Traveling with covid test kits

The test to return requirement was just lifted, but it would still be prudent to have a test with you.
It really does not matter where you carry it--wherever there is room. In checked bag would be my preference. Mine got slightly mangled but the seal did not break.

We carried ours in our hand carry baggage to try and ensure those seals didn’t open. As stated, it isn’t an issue after Sunday.

As I posted moments ago in another discussion, the rapid antigen tests that I have from several manufacturers all show an acceptable storage temperature range of 86F to 36F. To avoid the potential for the tests being overheated in the baggage handling process, I'd transport mine in a carry-on bag if possible.
-Ben

Mine weren’t proctored. Just for my peace of mind. I opened 6 test boxes, put the liquid capsules in an empty pill bottle for protection (tucked into my liquids bag) and put the tests and swabs in a small baggie. Easy to carry.

If you view it as vital, put it in your carry-on. That is certainly what I would do.

Word is that the US will stop requiring covid tests as of Sunday. Yipee!

How durable and stiff is the bag you’re checking?

Last fall, on our trip to Italy, I took my nylon International Carry-on sized bag, and carried it with me on planes, trains, and rental car. Although it’s not technically hard-sided, it’s extremely durable, and the boxes for the test kits I brought with me remained protected.

This spring was a safari trip to southern Africa, and the tour company required us to use the rolling duffle bags they provided. As those were too big to carry on, we had to check them for each flight. Even using stuff sacks and trying to pad the test kit boxes with clothing, the unstructured duffels took a beating, every time they were checked for several flights, a boat, and manually loaded by the safari camp staff onto safari trucks. Although the contents of the test kit box (testing card, testing solution, nasal swab) were still intact, the boxes they came in got a bit misshapen. The boxes also had an adhesive seal on the end tab to show the box hadn’t been tampered with, but if yours do too, any rough handling a non-rigid bag receives could be a challenge for the seal. If testing becomes mandatory again, and a proctor needs to observe you and your test kit, that might pose a challenge for you, as well.

If you keep your kits in a carryon that you control during any transit, you can manage how they get treated. If you have a hard shell suitcase that gets checked, kits inside may be less affected by rough handling.