World's First Free COVID-19 Transatlantic Flight Takes Off

On Monday, 16 November, United passengers on Flight 14 from Newark Liberty International Airport to London Heathrow became the first to experience the airline's free transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot program.

United is the first airline in the world to provide this service. And the flight was operated on a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline provided rapid tests to every passenger over 2 years old and all crew members on board, free of charge, guaranteeing everyone on the flight tested negative prior to departure.

The rapid Abbott ID Now COVID-19 test – administered by Premise Health – was offered onsite at a testing facility, located at the Newark United Club near Gate C93.

The test will continue to be used with passengers travelling on United Flight 14, departing at 7:15 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the next four weeks.

Customers booking these flights will have the option to confirm their willingness to participate in the trial or be accommodated on another flight.

Customers who opt-in will receive information prior to travel in order to schedule a testing appointment at least three hours before their flight departs.

All customers are still subject to current U.K. entry requirements, including the 14-day quarantine rule. For more information on the testing program, please visit united.com/covid-testing.

Before the pandemic, United operated six daily flights between New York/Newark and London Heathrow on a Boeing 767-300ER (76L), offering not only the most frequency among U.S. carriers, but also the most business class and Premium Economy seats.

For more details on all the ways United is helping to keep customers safe during their journey, please visit united.com/cleanplus.