British Airways has announced its intention to launch the VeriFLY health passport app on all transatlantic routes between London and the US, starting February 4th. The app will allow passengers to certify test results and vaccination status on a personal mobile device, before leaving home.
British Airways has announced the launch of a new travel health app, VeriFLY, for customers traveling between London and the US (currently New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Washington, Houston and Seattle), starting February 4th.
The new digital health travel passport will offer passengers some peace of mind before travel, making sure they meet the entry requirements of their destination by providing a digital health verification and confirming eligibility. VeriFLY will allow passengers to certify test results and vaccination status on any mobile device, and offer a fast-track opportunity at the airport.
The trial will be run in conjunction with American Airlines, already using the app on flights to the US from all international destinations. Phase two, set to start in the near future, will allow customers to use the app when travelling to the UK from the US with either British Airways or American Airlines.
Customers can download the app to their mobile device, confirm their flight information, upload details of a negative corona test and any other essential documentation, and the software will confirm if the test matches the country’s regulations with a simple ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ message.
BA stresses the use of the mobile travel health passport is optional, and passengers can choose instead to provide evidence that they meet US entry requirements at check-in.
Using VeriFLY has its advantages: It can be used in the comfort of one’s home, and once at the airport, “Certified customers will be fast-tracked through the airport where specially designated desks will be available for check in”.
According to CEO, Sean Doyle: “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.
“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.”
BA will be the first UK carrier to trial the use of a mobile health passport for customers travelling from London, and the only airline outside of the US to offer the VeriFLY technology.
