Lion in Winter

So I'm flying Chicago - Dublin - Gatwick, leaving Chicago on Monday. The pre-flight Covid test has to be within 72 hours of flight day. If I take the test on Friday, that works for the Monday 72 hour window, but the connection in Dublin will be Tuesday morning their time, so past the 72 hour window if I test on Friday, and I will have to change planes, although same airline (Aer Lingus) and I stay airside. So does that time lapse matter, ie should I test on the Saturday, not the Friday?

I have a Walgreens ID Now appt booked for Friday, but tomorrow could presumably change it to Saturday if necessary. Can't book that far ahead now.

SeattleFreeze

Flying on Monday, just to clarify can anyone confirm that the Rapid Antigen Test is valid for entering the UK? The test I have scheduled is PCR which has a slower results return.
Thanks

Philk

I used ID NOW from Walgreens to get into the UK a couple of weeks ago

Lion in Winter

The Walgreens ID one has been proven to let people into the UK. It has a 24 hour turnaround, not the 48 that the PCR test requires, but not as fast as the rapid antigen test which is only 2 hours. I'm going with the 24 hour one, Walgreens ID.

SeattleFreeze

Unfortunately the Walgreens ID Now and PCR test never has appointments available in and around my location but the antigen does. I have scheduled a PCR test on Sunday via my Physicians clinic and hope to get the results back in 24 hours.

Lion in Winter

Right. A pity. I snagged one, but they do go quickly.

Hence my question above regarding the 72 hour window, since to get a Saturday appointment I will have to move pretty quickly when that day opens.

SeattleFreeze

Im in a similar boat because im flying out on Monday also. Actually I have the PCR Rite Aid test on Saturday as back up, but this is not guaranteed results in 24 hours. Monday must just be squeaky bum time for us then, LOL!

Lion in Winter

My Friday Walgreens ID test will be fine for leaving on Monday, my concern is whether it will still be ok for changing planes in Dublin the next morning, because that will be outside of the 72 hour window. But perhaps since I'm not leaving airside Dublin and flying on the same airline, nobody will check? Or care?

I'm considering seeing if I can move it to Saturday, since it's 24 hour results. I don't want to take any risks either way.

SeattleFreeze

I would move it to be safe. But thats me. I thought it was 72 hours before you depart vs arrive anywhere.

Olly_

The UK requirements say three calendar days, not 72 hours - I don't know if transit through another country makes a difference though.

I'm flying to the UK on Saturday evening and did my test at CVS this morning which will be fine, but I'm flying direct.

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

Lion in Winter

Yeah. I may just move it to Saturday, then I'm safe either way.

Olly_

Just to update for future reference, I got my CVS results today and they definitely include date of birth so they will be fine for travel.

Tested at 10am today, result arrived about 4pm.

Lion in Winter

Cool. Was this the PCR test?

Olly_

No, the rapid (antigen) test. I didn't want to risk a PCR test because the turnaround can be a few days and the antigen tests are fine for entry to the UK anyway.

Lion in Winter

Right, good to know, thanks.