropriate location on your test device, following the instructions in your kit carefully.
6. Scan the QR code label with your mobile device.
7. Once complete, join the queue for your call with the Switch Health telehealth professional.
8. Once you complete the telehealth call with the telehealth professional, wait 30 minutes for your testing device to generate a result reading.
9. Once the light starts to blink and you see the result reading, take a clear picture with your mobile device and upload the image to your ASMO account.
10. Wait for a text message or email indicating the results record is ready on your ASMO account.

Rapid Antigen Test

1. Go to https://portal.switchhealth.ca
2. If you do not have an account, create an account by following the prompts.
3. Once logged in, on the left-hand side click “Home Test”.
4. Select your type of Home Collection Kit: Rapid Antigen Test
5. Apply the QR code label in the appropriate location on your test device, following the instructions in your kit carefully.
6. Scan the QR code label with your mobile device.
7. Once complete, join the queue for your call with Switch Health telehealth professional
8. Once you complete the telehealth call with the telehealth professional, wait 15 minutes for your testing device to generate a result reading.
9. Once the control line appears and you see the result reading, take a clear picture with your mobile device and upload the image on to your ASMO account.
10. Wait for a text message or email indicating the results record is ready on your ASMO account.

 

[tlcdoula]

I ordered my tests on Tuesday night and they showed up today by Purolator. Very fast shipping, I hope everything else goes this smoothly

 

[mevelandry]

Not sure when this will start but this could be handy. If you are flying air Canada.

https://ca.travelpulse.com/news/air...fer-lets-canadians-pack-their-covid-test.html

In total honesty, just because we travel with seniors, I think I would prefer the real tests done in airports. Also, the fear of having a test be inconclusive or defective (and having to wait 24 hours to receive another test) would pretty much ruin all our plans … So now, I am only hopeful that the accessibility of those tests will force the providers of the «regular ones » to lower their prices.

 

[thenicefamily]

In total honesty, just because we travel with seniors, I think I would prefer the real tests done in airports. Also, the fear of having a test be inconclusive or defective (and having to wait 24 hours to receive another test) would pretty much ruin all our plans … So now, I am only hopeful that the accessibility of those tests will force the providers of the «regular ones » to lower their prices.

I hear you. It's stressful no matter how you cut it. I think I'm more comfortable with the process and the results because I just jumped through the full-on test hoops on a trip to England. We did the 72-hour pre-trip rapid antigen, the Day 2 at-home self-test PCR and the 72-hour prior to return PCR, done professionally. We also self-tested a few times during our trip with the FREE (yes FREE - they give out boxes of 7 tests literally on the streets in the UK) rapid antigen. So, familiarity breeds comfort. If I'd never done them before, or, so frequently, I'd definitely be leery though. For us, it's a matter of cost. In BC we're being gouged $100-$120 for the rapid antigen and, where I live, it's very difficult to find a place to get tested. So, the Switch Health/Air Canada self-test option is a true gift, especially as we're a group of four. That's a LOT of savings!

 

[gisele2]

Are you flying air Canada? Just wondering if there is a way to get them if you aren’t. I know it’s pricey but the thought of not having to worry about setting up testing is appealing.

You need to be Aeroplan member, not fly Air Canada to buy them at this price. The antigen contains 2 tests.

 

[KMack]

I like the ability to use my Aeroplan miles to pay for the tests. 500 or 1000 points per test depending on which test sounds good to me. That’s one less thing to be out of pocket for.

They still aren’t cheap. Both the RT-LAMP test and the rapid antigen tests are pricey but to get back into Canada, you would have to order the RT-LAMP test which is the more expensive test kit. I don’t remember the exact numbers but it is something like 36000 points to get a kit on all points. Otherwise it is 12000 points and $129 per kit. I managed to get 5 kits before they ran out of stock. There is an email waitlist.

 

[KMack]

[.

 

[KMack]

You can buy both RT-LAMP and RADTs directly from SWITCH Health at a slightly higher cost than what is offered to Aeroplan members. That said, they are currently out of stock but have an email wait list.

Note that, it the two tests, only the RT-LAMP test meets the Public Health Agency of Canada’s requirements for entry into Canada.

 

[valiamo]

Yikes the return kits are now sold out and you have to go on a wait list. Was hoping to get them for the end of next week.

 

[gisele2]

Just want to let you know , that the test must be between 15 and 30 celcius. Mine were left ont the front porch at 8 celcius. So not really happy with that and they did not respond to my mail.

 

[thenicefamily]

UPDATE from personal experience (so far) with the Switch Health 'at-home' kits. We ordered 4 rapid antigen tests/2 kits (at a HUGE savings for us BC residents of $340!!!), plus 4 LAMP test kits.

All ordered tests arrived by courier the day after ordering.

The first in our group, who is flying to the states on Friday (we follow next Wednesday), just took her rapid antigen. The process was as efficient as the delivery. She opened the kit, prepared the items, logged in on her phone via a QR code scan and was connected with an online nurse within minutes. The nurse talked her through taking the test. We could see the results appearing within seconds (negative) but, they ask you to wait 15 minutes before taking a photo of the test strop, with your attached QR code, back to them. Photo was sent, reviewed and, within 2 minutes, a message with the certified negative result landed.

If the same service applies to the remaining rapid antigen and LAMP tests then, I'll be very, very, happy and relieved. I was SO not looking forward to tracking down tests (and waiting 24+ hours for results) in the US.

p.s. Sorry to read about your delivery issues! Definitely an issue that needs to be taken up with the delivery service and Switch Health. Temp requirements should be clearly marked on the package and, whoever delivers should adhere to those requirements. I hope they respond soon. Not sure if there's a number you can call?

 

[tlcdoula]

UPDATE from personal experience (so far) with the Switch Health 'at-home' kits. We ordered 4 rapid antigen tests/2 kits (at a HUGE savings for us BC residents of $340!!!), plus 4 LAMP test kits.

All ordered tests arrived by courier the day after ordering.

The first in our group, who is flying to the states on Friday (we follow next Wednesday), just took her rapid antigen. The process was as efficient as the delivery. She opened the kit, prepared the items, logged in on her phone via a QR code scan and was connected with an online nurse within minutes. The nurse talked her through taking the test. We could see the results appearing within seconds (negative) but, they ask you to wait 15 minutes before taking a photo of the test strop, with your attached QR code, back to them. Photo was sent, reviewed and, within 2 minutes, a message with the certified negative result landed.

If the same service applies to the remaining rapid antigen and LAMP tests then, I'll be very, very, happy and relieved. I was SO not looking forward to tracking down tests (and waiting 24+ hours for results) in the US.

p.s. Sorry to read about your delivery issues! Definitely an issue that needs to be taken up with the delivery service and Switch Health. Temp requirements should be clearly marked on the package and, whoever delivers should adhere to those requirements. I hope they respond soon. Not sure if there's a number you can call?

When do you test to come back home? Did your first person in your group pack their lamp test in their carry on?

 

[thenicefamily]

When do you test to come back home? Did your first person in your group pack their lamp test in their carry on?

Yes, the first person in the group packed her LAMP test in her carry-on. As will the rest of us. We'll all (4 of us) take the test, at our leisure, in our hotel room, probably late on Thursday night or early Friday morning for a 3:00p.m. flight out on Sunday. Results for the LAMP are within 45 minutes.