British Airways trials VeriFLY, a mobile travel health passport
VeriFLY can be downloaded to a traveler’s mobile device and after creating a secure profile, will allow users to combine travel verification documents and COVID-19 test results in one place
British Airways announced at the end of January it will begin trialing a new travel health app, VeriFLY, with passengers who are eligible to travel between London and the US beginning today.
British Airways is the first airline in the UK to trial the use of a mobile travel health passport and it will also be the only airline outside the US to offer its customers the opportunity to trial the app.
The trial follows the recent announcement by American Airlines, British Airways’ joint business partner, allowing all passengers to use VeriFLY when they are traveling to the US from all international destinations. American Airlines became the first airline to use VeriFLY in November on selected routes.
Pioneered by software company, Daon, VeriFLY can be downloaded to a traveler’s mobile device after creating a secure profile. It will allow users to combine travel verification documents and COVID-19 test results in one place, ensuring travelers are fully compliant with the entry requirements for their destination before leaving home. Certified users will be fast-tracked through the airport where specially designated desks will be available for check-in.
Phase two, which will follow in the near future, will extend to cover customers traveling to the UK from the US across both carriers. This will make British Airways and American Airlines the first transatlantic partners to offer a digital solution for eligible passengers flying to the UK.
“Although flying is currently restricted, it is essential we do as much as we can now to help those who are eligible to fly and prepare to help our customers navigate the complexities around changing global entry requirements when the world re-opens,” said Sean Doyle, British Airways’ CEO, in yesterday’s announcement. “We remain focused and committed to finding user-friendly, evidence-based solutions to make journeys as seamless they can be. Through these trials, we hope to provide travelers and governments on both sides of the Atlantic with the tools and the reassurance they need to make safe travel possible.”
“We are pleased to be working hand-in-hand again with our partner, British Airways, to make transatlantic travel as seamless as possible for those who are permitted to fly by utilizing the latest in digital technology,” said Robert Isom, American Airlines’ President.
