United has launched a new digital platform allowing customers to find and store Covid-19 related information within the carrier’s app and on its website.
The Travel-Ready centre aims to help customers navigate the ever-evolving travel restrictions by allowing them to upload and validate test results, review local entry requirements, find testing providers and store vaccination records for domestic and international travel all in one place.
Customers can access the centre if they have an active reservation by visiting the ‘My Trips’ section of the United app and website. The platform will provide tailored details on requirements for travellers aged 18 and above, and indicate if they are “travel ready” based on requirements for boarding their flight, including any additional criteria for connecting flights.
The documents uploaded by passengers will be reviewed and verified by designated personnel. Once they are deemed “travel ready”, passengers will be allowed to complete the check-in process. Customers are advised to bring physical documents to the airport as well in case “further inspection is needed along their journey”.
United is set to add more innovative features in the coming weeks and months, allowing customers to:
- Schedule a test at one of more than 15,000 testing sites around the world
- Access the airline’s exclusive “Agent on Demand” feature which allows passengers to video chat live with a customer service agent to answer any questions about pre-travel requirements or documentation
- View details about visa requirements for the countries they plan on visiting
Linda Jojo, Executive Vice President for Technology and Chief Digital Officer at United, commented:
“While pre-travel testing and documentation are key to safely reopening global travel, we know it can be confusing for customers when they’re preparing for a flight.
“Starting today, our ‘Travel-Ready Center’ gives customers a personalized, step-by-step guide of what is needed for their trip, a simple way to upload required documents and quickly get their boarding pass, fully integrated within our app and website.”
United recently redesigned its mobile app, with new enhancements intended to make travel easier for people with visual disabilities.
Meanwhile, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline is considering a Covid-19 vaccine requirement for its entire workforce.
