EasyJet and easyJet holidays have partnered with two testing firms to offer customers reduced-cost Covid testing ahead of travel.
The airline and tour operator has signed deals with Confirm Testing and City Doc.
From later this week, passengers will be able to book home-based tests through easyJet for £75 with Confirm Testing, a reduction from £120; and £100, down from £150, with City Doc. In-clinic tests with City Doc are available from £150, down from £200.
Both testing companies aim to provide results within 48 hours of the test being returned to them. Customers get a discount code when making flight or holiday bookings.
The partnerships follow the government’s announcement last week of a ‘Test to release’ scheme for arrivals into the UK from December 15 – with negative tests taken five days after arrival freeing passengers from quarantine restrictions.
EasyJet said it is also working to identify suppliers in Europe to be able to provide this across its network.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of easyJet, said: “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.”