United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are requiring all passengers on flights from the United Kingdom to the United States to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
The decision came because of new coronavirus variant emerged in the UK, which has led many countries to close their borders to travelers from there.
Delta’s policy, expanded from its decision on Monday to require the screenings on UK flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, is effective Dec. 24, while United’s requirement begins Dec. 28.
Passengers will be asked to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular test or antigen test and pre-flight rapid tests will be offered on the same day for ticketed passengers at a Heathrow testing center.
Earlier this week, members of a coronavirus task force at the White House recommended that the U.S. government conduct COVID-19 screenings for passengers from the UK. But the Trump administration has decided not to take any action, people told Reuters.
The administration has repeatedly refused to mandate many of the federal COVID-19 security guidelines for air travel, leaving all requirements to the airlines.
On Monday, the three airlines flying from London to JFK – Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – agreed to a request from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to screen passengers from the UK.
Delta also flies between London and Atlanta.
United currently offers four daily flights from London Heathrow to Chicago, Newark, New Jersey, Washington Dulles and San Francisco. Earlier this month it was announced that there will be only two daily flights to Chicago and Newark in January.
US airlines have already drastically reduced their flights to the UK and the rest of Europe.
American Airlines, with one daily flight between London and Dallas, has yet to announce any test requirements.
(Source – Reuters)
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