Hawaii-bound Alaska Airlines passengers being offered preflight clearance

Alaska Airlines passengers traveling to Hawaii can now pre-clear on the West Coast.

The Seattle-based carrier said Friday its pre-clear program that was launched this week in coordination with Hawaii will allow passengers to avoid lines and bypass the airport screening process after they arrive in Hawaii with an approved negative COVID-19 test.

Alaska’s pre-clear program is the first of its kind to allow guests to obtain an exemption from the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine before departing for Hawaii.

“As guests start planning their 2021 travel to Hawaii, we’re focused on making the journey as safe, easy and hassle-free as possible,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines’ president, who flew to Honolulu on the first day of the pre-travel testing program to experience the arrival process firsthand. “We appreciate Hawaii’s partnership to help ensure our guests are well informed and visit these beautiful islands responsibly, wearing a mask and following the state’s safety guidelines.”

Alaska Airlines this month is operating an average of 18 daily nonstop flights to Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island from Seattle; Portland; the California cities of Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego; and Anchorage, Alaska.

Overall, Alaska and its regional partners serve more than 115 destinations across the United States and North America.

Alaska introduced the Hawaii Pre-Clear program over the past week with its flights from the West Coast to Maui.

Starting next week, the program will be rolled out on all flights to Oahu and Kona.

Alaska’s flights to Kauai have been suspended and will not currently be included in the Hawaii Pre-Clear program because Kauai decided to opt out of Hawaii’s Safe Travels pre-travel testing program.

“On behalf of the state of Hawaii, we appreciate Alaska’s commitment in helping to keep our community safe,” Gov. David Ige said. “Alaska has been a true partner from the very start of the pre-travel testing program by communicating with their guests about the state’s requirements so that they are well prepared for their visit. Alaska’s pre-clear program adds another layer of safety by helping to ensure that the majority, if not all, of Alaska’s guests arrive in Hawaii with proof of their negative COVID-19 test results.”

To be eligible for the Hawaii Pre-Clear program, Alaska guests will receive an Alaska Airlines email prior to departure asking them to meet the following qualifications:

>> Every adult traveler has a Safe Travels profile.

>> All flight details and lodging information have been added.

>> Negative test results from a trusted testing partner within 72 hours of departure have been uploaded as a PDF.

>> Mandatory travel health questionnaire has been completed.

Once those requirements are met, the guest will be pre-cleared and will receive a pre-clear wristband at check-in or at the departure gate.

“So instead of them being screened upon arrival, we are clearing them at the point of departure,” Alaska Airlines spokesman Daniel Chun said.

For more details on the Hawaii Pre-Clear program, as well as pre-travel testing options arranged exclusively for Alaska guests, go to alaskaair.com/hawaii-bound.