Air Canada partners with Switch Health to offer self-administered COVID-19 testing

Recently, Air Canada has made several announcements with travel-related partners and Aeroplan. Today, they are announcing a new partnership with Switch Health to make it easier for travellers to enter Canada.

Switch Health is a Toronto-based health care company. It offers quick tests to be done at home, at work or while travelling.

Althoughnon-essential travel is once again permitted in Canada, there are some requirements for vaccinated Canadian travellers. At this time, a negative molecular test within 72 hours of flight is required for all returning travellers.

First, travellers purchase a Switch Health home collection kit in advance. These COVID-19 molecular and antigenic test kits are portable and self-administered.

For example, travellers take the RT-LAMP molecular test kit with them for their travel. Then they test themselves abroad before their flight back to Canada. This avoids the need to go to a COVID-19 testing clinic.

These tests are performed under the remote supervision of a Switch Health telehealth professional. The RT-LAMP method is done entirely remotely and provides results within 45 minutes.

This method is approved by Health Canada to enter Canada.

Aeroplan members receive preferred pricing on all Switch Health testing products. They also have the option of redeeming their Aeroplan points through the eStore to cover the cost of the test kits.

Switch Health offers 3 types of tests:

• RT-LAMP (authorized to enter Canada)
• RT-PCR
• Antigenic (not authorized to enter Canada)

The cost for the RT-LAMP portable test kit starts at $149 plus tax for Aeroplan members (instead of $199). This is accepted by the Government of Canada to enter the country.

Aeroplan Members can earn 500 Aeroplan Points with the purchase of this test.

*** Update December 03, 2021: They are currently out of stock, but others will be put back on sale from Sunday December 05, 2021.

The cost for the RT-PCR portable test kit starts at $159 plus tax for Aeroplan Members (instead of $195). This is accepted by the Government of Canada to enter the country.

Aeroplan Members can earn 1,000 Aeroplan Points with the purchase of this test.

The cost for the Antigen Portable Test Kit (which includes two tests) is $79 plus tax for Aeroplan Members (instead of $129). Please note that this is not valid to enter Canada, as the authorities require a molecular test.

However, it is perfect for entry into the United States. Indeed, from December 06, 2021, it will be required to enter by air on the American territory.

Aeroplan Members can earn 500 Aeroplan Points with the purchase of this test.

Air Canada is a leader in adopting and implementing science-based safety measures to simplify our customers’ journey. 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.

Mark Nasr, premier vice-président – Produits, Marketing et Commerce électronique - Air Canada

Air Canada wants to remove the stress of doing the required testing outside of Canada. However, it will be necessary to order these tests at least 10 days before departure. And above all, don’t forget to pack them in your suitcase!