I was supposed to leave yesterday. Lufthansa advertises Centogene COVID testing at the Frankfurt airport. Since no one seems to know if the Egypt entry requirement is 72 or 96 hours, and whether that is from when you leave the States or arrive in Cairo, this seemed a much better option. Lufthansa cautioned me that if the test takes longer than usual, I could get bumped to the next flight, but agreed this was a good idea.
I went to check in with United (who handles the first portion of my route before Lufthansa) online the morning of my departure. I was given a notice on United's website that I would not be able to board without my COVID test. I called Lufthansa, and they said I should be able to board but may want to talk with United to be certain there are no issues. I called United. I was on hold 20 minutes before even being able to talk to a person, and then a bunch of confused agents kept transferring me and telling me they had to talk to their supervisor. The whole call took over an hour, but I was told not to worry and I would definitely not have any trouble boarding.
At the airport, United's agents read the same prompt I did on the screen. They told me it was impossible to board without a COVID test in Cleveland. I explained my early phone call and asked them to call their office. An older lady told me she was the head customer service person in Cleveland, and basically "the buck stops here", and it was her decision and I would not board. I requested a flight either directly to Frankfurt, or to Hurghada. I was told I would not be allowed to board to either of those destinations. I told the agent there is no advanced testing required by either the German or Egyptian government to either of those destinations, and the agent got mad at me, said there was, and this stuff changes daily so I don't know what I am talking about.
I got the soonest COVID test I could, but the pharmacist says it could take up to 7 days for results. I doubt I will be able to go, and am really upset, as I was really looking forward to this trip.