With “Test to Release” becoming a thing from the 15th December, easyJet and easyJet holidays have announced a partnership with two providers to offer COVID-19 testing.
EasyJet Airbus A319 climbing out of Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
easyJet is to work with Confirm Testing and City Doc, allowing its customers to access testing when it is required for entry into countries across its network.
The partnerships mean that preferential prices can be accessed for both companies using a unique code provided when they book through the easyJet.com and easyJet.com/holidays sites. This will be available later this week for those are eligible.
It will offer a reduced rate of £75 per home test with Confirm Testing or £100 per home test or £150 for an in-clinic test with CityDoc.
Both testing companies aim to provide results within 48 hours of the test being returned to them. Confirm Testing is managed via Royal Mail and their Priority Post boxes and CityDoc offer a courier service. easyJet is also working to identify suppliers in Europe to be able to provide this across its network.
As testing is a requirement to entry for a number of countries on the easyJet network (such as Germany, Spain and Italy the partnership is aimed at helping passengers get their required test ahead of travel at more affordable rates (compared to other providers)
You will be able to access preferential rates when you make a booking on easyJet.com or easyJetholidays.com. A unique code will be provided and they can then use this on the testing partners’ websites to access the lower rates. For passengers departing Gatwick Airport, you will be able to access facilities there too at the discounted rates.
In Quotes
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, commented
“I’m really pleased to be able to offer our customers convenient testing options at cheaper rates than are widely available on the market. This, coupled with the news that quarantine can be reduced with a negative test, is a key step towards travel getting back to normal.
“We continue to push for testing the efficacy of rapid testing technologies like antigen and LAMP testing which could be undertaken on departure at the airport and for further reducing quarantine, making it easier and less onerous for people to travel.
“It is clear that while testing will continue to be important to keeping people moving in the coming months, eventually the vaccine will play a role in reducing this and return travel to normal. Governments and industry need to work together to achieve this and we stand by ready to support where we can.”
Reducing Costs to get people travelling
One of the barriers I pointed out in the Test to Release strategy is the cost to cut quarantine down was the cost of testing – and at £150 upwards, it’s a substantial chunk of change when you plan to travel. Whilst there will be a burden for those who need to travel, discounts and preferential rates will be key for those who can afford to travel.
Just remember, these tests are per person. Those costs will scale rapidly when you have more than a couple of people travelling in your party.
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