Tampa International Airport is introducing a first-of-its-kind initiative to make travel more palatable for passengers in a post-pandemic age: coronavirus testing right in the terminal.

The airport will team with BayCare Health System to offer voluntary testing for any passenger departing from or arriving at the airport. The tests are open to anyone who has flown, or is flying, within three days, and can show proof of travel.

There are two types of tests, both offered near the Airside F shuttle in the main terminal: A rapid antigen test, which costs $57, and a polymerase chain reaction swab, which costs $125. The tests will be offered on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 1-31.

In a media release, the airport encouraged passengers to take the more expensive swab three days before departure; results should arrive within 48 hours. The antigen test “offers an added layer of same-day reassurance” for travelers, the release stated.

“As a gateway to the West Coast of Florida with a growing market for international travel, Tampa International Airport has a responsibility to explore safe, rapid and affordable ways to keep our travelers, their destinations and our community as safe and healthy as possible,” airport CEO Joe Lopano said in the statement. “We’re thankful to our partners at BayCare in helping us create a pilot program that gives us a step in the right direction, as well as providing a valuable service to our passengers.”

The airport unveiled the program in a Tuesday segment on NBC’s Today show. It will formally announce more details at a press conference later Tuesday morning.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Tampabay.com for updates.

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