It feels like flying to Europe is full of uncertainties right now. There are often changes in the rules of entry to the UK and EU member countries, which can add to the confusion. But I was ready for the challenge.My partner and I had been vaccinated so we were excited to go on our first international trip together since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic.British Airways flew me from Los Angeles International Airport to Barcelona via London Heathrow. It was a good choice to leave late June at night from LAX, because we were able to avoid the chaos, long lines and circles of hell-type pain that can accompany international flights. Unfortunately, many shops and restaurants were closed which was a stark reminder of how things are not back to normal.Travelers must complete a Passenger Locator form in order to land in the UK. This can be done up to 48 hours prior to arrival. It is easy to access online at GOV.UK. Once you have filled in the form, a document with a QR Code is generated. You can print it or email it, or save it to your phone. A negative COVID-19 test must be taken within three days of your departure. Even if you have been vaccinated, the test must be taken.For landing in Spain, you will need a similar document that includes a QR code from the Spanish health authorities (Spain Travel Health spth.gob.es). This can also be printed or displayed on your smartphone. Spain no longer requires proof of vaccination to enter the country, but we still brought our vaccine cards.It was interesting that we only had to show our UK Passenger Finder Form and our negative COVID-19 testing result to the LAX check-in agent. We didn't need any documentation, not even the negative test, when we arrived at London Heathrow. It wasn't even a conversation!Although we thought that the document might be required for our flight to Barcelona to board, nobody confirmed this. An attendant asked us to fill out an additional form on the Heathrow-Barcelona plane. It included the same questions that we had answered on the Spanish health site. Nobody asked for the additional form when we arrived in Barcelona. We did go through a health checkpoint, where they scan the QR code.That was it. Laurence, the LAX friendly check-in agent, seemed to be the only one who paid attention to all the stress and anxiety surrounding having the right documents.The night before we left for our destination was the most stressful. When I tried to check into British Airways flights, I provided the standard passport numbers. But, lo and behold, a message appeared saying that we did not have enough documents to fly to our destination. I was directed to IATA's website, where I submitted all of my travel information once again. Again, I was informed that we didn't have enough documentation to fly on this particular trip. I don't understand. What? IATA's website had incorrect information about Spain and told travelers that they could not enter the country until June 30th. British Airways informed me that we had all been checked in and were ready to go when I called them the next morning.British Airways flew to London Heathrow with only half the passengers. We shared the cabin with three other travellers and sat in front row on the World Traveler Plus cabin. At 4pm on Sunday, we arrived at London Heathrow. The airport was quite quiet and some shops and restaurants were still closed. Starbucks was closed but duty-free was available.The trip from Los Angeles via London to Barcelona was relatively easy. The flight was easy because of the short lines and limited number of passengers. Although this isn't the best way to bring the airline industry back to its feet or help countries recover after the pandemic it makes for a pleasant airport experience.Do your research and fill out the appropriate forms to travel to Europe. If applicable, get a COVID-19 Test and bring the documents to the airport. Always be prepared.Similar ArticlesBridget Kirby is the author of all images.
