Switch Rapid Antigen travel to US question

[disneyin2013]

We ordered 3 boxes of these tests (travelling from Kelowna in BC). Will these work for the new requirements to the US? We will get our results right away? So we would just do them right before going to the airport?
Thanks Everyone!!

 

[peacefrogdog]

It hasn't been announced what the US will accept as proof of a negative test when done within 24 hours/one day of the departing flight. Even if they accept rapid antigen tests, whether they will accept home ones is unclear.

 

[wdwmom3]

It hasn't been announced what the US will accept as proof of a negative test when done within 24 hours/one day of the departing flight. Even if they accept rapid antigen tests, whether they will accept home ones is unclear.

The switch ones are done under the supervision of a health professional and they give you certified results. They aren’t the same as other home tests.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Good to know! Anyone know if they will be operating over Xmas day?

 

[von Monster]

Good to know! Anyone know if they will be operating over Xmas day?

They should be - their FAQ says their hours of operation are 24/7, however I have emailed their support to verify this.

EDIT - I just got the quickest email response to something in the history of world; Switch health confirmed they will be operating over Christmas day. Hope that helps!

 

[disneyin2013]

Thanks everyone and wow! That’s awesome they are open Christmas Day! I so wish Canada would accept these tests to come back. All of the test stuff makes my head swirl - very hard to navigate.

 

[peacefrogdog]

They should be - their FAQ says their hours of operation are 24/7, however I have emailed their support to verify this.

EDIT - I just got the quickest email response to something in the history of world; Switch health confirmed they will be operating over Christmas day. Hope that helps!

How does it work regarding what you end up having to show at the airport? After the online support person observes you doing the test, do you then get some form of written proof [presumably of a negative test] emailed to you?

 

[wdwmom3]

How does it work regarding what you end up having to show at the airport? After the online support person observes you doing the test, do you then get some form of written proof [presumably of a negative test] emailed to you?

I believe they email you certified results

 

[Chip#1]

I believe they email you certified results

They email the results; mine last week was emailed literally w/in a minute of me submitting the photo of my test — it made me laugh. DHs took about 3min to arrive after his photo submission

 

[trompettecon]

It hasn't been announced what the US will accept as proof of a negative test when done within 24 hours/one day of the departing flight. Even if they accept rapid antigen tests, whether they will accept home ones is unclear.

It actually has been announced. It remains the Antigen test. That has not been changed.

 

[disneyin2013]

That’s good news!

 

[KNovacovschi]

Can you not go to a Shoppers Drug Mart or Costco or Walmart for the rapid antigen test? That way it's only anywhere from $17-40 for the test instead of the $200 for the switch test.

 

[bcwife76]

Can you not go to a Shoppers Drug Mart or Costco or Walmart for the rapid antigen test? That way it's only anywhere from $17-40 for the test instead of the $200 for the switch test.

Those tests from Shoppers/Costco/Walmart are not available in BC.

 

[wdwmom3]

Can you not go to a Shoppers Drug Mart or Costco or Walmart for the rapid antigen test? That way it's only anywhere from $17-40 for the test instead of the $200 for the switch test.

The switch antigen tests are $80 for a 2 pack if you are an aeroplan member I believe.

 

[FinnFogg]

Thanks everyone and wow! That’s awesome they are open Christmas Day! I so wish Canada would accept these tests to come back. All of the test stuff makes my head swirl - very hard to navigate.

While Canada does not accept the Switch Antigen test, it will accept the Switch LAMP PCR test (also done from home/hotel room with quick results). It’s just more expensive and there is currently a waitlist for the kits.

 

[KNovacovschi]

Those tests from Shoppers/Costco/Walmart are not available in BC.

oh boo, I would've thought they would be by now.

 

[KNovacovschi]

The switch antigen tests are $80 for a 2 pack if you are an aeroplan member I believe.

oh good to know but that would only be used to fly to US right since antigen tests are not accepted coming back. I am an aeroplan member so I should look into that for our trip in March instead of trying to book at Shoppers. Do you know the turn around time for the results?

 

[KNovacovschi]

While Canada does not accept the Switch Antigen test, it will accept the Switch LAMP PCR test (also done from home/hotel room with quick results). It’s just more expensive and there is currently a waitlist for the kits.

How much are these and did they say how long the wait list is? Maybe I will order or get on it for our beginning of March trip.

 

[bcwife76]

oh boo, I would've thought they would be by now.

I know When we went to Disneyland last month we paid $110 a person for antigen tests! Literally the day after I booked our tests, these ones came out And of course, our booked tests were non refundable.

 

[FinnFogg]

How much are these and did they say how long the wait list is? Maybe I will order or get on it for our beginning of March trip.

See below. The website says 45 minutes for RT-LAMP test kit, which qualifies for reentry into Canada:

https://switchhealth.ca/en/partners/aeroplan/#collectionKits