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LAX rolled out on-site COVID testing in November & December last year but, at the time, the program was being called a “pilot sample collection program” and it only offered tests that take 24 hours to turn around. Now, in 2021, the COVID testing at LAX is considerably more than a pilot program, the turnaround time for standard tests is shorter, and rapid testing has been introduced.
Travelers departing from LAX now have access to standard and rapid COVID-19 testing across three on-site locations:
The Tests
The FDA-approved tests are being provided by Clarity Lab Solutions (more info here) and include the standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nasal swab tests and the Rapid Antigen Tests.
The PCR test costs $125 and its results can be returned in as little as 3 hours but can also take up to 24 hours (depending on which LAX location administers the test).
The Antigen test costs $80 and its results are usually returned in under an hour.
Be aware that only one LAX location offers the Antigen test, one location requires customers to make an appointment (the other two accept walk-ups or appointments), and one location turns around the PCR tests noticeably quicker than the other two locations.
The Locations
Primary Lab – Terminal 6
Tests available: Standard PCR Test & Antigen Test (Rapid Test)
Appointments: Appointments are needed for this location. No walk-ups (link to appointments)
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Location: Lower/Arrivals Level near the information booth opposite T6. Vehicle drop-off available.
Test Results: Results of the Standard PCR test are returned between 3 and 5 hours after a sample has been provided. Results of the Antigen test are returned within an hour of a sample being provided.
Satellite Lab – Terminal 2
Tests available: Standard PCR Test only
Appointments: Appointments and walk-ups are accepted (link to appointments)
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Location: Lower/Arrivals Level baggage claim area
Test Results: Results of the Standard PCR test are returned in “under 24-hours”
Satellite Lab – Tom Bradley International Terminal
Tests available: Standard PCR Test only
Appointments: Appointments and walk-ups are accepted (link to appointments)
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
Location: Upper/Departures level at the check-in counters located in Aisle C, along the north side of the terminal
Test Results: Results of the Standard PCR test are returned in “under 24-hours”
Be Careful
The various testing options at LAX are very good, but there’s one very key thing that everyone should be aware of – most destinations that require proof of a negative COVID test will require a traveler to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and, at the time of writing, will not accept an Antigen test.
Before you book an appointment for a test at LAX or before you turn up at one of the satellite labs, please make sure that you check exactly what type of test you require. Most major countries around the world make it very clear (on their own websites) what tests they will accept from travelers so don’t try to cut corners – the Antigen test may be the quicker and cheaper option, but it may not be good enough for your needs.
Bottom Line
The three COVID testing sites at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) now offer the Standard PCR Test and the more rapid Antigen test. As most international destinations will probably require a negative PCR test, the primary lab at LAX Terminal 6 which can deliver the results of a PCR test in as little as 3 hours is likely to be incredibly popular, so anyone considering traveling should make sure they plan and book a test well in advance.
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