Last Updated: December 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advisories
New Federal Vaccination Requirement Foreign International Air Travelers
Effective, Monday, December 6, 2021, all foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants) traveling by air into the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccinated status before boarding an airplane to enter the United States (with limited exceptions), according to a new U.S. federal travel policy. Foreigners will also need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel as part of the U.S. entry requirements.
Find out more about the new U.S. policy at the links below:
FLL Road to Recovery
Dear Airport Guests,
FLL is looking and feeling closer to normal again as passenger traffic fast approaches pre-pandemic levels and, in some cases, has already surpassed that threshold on select travel days this year. It's great to see more people return to the skies via FLL, encouraged by the rise of vaccinated individuals across the U.S. and globally. However, the significant increase in passengers could mean longer waits for parking, check-in, and security screening, so it's essential to allow enough time for airport processing to avoid missing your flight.
The FLL Team and our service providers are working diligently to restore all facets of the pre-COVID-19 airport experience. However, we ask for your patience and understanding during this transition period as it may take longer to resume some services due to unique challenges arising from the pandemic, such as staffing and supply shortages. Impacted guest services include valet parking, terminal-to-terminal shuttles, and public baggage storage, among others. Additionally, a few concessions remain temporarily closed while others are operating at reduced hours.
While the hustle and bustle of travel activity are welcomed, current COVID-19 challenges make it harder for some service providers to quickly ramp up airport offerings to meet the faster-than-expected travel recovery airports like FLL and others nationwide are now experiencing. If you're traveling to/from FLL soon, consider exploring airport drop-off options during peak periods, arrive at least 2.5 hours before your domestic flight and 3.5 hours if flying internationally, and always check with your airline for the latest flight status before heading out.
For more travel updates on airport services, follow us on Twitter, or like us on Facebook.
First posted: July 2021
CDC Travel Guidance/Requirements for Fully-Vaccinated Individuals
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance and requirements for fully vaccinated individuals during travel. Of key note, the CDC still requires fully vaccinated individuals to wear a mask over their nose and mouth when traveling on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Per the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated as follows:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
Click on the links below for more information:
For international travel, all air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, are
still required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 1 day before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the United States.
For more information on testing requirements, click here.
Federal Face Mask Requirements (Extended Until March 18, 2022)
Since Tuesday, February 2, 2021, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has required individuals to wear face coverings when traveling through U.S. airports, including inside terminals, at security screening checkpoints as well as onboard passenger aircraft. Failure to comply with the federal mandate, which was recently extended through March 18, 2022, could result in an individual's removal from the airport, denial of re-entry, and civil penalties per the TSA. (Updated: December 3, 2021)
Here are some key points to know:
- Federal law requires wearing a mask at all times in and on the airport and failure to comply may result in removal and denial of re-entry.
- Refusing to wear a mask in or at the airport is a violation of federal law; individuals may be subject to penalties under federal law.
- If individuals are not wearing masks, airport personnel will ask them to put a mask on, and if they refuse to comply, they will be escorted from the premises.
- Prolonged periods of mask removal are not permitted for eating or drinking; the mask must be worn when not actively consuming a meal.
Face masks should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without gaps. Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
Face shields and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a face mask but may be used in addition to an acceptable mask.
Some exemptions from the face mask rule:
- Children under the age of 2.
- People with disabilities who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).
- People for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations.
Read more information at the links below:
Useful links:
CDC Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement for All Arriving International Passengers
Since January 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) require all international passengers arriving by air into the United States from a foreign country to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to their airline at check-in as a condition for entry. International airline passengers (tourists or returning U.S. citizens/residents) are required to get a viral COVID-19 test (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Antigen), which detects current virus infection, taken no more than 1 day before their intended departure flight to the U.S. Written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 must be presented to the airlines at check-in. The airlines will then confirm the passenger's negative test or recovery status before boarding. If a passenger does not provide the required documentation or chooses not to take the specified COVID test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
View the CDC's original January 12, 2021, order here.
Updated: December 2021
COVID-19 Testing at FLL
Overview
The Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) launched a COVID-19 testing site at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on December 9, 2020, in partnership with Nomi Health and Spirit Airlines. The testing service is open to consumers with proof of upcoming travel plans to/from FLL on any airline. The Nomi Health-operated testing service in Terminal 3, pre-security, lower level near baggage claim, recently relocated to a temporary new location accessible through Door 314 (follow directional signage). Regular operating hours are 7AM to 9PM daily, except when special holiday hours apply. To schedule an appointment, visit Nomi Health's FLL weblink. For questions about COVID-19 testing, screening results, or online appointment support, call 305-280-0441 or 833-483-1319.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When did the Nomi Health COVID-19 testing site at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) open?
A: Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Q: What are the FLL testing site’s hours of operations?
A: 7 AM to 9 PM daily except when special holiday hours apply
Q: What types of COVID-19 tests does Nomi Health offer?
A: Three types of tests are offered: Rapid Antigen, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and Rapid PCR
Q: What are the prices for each test?
A: $159 for a Rapid PCR; $99 for a PCR test; and $59 for a rapid Antigen test (tax included)
Q: What forms of payment does Nomi Health accept?
A: Credit, debit cards (touch-free and e-mail receipts)
Q: Will Nomi Health file insurance claims for the customers?
A: No. We will provide passengers with information to seek reimbursement.
Q: How does Nomi Health ensure testing will only be made available to FLL travelers?
A: Passengers will need to show proof of a valid airline ticket, boarding pass, or confirmed (paid) flight itinerary.
Q: How many tests will Nomi Health be able to perform in a day?
A: Potentially several hundred tests per day based on a gradual ramp up over time.
Q: How can airline passengers make an appointment?
A: Registration for appointments will be done via a dedicated Nomi Health weblink; walk-ups may be accepted if no appointments are waiting for service.
Q: What’s the anticipated turnaround time for each test type?
A: Rapid Antigen test results are sent approximately 30 minutes after testing. The Rapid PCR test results are available up to 45 minutes after testing while the regular PCR test results are available approximately 48 hours after testing.
Note: This testing site information is subject to change without notice.
Updated: January 6, 2022
Airport Operations Updates
Face Covering Requirement at FLL
Individuals visiting, traveling through, or working in public areas of the airport’s terminals and the Rental Car Center are required to wear an appropriate face covering or mask (with limited exceptions) to protect the health of fellow passengers, visitors, and airport employees. Broward County requires face coverings for employees who provide an essential service to the public. Additionally, federal law now requires face masks to be worn in and on airports across the nation per recent orders from the and TSA. Airlines also have similar face mask mandates for their employees and passengers.
Key Airline/Flight Updates
The majority of U.S. and international airlines require passengers to wear appropriate face coverings while at the airport and during flight. For more information about COVID-19 related travel policies at FLL's top six carriers, click on their names:
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United
Travel restrictions
Several U.S. states and international destinations have implemented travel restrictions for incoming visitors as the world continues to battle the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, guests traveling to and from FLL should consult their airline as well as the official websites of the U.S. state/city or international destination they are planning to visit to get the latest travel alerts and protocols in advance of their intended travel dates.
Parking/Shuttles:
Courtesy Terminal-to-Terminal Shuttle Service: The courtesy shuttle bus service that runs between the terminals is temporarily suspended until further notice due to ongoing COVID-19 impacts. To move safely between the terminals, airport passengers and visitors can either use the curbside walkways or parking garage walking trail (follow ground-level directional arrows) or hop on a parking garage tram. The shuttle buses between the Rental Car Center and the terminals remain operational.
Curbside Valet: Valet parking services remain temporarily suspended at the three drop-off locations at FLL until further notice.
Broward County Aviation Department's Response to COVID-19
The Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) is playing its part to plan for and mitigate potential impacts of COVID-19 at FLL and North Perry Airport (HWO) as our primary goal is the safety and well-being of our guests and employees.
FLL passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for the latest travel and flight advisories.
Preventive Measures Underway at FLL:
- Placing hand sanitizers throughout the four terminals and Rental Car Center
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as handrails, elevator buttons, and door handles
- Regular cleansing of security checkpoints and restrooms
- Overnight deep cleaning of the security checkpoints, hold rooms, passenger boarding bridges, and other areas in the terminals
- Supplying airport-operated passenger and employee shuttles with sanitizing wipes
- Posting CDC preventive steps in airport restrooms on ways to help stop the spread of germs, including frequent washing of hands
- Airport public service announcement with coronavirus preventive tips and similar messaging on terminal flight information display screens
Ways to Protect Yourself:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often for 20 seconds
- If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Steps to Protect Others:
Stay home if you are feeling sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wear a face covering when out in public and interacting with others
Clean and disinfect hard surfaces and objects regularly household cleaning
If you have concerns about being exposed to COVID-19, please call 954-412-7300 before traveling to any Broward County-based health care facility.
For more information about the Coronavirus, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Florida Department of Health - 24-Hour Hotline: 866-779-6121
Florida Department of Health in Broward County
U.S. Department of State
Brand USA (VisittheUSA.com) COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
Broward County Coronavirus Information
Port Everglades Information
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Information
