United Airlines announced Thursday that it will offer free coronavirus testing to travelers on select flights between Newark and London’s Heathrow Airport beginning next month.
The four-week pilot program will run Nov. 16 through Dec. 11. All passengers over the age of 2 on select flights between Newark and London will be given free rapid tests.
Those who do not wish to be tested will be rebooked on other flights. The goal, United officials said, is to ensure everyone on board has tested negative for the virus.
Increasingly, the aviation industry sees testing as a key strategy for restarting travel — particularly international travel, which has been hardest hit as countries have closed borders and imposed strict quarantines.