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Flying USA to UK next week, transit through Canada - OMG - any ideas?

Posted by (Pacific Northwest) on

Hi! I have lurked here for years but just now joined to ask all you expert travelers a few questions. Thank you all in advance! :-)

My husband and I (stupidly) booked flights from Seattle to London for next week. We fly out the 9th (returning December 31st) and have to change planes in Canada. It looks like that means we need to take a COVID test 72 hours before arriving at Vancouver airport, just to change planes. Question 1) does anyone here know if that is true? Or are you considered "not really in Canada" while going from one gate to the next, and hence do not need a test? I checked Canada's website and got mixed messages.

Then we need to take a PCR test 2 days after we arrive at Heathrow. Question 2) Since we arrive on the 10th, and the 12th is a Sunday, would that mean we take the "2 day" test on Monday, which is the 3rd day? (I know all the guidelines about that are super new and there is still much confusion.)

Question 3) We booked a hotel with a refundable rate. Our tickets are through Priceline, so I know if we cancel we lose that money. Given that, what is everyone's gut feeling about just cancelling and waiting another month or so? Is it worth what seems like an INSANE amount of hassle (and extra cash for tests, which are freaking ASTONISHINGLY spendy) for 3 weeks in a city that we know, love, and have visited many times before?

To say I am freaking out is a vast understatement. Thanks to anyone who can help. And sorry my first message on this board was so hysterical!

Posted by
273 posts

Hi
It is my understanding that the government of Canada has changed the rules due to omicron, the test has to be 24 hours before arriving not 72.
To make matters worse there's the possibility of further restrictions for your return date.
There are too many hassles and uncertainty at the moment, if you're going to be worried all the time, you're not going to enjoy your trip.
If you're able to cancel or reschedule that's what I would do.
Happy travels

Posted by
8415 posts

Since UK is now requiring Test for entry, that same test would work for Canada if required. Another option is to change to a flight directly from Seattle to London and skip Canada altogether.

You may take the day 2 test upon arrival in the UK (arrival day counts as day zero) which would be my suggestion.

Posted by
6113 posts

The rules for entry into England and Scotland are changing on Tuesday. After 4am Tuesday, you will have to take a PCR or LFT 48 hours before your arrival in the U.K.. This has just been announced and not much information is available at present.

You then also need a PCR test to be taken on the day of your arrival (day 0) or up to day 2. This must be booked and paid for in advance and can be sent to your accommodation in advance. You need the code from this for your passenger locator form which must be completed prior to boarding. You can’t take your test on the Monday. You have to self isolate from arrival until you get a negative PCR test, so you don’t want to delay it. Results usually take 24-48 hours. Someone recommended a clinic that can turn results around in c 4 hours if you are prepared to pay an incredible £400 each!

Posted by
3 posts

BB, aulupone, Carol now retired, Jennifer (hope I spelled you all correctly :-) THANK YOU.

This is so very helpful. Just being able to get input is calming my nerves - I figure that, if I know what I have to do, I can figure out how to do it.

That said, I am thinking VERY strongly of rescheduling. Thanks again!

Posted by
2331 posts

I don’t think rescheduling for a month later is going to make a difference. The UK’s restrictions have been tight for a long time. I don’t see them loosening in a month (after the holidays). But who knows at this point.

Posted by
199 posts

If you fly in LHA and T5, you can take a test at Halo or 59 pounds and results in 11 hours. Type in Halo and it will guide you.

I'm trying to figure out if Walgreens PCR test is covered by insurance and when my 2 days start if my flight is 4pm Thursday :)

Posted by
118 posts

I don’t think that the 4 hour PCRs are valid for the day2 test. Even the £400 one mentioned recently only qualifies for a fit to fly certificate not a day 2.

Posted by
8415 posts

If you put “day 2 PCR test Heathrow”. Into a search engine you will find several at far cheaper prices. The most expensive one I saw was £129 for results by midnight on the day of arrival. Just make sure that you are looking at day 2 pcr.

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