The new app will be available to British Airways passengers travelling from Britain to the US.
British Airways and American Airlines are set to trial a transatlantic digital health passport.
From February 4, passengers travelling between London and the United States will be able to upload the mobile phone app, VeriFLY, and add their travel documents, such as Covid-19 test results and - ultimately - vaccination certificates.
American Airlines has been trialling the app since November on selected routes into the US. It says feedback has been mainly positive. This is the first time a British airline is to trial such an app.
VeriFLY has been developed by international software company, Daon. The app will allow passengers to upload and combine travel documents in one place. App users are asked to create a secure profile and the platform then prompts them to confirm flight information and upload details of Covid-19 test results and any other essential documentation. The app will then confirm that the paperwork matches the destination country’s regulations with a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ message.
Certified passengers will be fast-tracked through the airport to specially designated check-in desks.
Use of the VeriFLY app will be optional.
“Through these trials, we hope to provide travellers and governments on both sides of the Atlantic with the tools and the reassurance they need to make safe travel possible,” said British Airways boss, Sean Doyle.
Robert Isom, president of American Airlines, said the airline was “pleased to be working hand-in-hand with our partner, British Airways, to make transatlantic travel as seamless as possible for those who are permitted to fly.”
VeriFLY will be available from tomorrow to passengers travelling from London on all US routes that are currently operating. They include New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Washington, Houston and Seattle.
International travel is currently banned under the current British lockdown apart for a handful of exceptions, including medical travel and essential business travel. Once British Airways has clarity on legislation, the app will be updated to conform with all the latest UK government requirements for a declaration stating the user’s reason for travel.
Phase two of the app launch will extend coverage to customers travelling to the UK from the US across both carriers. British Airways and American Airlines are currently trialling some routes from the US to the UK and will be sharing the results with Oxford University and UK and US governments.
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