BA teams up with Boots to offer covid19 tests
Aug 15, 2020, 11:50 am
#16
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,345
I agree with you i might be doing it for our holiday to Cyprus, but some people think it's a waste of valuable NHS tests and money and shouldn't be used for travel.
Aug 15, 2020, 11:54 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2003
Programs: BA, IHG, 5C
Posts: 4,413
Aug 15, 2020, 12:08 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,237
I'm among those who think that the tests (at least as they are now) are no panacea because of the time limits involved. As someone travelling from business, pre-covid, I'd typically travel every week, often for short periods and many people are the same. Are we supposed to do, what 3-4 new tests a week for work to resume? We'll probably all have bleeding noses after 2-3 weeks of that!
Aug 15, 2020, 12:10 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 648
Unless you are in one of the more affected areas or are going into hospital for a procedure, you (or someone you live with) are supposed to have symptoms to get an NHS test - it's not a free for all for those going on holiday!
Aug 15, 2020, 12:13 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
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Indeed, but unless I am mistaken, most countries do not accept them as yet for entry purposes as they consider them less reliable? Would be delighted to be wrong!
Aug 15, 2020, 12:14 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,237
Aug 15, 2020, 12:18 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
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Last edited by navylad; Aug 15, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Aug 15, 2020, 12:27 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2003
Programs: BA, IHG, 5C
Posts: 4,413
and for NHS staff, prison and probation workers, court workers, religious staff, charity workers delivering frontline services, those working with the deceased, journalists, police, fire and rescue workers, the British Transport Police, those working in transport, education and childcare, social workers, those involved in critical food production or distribution and essential staff working in oil, gas, electricity or water services.
Last edited by pauldb; Aug 15, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Aug 15, 2020, 12:43 pm
#25
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 423
Great idea
I am planning to fly to Hungary, where I need to show not 1, but 2 negative Covid tests, that has to be done 48 hours apart from each other.
They accept NHS ones, but I would like to do the right thing and not use NHS resources for my holiday.
The only other options are private clinics where they charge £120-£150 each.
Hopefully this partnership will offer a cheaper alternative.
They accept NHS ones, but I would like to do the right thing and not use NHS resources for my holiday.
The only other options are private clinics where they charge £120-£150 each.
Hopefully this partnership will offer a cheaper alternative.
Aug 15, 2020, 12:46 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 423
I am not recommending this. But I am aware from travel forums that many people do this.
Aug 15, 2020, 12:52 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
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Posts: 3,937
Aug 15, 2020, 1:24 pm
#28
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver (for now)
Posts: 1,000
Aug 15, 2020, 1:25 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Newcastle UK
Posts: 1,114
If someone uses the NHS test for travel purposes then finds out they're positive, that's a very good way to help reduce spread on aircraft and from a more global perspective. I really don't see anything wrong in doing this. It's all positive steps and also helps to build better data.
Aug 15, 2020, 1:26 pm
#30
Join Date: Jun 2003
Programs: BA, IHG, 5C
Posts: 4,413
Is that distinction really relevant in the context of someone wanting a test to go on holiday? Essential workers are meant to be referred by their employer - asking them to refer you when you’re going on holiday rather than performing your essential function? And of course you are agreeing to stay home until your result and that of the person with symptoms comes back, hopefully negative: interesting way to plan/risk your trip.