3 Sep, 2021 → by ClaimboUser313867
Bad information regarding covid testing and the need to purchase additional flights and covid tests due to non-entry in destination
1
Re: Kaity Arsoniadis Age 51 and Bianca Stein age 8 on a flight from YVR to Maui OGG Date: August 20th-30th Three days before our flight to Maui, because I could not get through to a live agent, I decided to drive to the airport and speak directly to an employee so that I could receive accurate information. I spoke with Brittany (who was the manager on the floor) and Ryan who was the attendant at the check in desk. I wanted to verify the correct test needed for the covid test prior to our Maui flight. They both assured me that the rapid test in the airport (next to the Fairmont Hotel) would be sufficient. My daughter and I went to that lab and the ladies there questioned whether a rapid test would suffice for Hawaii as they believed we needed a PCR test. So, I went back to Brittany and Ryan. They both checked with other people and then showed me their computer information which gave the requirements and which did not stipulate anything additional for Maui (of which I took a picture of, on their recommendation that I keep the picture should anyone ask me). On this assurance my daughter and I went back to the airport lab and had our rapid test completed. When I went home that evening and completed the4 check in for the QR code a note came back indicating that this test was invalid. I went back to westjet at YVR the next day and Connie assisted me and she advised me that I most likely needed a PCR test. She tried helping me book this but the numbers we used went through to Ontario and the local BC numbers she had were not for travellers only for those with symptoms so she recommended I check the walk in clinic downstairs, which didn't have any available appointments and so we decided that if the rapid test was not accepted in Maui then I would have to take another test in Maui and pay the additional testing for the PCR. I was ok with that so they provided me with my boarding pass based on that agreement. Well, in Maui, I was advised that ONLY PCR was acceptable and ONLY from LIFELABS or DYNALABS. Apparently this was common knowledge as was the fact that THERE IS NO COVID TESTING IN THE MAUI AIRPORT. I was required to book a flight back to Vancouver to get tested before reentering. A WEST JET / Hawaiian Air representative assisted me. She was extremely knowledgeable. She advised I go through Los Angeles with Hawaiin Air because there are more flights per day and the covid te4sting at terminal 6 and 2 perform PCR in 1 or 3 hours. She was exactly right! So my daughter and I: 1. Paid for additional return tickets to LA 2. PCR Covid Testing in LA 3. Loss of one night stay at the Andaz Wailea. Not to mention the hardship of waiting for the 9pm red-eye to LA with an 8yr old and then the return at 12pm from LA. Precluded by 2 days of visiting YVR to speak to WESTJET representatives to insure that we were correctly tested! I am very disappointed in the lack of knowledge with the westjet staff. We were misdirected and given incorrect information. This mistake cost me over $2, 000 in additional costs.