Originally Posted by
anabolism
I think each airline verifies the test and other requirements at check-in, that is, when issuing boarding passes. So IB will probably want to verify that you are OK to fly to LHR (assuming MAD is just an airside connection), since they will probably not be able to check you in for your AA flight. and AA will want to see a test no earlier than the day before your flight. You might have luck convincing an AA agent in LHR that an earlier test is OK since it's transit, but I wouldn't want to risk it. I think the UK has removed any requirement for a test for fully-vaccinated travelers, but I think you'll need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form and use the transit exemption to avoid needing to book a Day Two test. That still leaves AA at LHR. If you'd been able to get some eMed/Binax tests ahead of time, that would have been great, but I'm sure you'll be able to get tested in MAD or LHR, especially since an antigen test is sufficient.
A quick search turned up two options in MAD (T2 and T4):
https://flycovidtestcenter.com/en/madrid-t4/ It says "Departures Area," which sounds like it's airside, but it would be worth verifying with them.
LHR has a page with testing options:
https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/fly-safe/covid-19-test
I agree 90 minutes at MAD is not sufficient to go landside for a test.
I had seen that Heathrow page but thought none were suitable for my US-bound circumstances. The PCR test is only returned by 10pm the next day which is far too late. However, on reading the CDC guidelines again, "lateral" tests are acceptable. Do you think the GBP25 "Lateral Flow/Rapid Antigen" test falls into that category? All the testing terminology confuses the hell out of me.
I will be in the US for one night, then returning to Spain before heading to the US again three days later. I may see if I can get one of these eMed/Binax tests you mentioned on my 24 hours in the US that I can then use for that second entry to the US.
Originally Posted by
beyounged
I just flew this. IB only checks you in till LHR. You do need to fill out the Spanish health form even though you technically do not have to. The local agent is pretty, uhhh, how do I say it nicely, rigid and unwilling to verify my personal experience.
So IB didn't require you to present a US-compliant test, given the overnight at LHR? Is the Spanish form provided at check-in? May I ask how you managed your US test?