British Airways offers 'remote' Covid test for passengers returning to UK

British Airways passengers who are able to travel abroad can purchase discounted globally-recognised Covid antigen tests before they leave the UK.

The rapid test kits are ultra-convenient and are designed to be portable, so customers can take them abroad, in preparation for their return journey to the UK.

They are available from Government-approved testing provider, Qured, at an exclusive price of £33.

The simple test is remotely administered by a professional health advisor over a scheduled video call. The health advisor will guide the customer through taking a nose and throat swab and processing the sample. Verified results are available after 20 minutes, and the customer can download a ‘fit to fly’ certificate if the test is negative.

All non-essential travel is still illegal from all countries in the UK. Rules only allow travel for work, education, some business or limited health reasons.

British Airways’ chief executive 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.”

Qured boss Alex Templeton added: “Our accessible rapid testing service takes the hassle out of finding a test abroad. As a trusted healthcare provider we look forward to delivering an exceptional patient experience to British Airways’ customers and to working with them on a safe return to travel.”

To offer customers further reassurance before travel, the airline recently began trialling a new travel health app, VeriFLY. The digital health travel passport, which can be downloaded to a mobile device, is designed to check customers meet the entry requirements of their destination by providing digital health document verification and confirming eligibility, before they depart for the airport.

The airline continues to work on the development of the IATA Travel Pass and is exploring all digital travel verification solutions to support its customers when travel re-starts.

To find out more information on Qured, and all the other testing options and discounts available, customers should visit British Airways’ testing page on ba.com.