UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

Does anyone have any first hand experience of the check-in and arrival process for travelling from Spain to the UK? I need to fly in and out on the same day in July (after 19th) but I'm hearing and reading bloke down the pub comments that the airlines won't allow you to board without the pre-booked tests. I know legally I need the antigen test and I know I don't need to book the PCR for day 2 and 8. I won't be leaving the airport. I need to do the same in August but travelling between airports, hopefully the mess will be clear by then.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

You can’t get on the plane from Spain to UK unless you have the number you get when you book the track and Trace package. It’s about £200 per person.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

As I feared, thanks for sharing. There must be a way around it as it's covered in the government guidelines Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Looks like a chat with the airline is in order, currently number 764 in the queue so may get an answer in time:unsure:

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

I would not relly on this or indeed ANY UK government guidelines. They have no control over what rules & regulations are imposed in Spain.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

they have you over a barrel when your at the airport. You either pay for the package or they don’t let you check in and you miss your flight

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

According to the. Gov website if transiting through England you don't need to book the 2 tests.
If you remain "airside" then you are in no man's land.

See here.

When you transit through England

You do not need to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on arrival or on day 2 and day 8.

This applies if you are transiting ‘airside’ or ‘landside’.

If you are transiting landside, you must be entering the UK for the sole purposes of continuing a journey to a country outside of the Common Travel Area. The Common Travel Area is the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

You must either:

• remain within your port of entry until your departure from England, or
• travel directly from your port of entry to another port of departure in England

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

Ryanair are adamant they will let me board as long as I have completed the passenger locator form and have the antigen test results with me. I've saved the chat so should be OK.

Stingychips hopefully the online check in will negate that one.

missile I hadn't considered that. Can they stop me leaving? The last time I travelled outside of Spain by air the only person who asked for test results was the lady at the check in desk for the internal leg of the journey. I told her it wasn't required for the final destination and the story ended there.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

Sorry, I have no idea. I suspect the only people who will be checking are Ryanair. Hopefully you will get a response from them before you travel. You might like to try their facebook page or here Ryanair Discussion (airlines-inform.com).

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

Here’s the update. Relatively simple but Ryanair are being over cautious, I’m guessing they get fined if someone arrives without the correct documents.
Leaving Spain I was asked by Ryanair for the EU Covid passport and antigen results. Not sure why they asked for the EU version if the UK don’t accept it but not a problem.
Upon arrival in the UK I wasn’t asked for any paperwork but the e-gate rejected me along with anyone transitting which may indicate the PLF is effective. I had an in person check with no questions about vaccines or tests.
On the return journey Ryanair were very thorough. Upon arrival everyone had their QR code scanned and you receive text confirmation with some medical advice.

All in all very simple as long as you have the correct paperwork. The most time consuming part is the online check-in. You need a seat number for a PLF and you need a PLF to check in.

For the test to enter Spain, I booked my daughter a LAMP test at the airport. It was 65 GBP for a 90 minute turnaround. Much simpler, reliable and cheaper than Boots etc..

As an aside for the stamping debate, the first question I was asked after scanning the passport was to see my residency card, indicating the passport scan showed I am a resident. My daughters passports were stamped without any questions.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

I have a Ryanair flight to England on 12 August. I have just booked a seat at the moment as I got stung twice last year due to changes. First: is a lateral flow test okay for entering UK and for Ryan air? Second: where and when do I get PLF? Third: where do I get the tests for 2nd and 8th day and what is thd procedure if you cant leave your house for posting etc. Also can it be done on a phone as I will have no wi-fi when quarantining
TBH I am hoping they will be accepting EU vaccination passport by beginning of August!

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

No you need the PCR test. Then I had to book a track and trace package and show ryan air the number you get once you have booked it. If you don’t have that number they won’t let you board. Then you get the home testing kits through post at the address you are registered with. It’s a massive head ache really. They ring your phone everyday as well during the ten days to make sure you are isolating and I even had an nhs track and trace person nock on the door one day to check I was there.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

Where do you get the track and chase test from? How does phoning verify you are isolating?
Also why are NHS tracing people who arent NHS registered? I am a bit confused Iust say

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

See link and extract of text from the page

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...ing-to-england

Type of test

You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

• a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
• an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device

It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.

You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

So a lateral flow test is okay?

Re: UK arrival PCR test experiences
 

if you mean an NHS test, no. Go to your local clinic and ask for an antigen test suitable for travel. It’s should be around €20. You can have PCR, LAMP or antigen. If you were Vader in the UK then that’s acceptable.

For Spain, LAMP or PCR is required if you don’t have a vaccine passport or certificate. Spain accept the NHS version, the UK don’t accept the Euro version.

For day 2 and/or 8 test it’s not a requirement for the airline. The requirement is that you upload the passenger locator form. On that form you must have uploaded the reference number for the tests or explained the reason why you are exempt, in my case because I was staying for less than 2 days.

Isolation rules are as per the government website.