United Airlines to begin Covid tests on London flights.
United Airlines on Thursday said it plans to offer pre-flight rapid Covid-19 testing starting in November for passengers flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to London’s Heathrow.
The molecular Abbott ID Now tests, which can produce results within 20 minutes, will be used on flights departing Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.
Passengers who refuse to be tested will be moved to another flight, ensuring the Covid testing flights remain virus-free.
“We firmly believe that testing is a key component of a multi-layered approach to safely opening travel across the globe,” United’s managing director of operations policy and support Aaron McMillan told reporters in a briefing call.
“The pilot program will guarantee that essentially everyone on board just tested negative for Covid-19.”
The trial will run from Nov 16 through Dec 11 with the hope it will convince governments to drop quarantine requirements for travellers.
The United Kingdom mandatory 14-day quarantine is still in place.
“United will share customer feedback of this pilot with governments on both sides of the Atlantic to further demonstrate the effectiveness of these programs as an alternative to mandatory quarantines or duplicative travel restrictions,” the company said.
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