BA - do you need a PCR to fly with them (irrespective of destination)?

[catsharingmychair]

Hi

I've been trying to find the answer all over the internet so please bear with! I'm trying to go to Venice on Friday - booked but I now have Covid - as of last weekend. I will only try to travel if I'm clear on Friday- I'd never go on a flight with Covid as having experienced the new BA2 verion of Omicron, it's no joke.

What I know:

Italy only needs vaccinations not a PCR.
BA website implies you need a PCR to travel with them (irrespective of whether the country you are travelling to needs one).

I've tried calling them several times to be cut off (like everyone else!).

So if I test clear with LFT on Friday morning (for a late pm flight) do I then rush to the airport for a 4 hour PCR? Is this what people are doing in my situation?

Or have I got it wrong and BA doesn't need a PCR to sit on the plane?
Thanks! x

OP to add a bit of context, it would be helpful to put a link to the part of the BA website you refer to. Then if it's just a case where you've overlooked something - happens to us all - people can set your mind at rest easily.

I flew to Athens with BA and No PCR needed. Like you I panicked as I got an email asking me to 'upload my test results', but I checked the gov advice and no test needed. I had to upload vax details though.

I’ve taken about 8 flights with BA over the last year or so, and the only PCR requirement has been if the destination required one. BA don’t require one as a matter of course to get on their planes…assuming that is the plane actually operates ;)

I flew to Dublin so different destination but the BA website showed the requirements per country. There was no airline specific requirements. Wouldn't make sense as weren't they campaigning/ lobbying governments to remove the testing requirements due to the impacts on travel industry.

I have no clue what the Italy rules are now though. If you are sure on those then probably you just need to prove your vaccination status to BA as airlines can get fined if you let someone fly to a destination without proper eligibility to enter.

Flew with them 3 days ago, website / app stated what was needed for the destination not required by them- although they did ask that the documentation needed (by destination) was uploaded to them. My destination didn't require a PCR or any tests we flew no problem.

Thank you all so much - really helpful!

I think what has been throwing me is the need to add documentation on the online check in - just as Bare says. I've not continued with the filling in as I've been scared it will need PCR and I'll be stuck half in, half out with no way of calling BA to resolve anything.
Very reassured to see others haven't needed a PCR- thanks WhenwillIbefamous you are right!

Phew - thanks again!

Changing States - how did you upload your vaccinations proof- did you take a photo of the NHS QR code - did it accept a photo or does it have to be a PDF maybe?

Thanks x

Have managed to upload PDF's so thanks, all sorted.

Thanks again for all the help x

I'm a techy dinosaur. How did you upload a pdf and was it from your computer. Really worried I won't manage it. Travelling soon...

@LesLavandes I have the nhs app on my phone and you can download your covid pass as a pdf from there, or if you don't have the app probably can from the website. You will need to set up your nhs account first if you haven't done that before.

@catsharingmychair have a lovely holiday!

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/nhs-covid-pass/get-an-nhs-covid-pass/get-your-nhs-covid-pass-letter/

If you don't want the NHS app, or as some people I have known have found, can't get the app to work to show the certificate, you can order a physical paper one.

BA won’t ask your for a PCR if the destination country doesn’t require one. Also, don’t take PCRs if you can avoid it during the first few weeks after having it, because it’s very likely the test will still come back positive for a while.