United Tries Mandatory COVID Tests For Newark-To-London Flights – Newark, NJ Patch

NEWARK, NJ — United Airlines is experimenting with a new way to restore passenger confidence amid the coronavirus pandemic: offering flights where everyone over the age of 2 has been tested for the COVID-19 virus.

On Thursday, the airline — which has a hub at Newark Airport — announced it will be rolling out a temporary program aboard some flights from Newark to London Heathrow Airport. It will take place from Nov. 16 to Dec. 11.

Here’s how it will work, United stated:

“The airline will offer rapid tests to every passenger over 2 years old and crew members on board select flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to London Heathrow (LHR), free of charge. Anyone who does not wish to be tested will be placed on another flight, guaranteeing everyone on board other than children under two will have tested negative before departure.”

United will collaborate with Premise Health, which will administer the rapid-testing pilot program for the EWR-LHR flight. Testing is free to travelers booked on the selected flights and is mandatory for boarding.

The test will be given to passengers traveling on United Flight 14, departing at 7:15 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Appointments for the test are required, and customers are advised to schedule their tests at least three hours before their flight. An on-site testing facility will be located at the Newark United Club near Gate C93. Learn more here.

United has already rolled out pre-flight COVID-19 virus testing for travelers — but on a voluntary basis.

Earlier this month, the airline started offering customers traveling from San Francisco International Airport to Hawaii the option to take a same-day preflight rapid test at the airport or a drive-thru test for a fee. The program allows customers with a negative result to bypass Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine requirements and enjoy their time on the islands sooner, United stated.

So far, it’s been a big success, the company reported. From Oct. 15 to 25, the San Francisco-to-Hawaii flights have seen a nearly 95 percent increase in passengers compared with the prior two-week period.

But the new effort at Newark and London Heathrow airports takes things a step further, company spokespeople said.

“We believe the ability to provide fast, same-day COVID-19 testing will play a vital role in safely reopening travel around the world and navigating quarantines and travel restrictions, particularly to key international destinations like London,” chief customer officer Toby Enqvist said.

United plans to share customer feedback of the pilot program with governments on both sides of the Atlantic, spokespeople said.