What happens if a flight delay causes your pre-flight covid test to be more than 3 days old?

You know the answer. Of course, unless you want to be sent back.

It will depend on the company/lab you use. For my USVI trip this summer, I got so nervous that I did two tests. My first was a PCR test booked through CVS. When I got there at my scheduled time, I had to do a DIY swab through the drive-through. I was not confident about my ability to swab my own nose or if my results would indeed come back in time to upload to the USVI travel portal for approval, So, in a state of anxiety, I then went to my local urgent care and a nurse gave me a PCR test. It was sent to their own lab and the results were back within 4 hours. It was a huge relief and my insurance paid.

I live in rural Missouri - we also have a surge in covid. I am sure you can find an Urgent Care facility where you live that will do a test for travel. BTW my CVS results did come back but took 48 hours. Enjoy England, I missed seeing my family in the UK. I just couldn't do the 10-day quarantine. I won't get back until next June and who knows what it will be like by then. So go during this window of opportunity.

Margaret

As another option for you: Before I flew into LHR in July, I went to my local Walgreens to have a covid test called IDNOW. This was recommended by another forum member. I did the test myself at the drive through and the result is sent via email within 24 hours. I believe I had a result in less than an hour. The result was emailed to me and I printed it out as well as uploaded it to Delta. It was accepted at the airport and at LHR immigration without question. As the result is within 24 hours, I took the test 2 days before departure rather than 3.

I had a Rapid PCR test done at an Urgent Care Center. It was a pricey $250. At that time the Netherlands was requiring a negative PCR test done not more that 72 hours before ARRIVAL in the Netherlands. I got the results in about 30 minutes the morning of my flight.

OP- you have gotten some great answers, please listen to them. I’ll give you the “tough love” answer- they don’t care if you are a really nice person and the dog ate your homework. The 3 day rule is a 3 day rule. 4 days, ain’t 3 days. Close only counts when playing horseshoes or with hand grenades.

Have you checked the Charlotte airport? Some airports are offering tests, but I have no idea which or how much it costs. Waiting until the last minute might also add a level of travel anxiety you don't need right now, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

but the three day rule isn't the three day rule. At least not in this circumstance.

For travel to the UK it is 72 hours, not three days. No more than 72 hours.

The three days rule is only for return to the USA.

edit:see below

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will look into getting an additional test on the 26th.
Nigel…where are you seeing 72 hours rather than 3 days in regard to testing for England. On the official government website, I am just seeing 3 days everywhere. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#history

that's different than I have been working with for some long time, but you are right that's what they say. So that must be correct. Thanks for the knowledge.