United Airlines to Offer Free COVID-19 Tests on Select Transatlantic Flights

United Airlines will introduce a pilot program offering free rapid COVID-19 tests to passengers on select flights from Newark to London, as part of efforts to relax quarantine requirements and boost air travel. The program, in collaboration with Abbott Laboratories, aims to provide a safe and efficient travel experience. Passengers above the age of two will receive Abbott's ID Now tests, which take 15 to 20 minutes, on three evening flights a week.

Key Takeaways:

• United Airlines will offer free rapid COVID-19 tests to passengers on select flights from Newark to London, as part of a four-week pilot program.
• The program, starting November 16, 2020, will provide Abbott Laboratories' ID Now tests, which have shown 96.2% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity compared to lab-based molecular PCR tests.
• Passengers above the age of two will be given the tests, which take 15 to 20 minutes, on three evening flights a week from Newark Liberty International Airport to London's Heathrow Airport.
• Josh Earnest, United's chief communication officer, reported a nearly doubling of travelers on United's San Francisco to Hawaii flights after introducing testing, compared to the previous two-week period.
• Passengers with a negative test will still be subject to UK quarantine requirements, as per current regulations.
• Abbott Laboratories' ID Now tests will be provided by appointment at an on-site testing facility at Newark airport.

Statistics:

• 96.2% sensitivity and 99.5% specificity of Abbott's ID Now tests compared to lab-based molecular PCR tests (Abbott Laboratories).
• 15 to 20 minutes: the time taken for the Abbott Laboratories' ID Now tests to produce results.
• November 16, 2020 to December 11, 2020: the duration of the four-week pilot program.
• Three evening flights a week: the frequency of the transatlantic flights offering free COVID-19 tests.

Sources:

• Reuters news agency, as reported by M2 PHARMA
• M2 COMMUNICATIONS