British Airways to Commence VeriFly Trial on 4 February

(31 Oct 2021) British Airways will trial a new travel health app, VeriFLY, with customers who are eligible to travel between London and the US, starting 4 February 2021.

The digital health travel passport, which can be downloaded to a mobile device, is designed to offer peace of mind before travel by checking customers meet the entry requirements of their destination by providing digital health document verification and confirming eligibility.

Use of the VeriFLY app will be optional and customers will also continue to be able to evidence they meet the US entry requirements at check-in.

American Airlines, British Airways’ joint business and oneworld partner, already allows all customers to use VeriFLY when they are travelling to the US from all international destinations.

Since American became the first airline to use VeriFLY in November on selected routes, thousands of customers have travelled using the app, with many providing positive feedback to the airline on its ease of use.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ CEO, said, “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 travellers and governments on both sides of the Atlantic with the tools and the reassurance they need to make safe travel possible.”

VeriFLY has been pioneered by private software company, Daon, which also works with some of the world’s leading banking and credit card companies. The software will allow people to combine travel verification documents and COVID19 test results in one place, ensuring travellers are fully compliant with the entry requirements for their destination before leaving home. Certified customers will be fast-tracked through the airport where specially designated desks will be available for check in.

VeriFLY can be downloaded to a customer’s mobile device with ease from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. After creating a secure profile, the platform prompts customers to confirm their flight information, upload details of a negative COVID19 test result and any other essential documentation. The software confirms the test matches the country’s regulations with a simple ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ message. VeriFLY will also provide users with reminders once the credential has expired.

British Airways says that the app will be updated to ensure conformance with the latest UK government requirement for a declaration around the reason for travel "once the airline has clarity on the legislation".

The trial will begin from 4 February 2021 for customers travelling from London to all US routes currently operating.

Phase two, which is expected to follow in the near future, will extend to cover customers travelling to the UK from the US across both carriers.

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