First United Airlines Transatlantic Flight Offering Free COVID-19 Testing For Passengers Takes Off From Newark
NEWARK, N.J. (CBS/CNN) -- A transatlantic passenger flight that, even in the age of Covid-19, feels safe -- United Airlines flight 14 from Newark, New Jersey which landed at Heathrow Airport early on Tuesday seemed to be exactly that.
The flight is the first in a four-week trial by the airline in which passengers and crew are tested before boarding, offering them the reassurance that -- at least at the time of take-off -- no one has the virus.
United Airlines posted on Facebook about the flight and said "We are committed to working with governments around the world to make testing part of the travel experience to help open up international borders."
United wants to demonstrate that proper onboard testing could allow transatlantic travel to open back up again, reducing or eliminating the need for quarantine and reigniting the travel industry.
So how does it work?
The screening for the virus -- a rapid Abbott ID Now Covid-19 test administered by Premise Health -- took place immediately after check-in.
You go through security, head toward the gate and the testing facility, which is located at the Newark United Club. You go in, give your name, answer basic medical questions and a nurse does a nasal swab.
It's not at all intrusive. The doctor in charge explained to me that the swab doesn't need to go beyond the nasal passages to detect Covid. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes in total, then you get the results printed and handed to you.
(©Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company contributed to this report.)
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