United Airlines will begin offering flights from New York to London where every single passenger on board must take — and pass — a COVID-19 test, the carrier announced Thursday.
Starting Nov. 16 through Dec. 11, United will provide free rapid tests for every crew member and passenger over 2 years old on select Heathrow Airport-bound trips out of Newark, New Jersey — and put anyone who refuses to get tested on a different flight.
“Through this pilot program, we’ll guarantee that everyone on board has tested negative for COVID-19, adding another element to our layered approach to safety,” United Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said in a statement.
Day-of tests will be administered on United Flight 14, which departs Newark at 7:15 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday.
Participating air travelers will receive the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 test, according to the Washington Post. The test — which must be scheduled in advance — produces results in about 15 minutes.
The Newark Airport testing site is located near Gate C93, United said.
United has also been offering pre-flight COVID-19 tests for flyers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii since Oct. 15.
Customers who receive a negative test are allowed to forgo Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine laws.
