British Airways has extended its use of the Verifly digital health passport app to cover all inbound international flights to the UK.
BA began trials of the app last month, enabling customers on transatlantic routes between London and the US to certify Covid-19 test certificates and required travel documentation before they leave home for their flights.
From February 15 the optional service will be available for all inbound UK international flights, “in response to tightening border controls by the UK government”.
Joint business and Oneworld partner American Airlines is already using the technology at all of its airports in the US.
Customers can download the app to their mobile device from the Apple or Google Play stores, and then check that they meet the entry requirements of their destination “by providing digital health document verification and confirming eligibility”. Once submitted the app will provide either a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ message.
BA stresses that use of the app is optional, and passengers can instead provide evidence that they meet entry requirements at check-in should they prefer.
The advantages of using the Verifly system are that it can be done before leaving for the airport, and once there “Certified customers will be fast-tracked through the airport where specially designated desks will be available for check in”.
BA has also confirmed that its parent company IAG is continuing to work with The International Air Transport Association on the development of the IATA Travel Pass app, with a launch expected in the coming weeks.
Commenting on the news Sean Doyle, British Airways’ CEO said:
“We know that digital health apps and wallets will likely become commonplace when travel opens up again. We are exploring every available solution to support eligible customers and the UK government both during this period of limited travel and in preparation for a time when restrictions are eased, when we hope many more people will be able to resume flying again.”
