Covid Testing for UK Travel - London Based Travellers
Oct 18, 2021, 5:47 am
#181
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,654
Does anyone know if you need a PCR to leave the UK? When I travel back to Indonesia from LHR in November I will need a PCR test to show the Indonesian authorities, but I am wondering if there is also a requirement for one to enter LHR (and whether those requirements might be different from the Indonesian requirements), in which case I would need 2 PCRs instead of one. I've never had a PCR test before but I've heard they can have different sensivities etc.
Oct 18, 2021, 12:53 pm
#183
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BRS
Programs: BA Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,993
Why does the Order specify 3 days rather than 72 hours? What is considered 3 days?The 3-day period is the 3 days before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 3-day timeframe instead of 72 hours to provide more flexibility to the traveler. By using a 3-day window, test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.
For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Friday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.
For example, if a passenger’s flight is at 1pm on a Friday, the passenger could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.
Oct 18, 2021, 2:32 pm
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: SAN
Programs: Nothing, nowhere!
Posts: 23,301
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
Oct 20, 2021, 4:47 am
#185
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium (Plat Life), HH G, Amtrak, B6, MR
Posts: 1,548
Just sharing my experience.
I had a last-minute trip to London come up (arrived in London Monday morning). I booked the Day 2 PCR test via Qured on Saturday afternoon US time, with courier delivery to my office. Test was delivered by 10am Tuesday morning. Courier offered to wait for me, but I asked him to come back later that afternoon instead. Test was picked up Tuesday afternoon. When I woke up Wednesday morning my results were ready.
Other than having to swab the back of my throat, which is a totally new experience for me, and the total lack of packaging for the test (it just came in a plastic baggie), this was a very simple experience.
I had a last-minute trip to London come up (arrived in London Monday morning). I booked the Day 2 PCR test via Qured on Saturday afternoon US time, with courier delivery to my office. Test was delivered by 10am Tuesday morning. Courier offered to wait for me, but I asked him to come back later that afternoon instead. Test was picked up Tuesday afternoon. When I woke up Wednesday morning my results were ready.
Other than having to swab the back of my throat, which is a totally new experience for me, and the total lack of packaging for the test (it just came in a plastic baggie), this was a very simple experience.
Oct 20, 2021, 5:02 am
#186
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,964
Just sharing my experience.
I had a last-minute trip to London come up (arrived in London Monday morning). I booked the Day 2 PCR test via Qured on Saturday afternoon US time, with courier delivery to my office. Test was delivered by 10am Tuesday morning. Courier offered to wait for me, but I asked him to come back later that afternoon instead. Test was picked up Tuesday afternoon. When I woke up Wednesday morning my results were ready.
Other than having to swab the back of my throat, which is a totally new experience for me, and the total lack of packaging for the test (it just came in a plastic baggie), this was a very simple experience.
I had a last-minute trip to London come up (arrived in London Monday morning). I booked the Day 2 PCR test via Qured on Saturday afternoon US time, with courier delivery to my office. Test was delivered by 10am Tuesday morning. Courier offered to wait for me, but I asked him to come back later that afternoon instead. Test was picked up Tuesday afternoon. When I woke up Wednesday morning my results were ready.
Other than having to swab the back of my throat, which is a totally new experience for me, and the total lack of packaging for the test (it just came in a plastic baggie), this was a very simple experience.
And just to clarify I am not making any judgement if you aren't, it is just that pre arrival tests are no more since 4 October if coming from the US and you are a US resident who has been jabbed there.
Oct 20, 2021, 11:25 am
#187
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium (Plat Life), HH G, Amtrak, B6, MR
Posts: 1,548
This was a Day 2 test after arrival. The office I'm referring to is my London office. I had to order it before arrival.
Last edited by sxpsxpsxp; Oct 20, 2021 at 11:26 am Reason: Clarifying comment
Oct 20, 2021, 11:28 am
#188
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,964
Oct 20, 2021, 5:57 pm
#189
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
So if I have a 1 night layover in the UK between BA flights, and I'm fully vaccinated, do I still have to order a day 2 test to enter the UK?
I have 3 tests, and plan to use 1 of those for re-entry to the US. Can I just use one of those as a day 2 test? They are Abbott Binaxnow.tests.
I have 3 tests, and plan to use 1 of those for re-entry to the US. Can I just use one of those as a day 2 test? They are Abbott Binaxnow.tests.
Oct 20, 2021, 11:51 pm
#190
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,654
So if I have a 1 night layover in the UK between BA flights, and I'm fully vaccinated, do I still have to order a day 2 test to enter the UK?
I have 3 tests, and plan to use 1 of those for re-entry to the US. Can I just use one of those as a day 2 test? They are Abbott Binaxnow.tests.
I have 3 tests, and plan to use 1 of those for re-entry to the US. Can I just use one of those as a day 2 test? They are Abbott Binaxnow.tests.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33659591-post11603.html
Oct 21, 2021, 12:46 pm
#192
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
As things stand, you have to buy the official day 2 test. You will need the code that is sent to you to fill out the PLF. However, you would not actually need to take the test. Assuming you arrive from the 24th onwards you can use the cheaper LFD tests which are available from £12 upwards. You can chose whichever one you want for your return to the US. It would make sense to save the UK one for a future visit as you can re-use the code.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33659591-post11603.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33659591-post11603.html
I'm checking with my hotel to make sure they will hold the mail/test for me.
So the code will be emailed, and I'll be able to use it on my PLF before I arrive? (answer: yes, the code will be displayed right after payment, and also emailed to me)
Oct 21, 2021, 12:50 pm
#193
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,654
Thank you, that sounds like a great option!
I'm checking with my hotel to make sure they will hold the mail/test for me.
So the code will be emailed, and I'll be able to use it on my PLF before I arrive? (answer: yes, the code will be displayed right after payment, and also emailed to me)
I'm checking with my hotel to make sure they will hold the mail/test for me.
So the code will be emailed, and I'll be able to use it on my PLF before I arrive? (answer: yes, the code will be displayed right after payment, and also emailed to me)
Oct 27, 2021, 6:54 am
#194
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 783
We have an unused Randox day 2/8 day PCR kit - does anyone know if its possible to use this as a fit to fly? In theory its just the same test, but with Day 2 or 8 written on the side of the box, so you would think its possible to use but I have heard of issues doing something similar with other companies.
Oct 27, 2021, 6:58 am
#195
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,654
We have an unused Randox day 2/8 day PCR kit - does anyone know if its possible to use this as a fit to fly? In theory its just the same test, but with Day 2 or 8 written on the side of the box, so you would think its possible to use but I have heard of issues doing something similar with other companies.