PCR tests are too expensive for use in regular Air
Post# of 22465
(Total Views: 389)
Posted On: 05/07/2021 3:56:45 PM
PCR tests are too expensive for use in regular Air Travel says IATA -
High COVID-19 Testing Costs Could Stall Aviation’s Recovery
https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/a...-recovery/
Opening paragraphs -
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to ensure that high costs for COVID-19 testing don’t put travel out of reach for individuals and families. To facilitate an efficient restart of international travel, COVID-19 testing must be affordable as well as timely, widely available and effective.
An IATA sampling of costs for PCR tests (the test most frequently required by governments) in 16 countries showed wide variations by markets and within markets. Findings include:
Of the markets surveyed, only France complied with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for the state to bear the cost of testing for travelers.
Of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual
– The average minimum cost for testing was $90.
– The average maximum cost for testing was $208.
Even taking the average of the low-end costs, adding PCR testing to average airfares would dramatically increase the cost of flying for individuals. Pre-crisis, the average one-way airline ticket, including taxes and charges, cost $200 (2019 data).
A $90 PCR test raises the cost by 45% to $290. Add another test on arrival and the one-way cost would leap by 90% to $380. Assuming that two tests are needed in each direction, the average cost for an individual return-trip could balloon from $400 to $760.
High COVID-19 Testing Costs Could Stall Aviation’s Recovery
https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/a...-recovery/
Opening paragraphs -
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to ensure that high costs for COVID-19 testing don’t put travel out of reach for individuals and families. To facilitate an efficient restart of international travel, COVID-19 testing must be affordable as well as timely, widely available and effective.
An IATA sampling of costs for PCR tests (the test most frequently required by governments) in 16 countries showed wide variations by markets and within markets. Findings include:
Of the markets surveyed, only France complied with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for the state to bear the cost of testing for travelers.
Of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual
– The average minimum cost for testing was $90.
– The average maximum cost for testing was $208.
Even taking the average of the low-end costs, adding PCR testing to average airfares would dramatically increase the cost of flying for individuals. Pre-crisis, the average one-way airline ticket, including taxes and charges, cost $200 (2019 data).
A $90 PCR test raises the cost by 45% to $290. Add another test on arrival and the one-way cost would leap by 90% to $380. Assuming that two tests are needed in each direction, the average cost for an individual return-trip could balloon from $400 to $760.
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