Today, travel companies are anticipating a rise in British tourist demand after the cancellation of pre-departure Covid testing for arrivals in England. This was a huge boost to an already struggling industry.
It is being eliminated that travellers must self-isolate upon arriving in England. Instead, they can take a bilateral flow test within the first two days after arrival.
These measures can save families hundreds of dollars by not needing to purchase so many tests. They also make it easier to book holiday trips – which will be in high demand from winter sun-seekers as well as families looking for a reunification.
PCR tests on average cost around £80 per traveller, compared to £20-£30 for a rapid swab, saving families up to £200 on post-arrival tests alone. They could save another £100 in pre-departure tests.
Britons can fly to 16 countries for under £10 this month – including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
The cheapest single flights found today by MailOnline for this month were £4 from London Stansted to Zagreb with Ryanair, and £5 for both London Luton to Rome with WizzAir and Stansted to Eindhoven with Ryanair. UK tourists can also go from Stansted with Ryanair to Oslo or Krakow for £6, Vienna for £7 and Sofia or Dublin for £8.
Yesterday, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Britain stated in a House of Commons statement that Omicron Covid-19 was so widespread in the UK now that it is not having an impact on its spread.
Skyscanner expects that 2022 is a year of heightened flight bookings.It’s a bumper year of bargains for travelers, with prices up to 71% lower than the pre-pandemic average for certain destinations, as compared to the 2019, average.
It was said The UK had already seen a 25 percent increase in bookings over the past week. In fact, the five most popular summer destinations that Britons have booked are Orlando, Malaga and Faro.
Britons can fly to 16 countries for under £10 this month – including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain
Skyscanner’s global travel expert Stephanie Boyle stated to MailOnline, “This news will go far towards increasing confidence for travelers who hope to visit loved ones abroad or book a vacation in 2022.
“We expect to see an increase in UK holidaymakers’ demand following the elimination of pre-departure screening and self-isolation requirements. This is especially due to the timing, which coincides with traditionally busy times for travel.
The “Winter-Weary Workers” who are returning to work this week following the holidays tend to have something to look forward too and want to take short breaks, as well plan longer trips.
She added: ‘We have more information on what we can expect from a calendar year living with the virus now and many will be planning big trips for the summer when traditionally we have seen fewer restrictions.
“The tourism industry has proven its ability to withstand difficult times. It will hope for the new, simpler rules to be kept in place to maintain a safe and sustainable return to travel.”
In November 2013, the current rules for travel testing were created amid panic in response to Omicron’s spread. But, with Omicron now dominating the UK, many wondered why they had been kept.
Johnson informed the Commons this weekend that expensive post-arrival PCR testing would be replaced by cheaper rapid swabs to fully vaccinated people.
Before returning to England, travellers must purchase the post-arrival flow tests through private companies. They can’t use the NHS free ones.
Also, pre-departure testing within 72 hours after arriving in England are canceled.
The change takes effect tomorrow at 4 am, while the replacement of PCRs by lateral flows after arrival will take place on Sunday at 4 am.
The new rules will apply only to those who have been fully vaccinated – which means double, rather than triple-jabbed.
Children between five and 17 years old will be considered fully vaccinated, even if not. They must take the lateral flow test on day 2 after arrival. Children under five years old are not eligible.
Only England will see the changes, while Scotland and Northern Ireland are yet to make their announcements. Eluned Morgan, Wales’ health minister said that she would follow suit’reluctantly.
Johnson stated that: ‘When Omicron variants were first identified, we rightly imposed travel restrictions to slow their arrival in our country.
As the rules changes are announced, yesterday night, British Airway’s aircraft landed at London Heathrow Airport.
Boris Johnson announces a relaxation of travel testing requirements by allowing an aircraft to fly into Heathrow Airport.
Yesterday, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Boris Johnson spoke to the House of Commons. He announced some changes to travel regulations
“But Omicron now is widespread, these measures have limited impact on growth of cases while still incurring significant costs to the travel industry.
This is a good time to make changes in the industry of travel, as January has been traditionally the most busy month for summer vacation bookings.
Willie Walsh is the Director-General of the International Air Transport Association. Evidently, the new variant spread quickly despite the fact that extra measures were taken.
Shai Weiss is the chief executive officer of Virgin Atlantic. He stated that travelers can book now with confidence, and they look forward to reuniting with their loved ones as well as business associates. Meanwhile… vital testing capacity can be reallocated where it is needed the most – in hospitals, schools and crucial national infrastructure.’
Airlines UK’s chief executive Tim Alderslade stated that the move would give the sector a boost at a crucial time.
He said that now people can book with confidence knowing that all restrictions on emergency testing have been lifted.
“Today is a significant step in learning how to live with the virus. It will help passengers as well as the travel industry look forward to the all-important spring/summer season.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive of EasyJet, also welcomed this move. However, he said that the Government must go further.
He stated, “This will simplify travel and make it easier for our customers to book their travels with confidence.”
“But, the government must urgently make the final steps towards restrict-free travel. It should remove any unnecessary tests for travellers who have been vaccinated so that flying is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy.
Heathrow Airport spokesperson said, “While this is good news, we still have a lot of work to do for the aviation industry, which continues to be the engine of our economy. It supports thousands of jobs across all four continents.”
For international travel, the NHS cannot provide lateral flow testing. The tests should be obtained from a private source.
PCR test holders who are already traveling with them can use the tests.
Julia Simpson, chief of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: ‘The removal of pre-departure tests and replacing Day 2 PCRs with more affordable antigen testing will significantly boost the UK travel and tourism sector and help both it, and the whole UK economy recover much faster than expected.’
Steve Heapy CEO Jet2.com, Jet2holidays, stated: “It is evident to all that travel testing requirements had not affected the spread Omicron variant. This should be the end of an array of measures that have been both disproportionate and futile.
“That being stated, this news is what our customers wanted to hear. And the huge surge in traffic and bookings shows that holidaymakers are back at the UK’s doorstep.
“Customers have been clamouring for the chance to take the holiday they’ve always wanted and we want to make it even better. That’s why we launched this sale.
He said, “Whether it’s a family vacation, a getaway with the other half, or a get-together for all, we understand how important everyone is to have a well-deserved holiday.”
“Holidays are now easier than ever. Whether it’s sun, ski, or a leisure holiday in a city, you can clearly see the benefits for customer confidence.