Passengers can now buy a £33 COVID test when travelling with British Airways

Holidaymakers stuck for how they can take a COVID test before returning to the UK can now buy one from British Airways.

On Friday, the airline launched £33 portable COVID tests for its passengers to take with them on holiday.

This means people looking to go on holiday with the airline when bans are (hopefully) lifted in the summer will be able to buy the test and take it on holiday with them so that they can test themselves before returning to the UK.

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This is due to the current travel restrictions which state that people are required to produce a negative COVID test before returning to the UK from any country.

The tests have been acquired from government-approved provider Qured and they can be ordered to any UK address.

British Airways’ CEO Sean Doyle, said: “As we look forward and prepare for a safe return to travel, we remain focused on finding and offering the most convenient and affordable testing options for our customers.

“Our teams were pleased to discover Qured, a unique new option which removes uncertainty and unnecessary expense for customers who may be concerned about sourcing a pre-departure test while away from home.”

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To take the tests, passengers will need to participate in a video call with a health professional who will guide them through the swabbing process. Results should then be available within 20 minutes and a “fit to fly” certificate will be available if the passenger tests negative.

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As well as taking a test before flying back to the UK, current regulations require tests to be taken on day two and day eight of the mandatory 10-day quarantine period.

While domestic holidays are set to resume in mid-April, holidays abroad are pencilled in for 21 June, but this is subject to change. We should know more after the government’s Global Taskforce convenes on 12 April.

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