Holidays: BA CEO discusses PCR coronavirus testing

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Good news for UK holidaymakers planning a trip with British Airways soon, as the company will provide pre-departure tests for only £40 from today. British Airways’ CEO said that the company is going to as much as they can to drive down the costs of testing.

Heathrow airport saw big crowds this morning as the first flights were scheduled to take off today.

Thousands of Britons were preparing to jet off to some green list destinations, like Portugal, from the UK airport.

BA’s CEO Sean Doyle announced a new PCR test for only £40 is going to be available from today.

“We are working hard to drive down the costs, so we just launched a £40 PCR test today,” said Doyle.

British Airways’ CEO also said: “We are working with the Government and are pushing them to drive down the costs of testing.”

The airline also offers discounts for people taking tests at private test centres, as long as they are flying with BA.

When Doyle was asked about how they can detect fake tests, he said that all the tests they offer are 100 percent certified. “We do have verification and certification of all the tests we offer on our website,” he said 

Fake Covid tests have been an issue on the rise in the last months as some people don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds on a travel certificate.

According to recent research, fake Covid vaccine and test certificate is a market that is dangerously growing.

It was reported last month that more than 100 people a day are trying to enter the UK using fake Covid test certificates

However, airlines cutting down the costs of testing can potentially help prevent fake Covid 19 certificates.

British Airways wants to avoid this from happening by drastically reducing the costs, which will also make it easier for people to go on holiday this summer.

When coming back to the UK, passengers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure.

British Airways are offering discounted antigen test kits with Qured, which can be purchased before the trip, and be used anywhere in the world.

Qured pre-departure rapid antigen tests prices start at £39.

When travelling out of the UK, British Airways is also offering numerous discounts for customers. Codes can be found on the website and are available for home tests, private testing centres and airport test centres in Heathrow and London City.

BA has also introduced today a virtual queueing systems in order to minimise physical queues. Passengers scan a QR code and are called by phone to go to the check-in area when they are at the front of the queue. 

What tests are mandatory when flying?

When flying to a green list destination, proof that you have had a negative Covid-19 test before arriving at the country will be required for most destinations.

When coming back from a green country, a pre-departure test and an additional PCR test on the second day after arriving in the UK will need to be taken.

Regarding amber and red countries, people are being advised against going on holiday to those destinations.

However, if coming back from a medium risk country, a pre-departure test and PCR tests on day two and day eight after arriving in the UK will be mandatory.

Moreover, arrivals will need to quarantine for 10 days although the Test to Release will be available for those who want an early release from the isolation period.

British Airways is also offering Test to Release discounts.

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