Demands grow for cheaper tests Ian Taylor


The prospect of PCR tests being required for travel even to green countries under the government’s Covid traffic light system has led to demands for cheaper, rapid tests. The system of green, amber


and red destinations announced on Monday would see travellers to green countries require tests before a return to the UK and on arrival. The type of test is so far


unspecified, but Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said “we understand pre-departure tests will be PCR tests” and warned they “could be prohibitively costly”. Virgin Atlantic chief Shai Weiss


agreed: “We can’t have a prohibitively expensive system. Pre-departure


testing has to be rapid testing.” However, Weiss warned: “I expect PCR tests to be there for some time.” An airline source described “a


push for rapid testing”, saying: “PCR tests have been indicated. We want rapid tests to be acceptable, certainly for green countries.” The prime minister appeared


to bow to the pressure after easyJet chief Johan Lundgren warned the proposals would open travel “only to those who can afford it”. Boris Johnson insisted: “We want to make things as easy as we can. We’re going to see what we can do to make things as flexible and affordable as possible.” A PCR test can cost £120. A rapid


test is half the price and NHS lateral flow tests will be free. The government made lateral flow


We understand


pre-departure tests will be PCR tests [but these] could be prohibitively costly


tests freely available this week and a second aviation source said: “If they say you can use a free lateral flow test [to travel], we’re in a different game.” Vaccination certificates could also


remove the need for tests for many. Monday’s taskforce update noted: “The vaccination programme could offer a stable route out of the need for restrictions . . . the role of Covid- status certification is crucial. We will look to establish arrangements with


other countries and international organisations to establish mutual recognition of certificates.” A separate update on the


government’s Covid-Status Certification Review said certificates “could allow . . . reduced border restrictions”. The airline source suggested:


“Vaccination certification was the most-significant part of Monday’s announcement. The challenge is getting the digital certificate. We hope to see at least a roadmap to that in the taskforce report.” But the cost of tests will


remain crucial. Association of Atol Companies legal advisor Alan Bowen pointed out: “Families are going to be


the last ones to be vaccinated.” i Business, back page


Industry calls for clarity on traffic light guidelines


Travel Weekly reporters


Trade leaders frustrated at a lack of detail in Boris Johnson’s Easter Monday update say there must be clear guidelines on how destinations are categorised under the government’s proposed traffic light system for international travel. Speaking on a Travel Weekly


webcast, Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association president Joanne Dooey said “we can’t afford the hokey-cokey we had last year”, in reference to how countries were removed from the


4 8 APRIL 2021


travel corridor list at short notice. She said: “We need clear


guidelines, so the industry knows about it, so travel agents are aware.” The Travel Network Group


chief executive Gary Lewis said the government must “keep it simple” so the trade can anticipate when destinations are likely to move to and from the red, amber and green lists. Alan Cross, head of trade at


Jet2holidays, said more notice about changes was needed so firms can advise customers where they can or can’t travel. He said a third of the


Joanne Dooey


Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley


Gary Lewis


Alan Cross


operator’s bookings are for 2021, adding: “When things get moving, demand is going to be huge. We’ve got to be prepared.” All three agreed the cost of PCR


tests would deter many travellers, with Cross warning a family could face a bill of £800-£1,000 for tests. Dooey stressed the need for a “quick, affordable testing regime” at airports. She said the lack of clarity in the


PM’s update was “totally frustrating” for the industry, adding: “Customers are confused.” Lewis noted a sense


of “real anger and frustration”. That feeling was shared across the


trade, with various industry bodies voicing “disappointment” over the lack of detail. Aito chairman Chris Rowles said the industry had been “left to rot”, with companies treated “as if we didn’t exist”. There were renewed calls for


sector-specific support, at least until clarity on the restart is provided and while the government advises “not to


book summer holidays abroad”. i Trade bodies ‘underwhelmed’, page 38


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