United Boost for Heathrow

London’s Heathrow Airport is likely to be seen as the winner when United Airlines launches a three times weekly Covid-19 tested flight from New York Newark (EWR) to Heathrow (LHR) from 16 November, for a four-week run.

The test will be free of charge.  Anyone who does not wish to be tested will be placed on another flight, guaranteeing everyone on board, other than children under two, will have tested negative before departure.

“We believe the ability to provide fast, same-day Covid-19 testing will play a vital role in safely reopening travel around the world and navigating quarantines and travel restrictions, particularly to key international destinations like London,” said Toby Enqvist, Chief Customer Officer for United. “Through this pilot programme, we’ll guarantee that everyone on board has tested negative for Covid-19, adding another element to our layered approach to safety. United will continue to lead on testing, while at the same time exploring new solutions that contribute to the safest travel experience possible.”

United will share customer feedback of this pilot with governments on both sides of the Atlantic to further demonstrate the effectiveness of these programmes as an alternative to mandatory quarantines or duplicative travel restrictions.  The airline expects a positive impact on travel demand and significant increases in customer load factor and revenue.  A similar schedule is already on trial between San Francisco with passenger numbers nearly doubling.

United will collaborate with Premise Health, who will administer the rapid testing pilot programme for the EWR – LHR flight. The test will be given to passengers travelling on United Flight 14, departing at 19:15, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Appointments for the test are required, and customers are advised to schedule their tests at least three hours before their flight. An on-site testing facility will be located at the Newark United Club, near Gate C93.

www.united.com/covid-testing

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Barry Graham, Maryland

Very nice, you can then choose between quarantine for 14 days or lockdown for a month, or, if the UK government doesn't give you credit for having a negative result, both the quarantine and the lockdown.