I am currently in Ljubljana, but will be flying from Zagreb to Vienna to catch my round trip flight back to the US. I have a long layover in Vienna (separate purchased ticket). From Vienna I fly to Heathrow late that evening and out of Gatwick the next day (this is the return of my round trip ticket). I would like to test in Vienna since I have plenty of time between fights, but have been told the test needs to be completed from the point of exit (meaning London). Is this true? I can’t find anything in CDC guidelines that says this.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11178 posts
What You Need to Know
If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. ---- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
The key factor is the timing, not the where.
but have been told the test needs to be completed from the point of exit
Told by whom?
Posted by
OP
Florida
127 posts
Not anyone official, think it was mentioned on a post here. Just time of departure and transfer between London airports was the issue. The 24 hour requirement will work since I leave Vienna on Sunday and London on Monday.
Thank you for your reply.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
17908 posts
My experience on several returns home is that the airline's definition of flight is "ticket", so you will need to be tested no more than the calendar day prior to when you begin the ticketed travel home.
My experience has been that the airline will not let you on the first flight of a multi-flight US bound ticket unless you have the rest result.
My assumption is that if you have two flights home,, but you have separate tickets, two separate reservations, you should have no problem getting on the first flight with out being tested; and you will need to be tested not more than one calendar day prior to the second flight.
Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Florida
127 posts
So it sounds like I should plan on being tested in Vienna regardless since it was a round trip ticket from TPA to VIE. Thanks good to know
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6046 posts
The 24 hour requirement will work
Ricky- to clarify
The test needs to be done the day before- there is no 24 hour rule- if you fly from London on Monday then test can be done anytime on Sunday
What You Need to Know If you plan to travel internationally, you will
need to get a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or
citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the
United States.
Posted by
OP
Florida
127 posts
James E
Thank you for the advice, turns out it was right on.
I hurried across the street (not a short distance) from the Vienna airport to get my test leaving my baggage as I had no time to wait for it and make the testing center by 2. After completing the form I went back at 1:40, but results wouldn't be available for 40 minutes and if I didn't receive it there really was no recourse because they were closed. But good news it was negative and I did get the email. When I went to check in I did indeed need the test before beginning my round trip home, even though that particular flight only took me to London. If I hadn't have taken your advice, I would have been out of luck and would have missed my flight even with a 6:30 hour layover. The new problem with airports is they are way understaffed, and don't open for check in until 2 hours before the flight, so if there is a problem there really is no time to fix it before the flight leaves. Thank you again it truly was a life saver.