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Covid test

We will be staying at the Premier Inn on Bath Rd, Heathrow and will have a car
Is there anywhere close that we could get the Covid test before flying back to the US?
I know I can get it done at the airport but would prefer to do the day before
Any suggestions appreciated

Posted by
1792 posts

A quick Google search returned this possibility.

https://www.expresstest.co.uk/directions/

Scroll down to the drive through site at Heathrow long term parking site. If I’m read their FAQ correctly the rapid lateral flow test results should be available in 40 minutes. So plenty of time if you test the day before your flight.

Note I have no experience with the testing center and not sure how easy it is to drive within the airport roads.

Posted by
32521 posts

you'll have the car? Where will you be the day you want to take the test? Does it have a Boots? Seriously - where do you expect to be and I'll see if I can help

Posted by
50 posts

The day before we fly back to the US we will be driving back towards Heathrow from Reading,maybe through Henry on a Thames etc. we are seniors, this will probably be our last trip, so trying to make it as stress less as we can we are stayin in the Premier Inn on Bath Rd. The night before our flight
Thank you for caring

Posted by
32521 posts

Boots do the tests, but you have to register and get an appointment. I tried to call the Oracle Centre large Boots in Reading but although open today did not answer the phone. It is likely that the Henley on Thames branch is too small.

The website for the Boots Oracle Centre store is https://www.boots.com/StoreLookupView?catalogId=28501&storeId=11352&langId=-1 and procedure is at https://www.boots.com/covid-19-testing and click on the "In-store Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Testing".

It is sufficiently complicated I might pay the extra to do it at the airport....

Posted by
531 posts

Nigel…. I have visited the Boots online site since we need antigen test to start our tour in Bath… Bath Southgate Center is listed; and, we will also need an antigen test 1 day before departure….we will be in London for that day and head to LHR Sofitel later that day/early eve.

My issue with Boots is the antigen test is in only 50 stores and supplies are limited. The booking portal has you pay before you even know which store you will need to go to and you do not have the choice for time.

This does not seem very helpful and like Hannahjax we are in our 70’s as well and will not have a car.

So….how does one plan and schedule

Posted by
345 posts

Just a couple days ago we used ExpressTest. We booked their location at Kensington High Street and found it to be very efficient and easy to use. For a lateral flow antigen test we had results back within 40 minutes. Staff was very helpful at that location, and had a number of Americans all in there (this was Friday morning, March 25). I know that provider has other locations and my guess is that they would be a solid bet if you're ok not finding the cheapest option (it was 50 GBP for each test).

Posted by
531 posts

Nigel and Steve….since we will be staying at the LHR Sofitel the day before our flight back to US I think we will use the testing center at T 5 Departures for an antigen test…results in 40 minutes…35 £

Posted by
1 posts

Are people finding that the lateral antigen test is enough to get back into the US? Also flying back from London soon and trying to figure out what test to order. The CDC site is confusing.

Posted by
50 posts

Miss Diana, a good question. I am also confused as to which test I need.
Also, is the testing site at terminal 5 before you go through security.
Thank you

Posted by
6386 posts

You need the lateral antigen fit-to-fly test for return to the U.S.

The ExpressTest departures testing center at terminal 5 is just before going through security and after checking your bag. It’s easy to find as it is by the large “South security” sign. I will add that that testing center will be busier than ones in town, so if if can get it elsewhere that will save you some time.

Posted by
22 posts

Anybody know what happens if you test positive? Do you have to pay to reschedule your flight, or are there special COVID rules? And what do you do about a hotel? Can you just book anywhere with availability, or do you need to stay in specific places?

Posted by
2483 posts

There are no longer special COVID rules in England. If you test positive you are not legally required to self-isolate. The advice is to avoid contact with other people.

You can book any hotel. There are no special places to stay.

If you miss your flight you’ll likely have to buy another ticket 😭✈

Posted by
2599 posts

I'll be in London for 8 days at the end of April and will book a lateral antigen fit to fly test for the morning of the day before I fly home, a Saturday--lots of helpful hints from posters in our forums, very much appreciated. I will bring self-tests with me and plan to test myself a couple of times mid-week (if one is positive I will then get an official test done) so that should I have to make arrangements I won't be in panic mode (who am I kidding, I would still be quite frazzled!). I suppose it wouldn't make sense to book a new flight until I am negative, but I would at least have time to find a lower cost hotel and move myself there.

With what I am hearing about increased cases in England and reports that few people are wearing masks, that just reinforces my resolve to be diligent about wearing a mask myself unless outdoors and able to distance myself from people.