I think this is one way to alleviate people’s worries …
Risk of testing positive for coronavirus while traveling
At the end of January, the US added a new test requirement for international travel. In particular, to enter the US by air, you will need proof of a negative coronavirus test performed within 72 hours of traveling to the US (a rapid antigen test is allowed).
This has raised concerns among some who would otherwise have thought of international travel, as the rules vary by destination:
- What happens if you test positive for coronavirus abroad? Can you stay in your hotel room or do you have to go to a government facility?
- If you can stay in a hotel, do you have to pay the standard daily rate?
- What if you do a rapid antigen test but get a false positive? Can you do a second rapid antigen test, do you need to do a PCR test, or do you need to quarantine anyway?
- How long do you have to be in quarantine – a full two weeks or until you test negative?
The answers to these questions vary widely from country to country, but it is important to think about them before planning any international travel.
Baha Mar’s “Travel With Confidence” program
Baha Mar is a mega-resort complex in the Bahamas that consists of a Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS. The hotel complex has made a promise that is sure to cause a stir. Let me quote the hotel’s press release directly as I feel there is a catch here. First, the headline of the press release reads as follows:
“Baha Mar launches a” Travel With Confidence “program that offers free return journeys on private jets or free extended stays for COVID-19 positive guests.”
Then here is the part of the press release that describes the free accommodation or private jet service:
“Baha Mar’s Travel with Confidence program Promise that a resort guest should test positive during their stay, Baha Mar will quarantine them with free suite accommodation and a daily resort meal credit of $ 150 per person per day for up to 14 days or until the guest receives a negative COVID-19 , facilitate result.
Should the guest leave the Bahamas earlier, Baha Mar offers the guest and their immediate family free private air travel to the US mainland. “
In case you are wondering about the details of the private jet service it is described as follows:
“Baha Mar will make it easier for all guests wanting to return home to private flight to South Florida after testing positive for COVID-19 and their immediate family (up to 4 people sharing the same room) while staying at the resort . “
Is that a big gimmick or what am I missing?
The way Baha Mar is promoting it, some people may almost hope to test positive for coronavirus in order to turn it into a free private jet flight.
The headline of the press release states that the hotel is offering a free private jet flight to the US or a free stay with daily hotel credit. It almost sounds like the positive test asks you which of the two options you prefer, and your next step is to be transferred to a private jet.
The hotel also says that this private jet will be provided “in case the guest wants to leave the Bahamas early” and that this is also for guests who want to “return home after a positive COVID-19 test”. Then when you look at the FAQs, the language changes stating that this will be provided “in case the guest has to return sooner”.
And I must be missing something here – you are not allowed to board a U.S. plane (even private) if you have tested positive for coronavirus. How exactly is that supposed to work? This is not advertised as “quarantine for 14 days and then fly home in a private jet”, but as one option or another.
I imagine there are certain circumstances under which you could return to the US for medical treatment if you have a severe case of coronavirus that requires hospitalization, but as far as I know, that’s about it.
Don’t get me wrong, Baha Mar’s offer to put someone in a suite for free and even give them a meal credit is incredibly generous. But, if I’m not missing anything, the mention of a private jet service seems like it’s just meant to create excitement with no substance (and it seems to work because I see all kinds of mainstream publications putting stories about it without it to point out).
Bottom line
Baha Mar seeks to put travelers at ease by offering a free suite for up to 14 days with $ 150 per person daily meal credit or a private jet flight to the US. The former option is incredibly generous, while the latter option seems like a gimmick and is almost tasteless unless I’m missing something obvious.
Is the offer of a private jet flight a total gimmick or what am I missing?
