Caribbean flights
Sep 14, 2020, 8:31 am
#61
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 657
It might be the documentation, or it might be the fact that the NHS tests aren't meant for travel purposes. I don't know the exact specifics. I've seen the answers of yes and no to the question.
Sep 14, 2020, 9:14 am
#62
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: BD Silver, HH Gold, BA Silver, CX Gold
Posts: 443
dubai entry rules are quite clear in mandating this. But I’ve seen mixed results for Caribbean. Also the 72 hour timing is quite tight for NHS tests
Sep 14, 2020, 12:47 pm
#63
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 88
St Lucia requires a pre-authorisation to travel form completed on line no more than 7 days before travel and a negative PCR test which I obtained through the NHS. One point to note Is BA de-plane in groups by row numbers so although we were in row 1 & 2 and through the airport in 20 mins we had to wait a further 1 1/2 hours for our friends who were in row 63 so it’s worth getting a seat as far forward as possible. On landing you go through a covid check temp and paperwork plus you can only stay in approved hotels. We are at Sandals Grand which is about 50% full and it’s superb. The only time you need to wear a mask is if you are in the concierge office or at the reception desk.
Sep 14, 2020, 12:51 pm
#64
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London, UK
Posts: 5,105
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona...e-coronavirus/
Important
Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested.Do not use this service to get a test in order to travel to another country. You can pay for a private test.
This will help make sure people who need a test can get one.
Sep 14, 2020, 12:55 pm
#65
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,575
I would say at the moment in most areas the chances of getting a test and getting the results back in time is slim at best , a family member had a slight fever and got a test , no slots available and the home test took a week to get it, return it and get a result, the press is littered with similar tales.
Certainly wouldn't be risking my expensive long haul trip over it even if I had no morals and wanted to misuse precious resources !
Certainly wouldn't be risking my expensive long haul trip over it even if I had no morals and wanted to misuse precious resources !
Sep 14, 2020, 1:01 pm
#66
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Newcastle UK
Posts: 1,114
Maybe you should consider that as many tests as possible in the UK is a positive thing, no matter NHS or private. That way it provides travellers with ability to travel, whilst also providing our government with very useful data.
Sep 14, 2020, 1:18 pm
#67
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 88
Private is fine. I expect that because it costs over £150 per test this is putting people off. Using NHS testing capacity for personal travel it is fraudulent and is depriving opportunities for those who qualify for a test - and in doing so may contribute to the further spread of the virus.
Sep 14, 2020, 1:26 pm
#68
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,627
There is finite testing capacity and it is important that it is not abused by people who think that getting tested prior to their holiday is more of a priority than testing somebody in a high risk category with symptoms.
Sep 14, 2020, 4:50 pm
#69
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Manchester but from Yorkshire better known as Gods country
Programs: BA Gold, , Sandals plat
Posts: 839
Or you live in an area ie OLDHAM which has a high infection rate and you’ve been contacted by track and trace and advised to get tested.
Last edited by NWIFlyer; Sep 15, 2020 at 1:35 pm Reason: Rule 12.1
Sep 15, 2020, 1:01 am
#70
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,553
There are people in professions who are allowed to get a test regularly, without symptoms.
Sep 15, 2020, 1:30 am
#71
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: BD Silver, HH Gold, BA Silver, CX Gold
Posts: 443
Sep 15, 2020, 2:50 am
#72
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,613
Sep 15, 2020, 3:05 am
#73
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: BD Silver, HH Gold, BA Silver, CX Gold
Posts: 443
Veering off topic - but a colleague has a child with symptoms, now all 3 kids are having to be off school - and she is unable to get a test for 2 days running now despite constantly trying to book one online. So please leave the tests for those that need them, not because you want to go on holiday