This week, the first COVID-19-free flight will be leaving Newark airport to London Heathrow. This flight is an effort to get travel between the U.S. and the U.K. going again.
The United Airlines flight is labeled as COVID-19-free because all passengers and crew members would have been tested while at the airport before getting on the flight. Only those who test negative will be able to board.
According to a statement by United Airlines, “from November 16 through December 11, 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.”
Since March 14th, the U.S. has banned travelers from the U.K. from entering but Americans are allowed to visit the U.K. as long as they quarantine for 14 days.
United Airlines is also working on a digital health application called Common Pass which will store traveler’s information so they won’t have to carry different forms and paperwork when traveling across borders.
