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Covid

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Original poster

Another covid travel question.

24 replies

Ciaram55 · 02/01/2022 17:11

Posting here for traffic, sorry. I'm just so confused about some aspects of the covid testing. I go to Spain in a few weeks (I have posted before, but still unsure). Should I order the test kits now, one for 2 days before returning to the UK and one for day 2 PCR when I get back. I worry about in case flight gets cancelled and the test kits are non refundable. How late can I safely leave it.

Also anyone know who is reliable and trustworthy. I'm so confused by the whole process.
(Don't think I'll ever travel again tbh.

Can anyone be kind enough to talk me through the process. I'm just so stressed and worried by it all. Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

MNHQ

LivMumsnet · 02/01/2022 17:27

Hi there, @Ciaram55 - we hope you don't mind but we've moved your thread to the Coronavirus topic as the likelihood is that you'll get some useful advice here.

Also, we know you posted in AIBU for traffic but as we're sure you can imagine, the dedicated Coronavirus topic is also pretty busy right now so hopefully you'll get a good response.

Hope you get sorted with some answers and advice asap.

Campervan69 · 02/01/2022 17:31

Just back from Portugal. I'd leave it as long as possible if I were you in case the requirements change. Its actually quite straightforward and efficient.

To come home we ordered about a week before we went, took them with us and did the day before we came home. All you do is upload your negative test results to their website and they send you a certificate within the hour.

The pcr I think will change but you can order whilst on holiday. All you need is the order reference code to enter into the passenger locator form. You can't complete that until 2 days before you are dye to fly home anyway.

slashlover · 02/01/2022 17:31

You realise the covid topic gets a lot of traffic too?

It depends on your vaccination status and where you're travelling back to as the four nations have different requirements. www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk This also gives a list of approved PCR tests depending on what tests you want and your location etc.

Campervan69 · 02/01/2022 17:32

Have used lots of different companies as have been away quite a lot. They've all been fine.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 02/01/2022 17:35

In the Holidays section there's a review thread of various companies.

Duvetdweller · 02/01/2022 17:35

We’ve just got back. We took the randox antigen tests with us to fly back. You literally download the app before you go and take a pic of the negative result and a certificate gets added to your app. We also took the randox day 2 tests and did them at the airport while waiting for the luggage. Dropped them in the airport drop box and had the results within 8 hours

katscamel · 02/01/2022 17:35

I flew out of UK in Sept, booked PCR at Boots. Flying back in 3 weeks ago had booked 0-2 day test at Heathrow Arrivals (Express Test) which was easy enough. I think I your flight is delayed/cancelled etc you can reschedule/ get credit for another test. Check provider details as each will be different though refunds are unlikely.
I'm flying out of UK on Tuesday, booked online back in Oct/Nov and had test earlier today with results due back tomorrow night.

WhatsitWiggle · 02/01/2022 17:37

You say a few weeks? I'd leave it. There's a review of the travel testing due on 4th Jan - given they were introduced to reduce Omicron and that horse has most definitely bolted, there's hope in the industry that tests will revert to antigen rather than PCR. (I work for a major tour operator).

If they are kept on the 4th, then there'll likely be a further review 3 weeks after that.

We used Randox last year and had no problems.

WhatsitWiggle · 02/01/2022 17:39

We also took the randox day 2 tests and did them at the airport while waiting for the luggage. Dropped them in the airport drop box and had the results within 8 hours

@Duvetdweller that's genius!

Original poster

Ciaram55 · 02/01/2022 17:53

@Duvetdweller

So presumably you took the PCR test in your case. How long did you wait for them to arrive after you ordered them?

OP posts:

slashlover · 02/01/2022 17:59

From one of the testers on the link I posted previously

When will the Day 2 and 8 tests be sent to me?
Any orders completed before 1pm will be dispatched the same day using Royal Mail Tracked 24. Any orders received after this time they will be dispatched the next day. Any orders placed after 2pm on Friday will be dispatched on Monday. Tracking information is sent via email to enable you to track your kits to your door.

Although I'd check with the provider you choose.

sleighbellsgin · 02/01/2022 18:03

We have already booked ours for a trip that didn't go ahead abroad, the test provider were brilliant and have given us vouchers to rebook when the holiday does go ahead. All done over email and we even still got the original tests sent but they said to keep them and our vouchers are still ok

HouseofSkullduggery · 02/01/2022 18:06

We were in Spain over Christmas. Ordered lateral flow tests (for pre departure coming home) from Chronomics a week or so before we went. Very easy to do and input details and photo.
We ordered pcr day 2 tests whilst there through Randox. They were delivered at home the very next day after ordering. Only problem was some of my family had no one in to get them as dpd deliver them! They were then taken to the post office so all was well in the end

Original poster

Ciaram55 · 02/01/2022 18:07

My main concern atm is, when should I actually book the test kits?. Is a week before I go in plenty of time?

OP posts:

xlexiix · 02/01/2022 18:07

I have just come back from Spain I booked an LFT to fly back and my day 2 with Randox I did click and collect took my LFT with me and got my certificate via the app and dropped my day 2 back at the airport. I have tested positive this morning thou on my PCR having been super careful in Spain

ifonly4 · 02/01/2022 18:13

DD did the express one at Heathrow. She only booked it a week before though and there was only one time available 40 mins after landing, luckily flight arrived early and hers was first suitcase off. She receive result 23 hours later.

She left bookng her return test until a week before travel and struggled to find a slot. Ended up cancelling though as Germany changed their requirements in the meantime - she no longer needs a PCR just to be vaccinated.

So it's worth booking more than a week beforehand and possibly one where you might get a partial refund on cancellation.

Campervan69 · 02/01/2022 18:13

@Ciaram55

My main concern atm is, when should I actually book the test kits?. Is a week before I go in plenty of time?

Yes, plenty of time.

Smileyoriley · 02/01/2022 18:44

I'll avoid Boots in future as they let a family member down by not getting results back in time. Luckily she managed to get a test at the airport, but it meant a hotel stay to get everything turned around in time for the flight

shouldhavebeen · 02/01/2022 20:00

I flew into the UK last week. I walked off the plane directly to the Randox testing area in the airport ( I booked in advance) and did my day 2 PCR on day 0. They did the swab for me & results arrived 14 hours later which was great as they quoted 24 hours.

AnyFucker · 02/01/2022 20:04

Original poster

Ciaram55 · 02/01/2022 20:47

@shouldhavebeen

That sounds nice and easy, was it reasonably priced?

OP posts:

PlinkPlankPlunk · 02/01/2022 22:30

Great advice about doing them in the airport on the way home! Hadn’t thought of that but it definitely makes sense

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 02/01/2022 22:38

Whichever company you use... make sure its a drop box one. Waited nearly a week for DDs results despite doing them in the airport.

lljkk · 02/01/2022 22:47

Moneysavingexpert has great info on tests. We ordered our LFTs 7 days before travel, to take in the 24 hrs before flight each way. Much cheaper to bring own, than test I took abroad

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