United Airlines: Free coronavirus testing pilot program
The first passengers to take part in United Airlines' free coronavirus testing pilot program will depart Newark, N. J. for London on Monday night as airlines -- still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic -- attempt to re-establish transatlantic travel.
United Flight 14 will depart Newark Liberty International Airport and is expected to land at Heathrow Airport in London around 6:55 a. m. local time on Tuesday. United's program kicks off just a month after reports surfaced that U. S. officials were looking into opening travel between New York City and London with shortened traveler quarantine periods as soon as the holidays.
As part of its effort to revitalize the battered industry, the airline is offering rapid tests to every crew member and passenger over the age of two on select flights from Newark to Heathrow through Dec. 11.
Passengers traveling on Flight 14, which departs at 7:15 p. m. ET on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, will receive the rapid tests, which will be administered by Premise Health prior to departure. Passengers who don't want to be tested will be placed on an alternate flight in order to guarantee everyone -- aside from children under 2 -- has tested negative prior to departure, the airline previously said.
Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United, said that this same-day testing protocol will play a "vital role" in reopening travel around the world and "navigating quarantines and travel restrictions."
Enquivst said this testing will be particularly key to international destinations such as London. Prior to the pandemic, United said it had operated six daily flights between the New York area and London.
United, like Delta and American, rely on business and international travelers for much of their revenue.
