BA reported a 96% increase in the number of views on its website, compared to the same day last week, mere hours after the government announced the elimination of quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers flying back into England. Top searches included New York, Malta, Barbados, Ibiza, Palma, and Malaga.
In a concurrent announcement, BA added further reassurance measures, so that customers traveling until September 30 to a country changing from amber to red while they are still vacationing, will be able to change their flight free of charge, subject to availability. The move is aimed to support Britons when they travel to a country that might be on the government watchlist to help them get back home.
British Airways Holidays quickly responded and released an offer with up to £300 off for people booking selected amber list countries. During the pandemic, BA has further enhanced its customer experience by making changes to ensure customer safety during the pandemic, including the launch of digital travel passes to facilitate seamless travel, such as VeriFLY and IATA Travel Pass, reduced costs of COVID-19 tests, a new Speedbird Café for short-haul flights, sleeping pods at Heathrow lounges and more.
BA has already confirmed that rules around wearing masks will remain in place to protect travelers and boost customer confidence. Furthermore, the airline asks its customers to remain mindful of the rules around mask-wearing in airports at their final destinations.
According to Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO: “This is an important step for Britain as we start to make travel possible again after 18 difficult months. Of course, there is still more to do, including opening the US, but we are enthusiastic about welcoming more of our customers back over the summer period and reassuring them that British Airways is ready. Our people have been working relentlessly behind the scenes to make important changes to the customer experience that will ensure our customers receive a first-class experience and complete peace of mind.”
Just this week, the carrier announced a proving trial in partnership with Heathrow and Virgin Atlantic to demonstrate that all WHO-approved fully vaccinated travelers can safely enter the UK using digital technology to prove vaccination status. VeriFLY, which already provides BA customers with access to verification documents via the app, will be a key partner.
