Covid: British Airways continues Verifly app trial

Verifly, the digital health passport app was launched early in 2021 by British Airways. Initially, it began trials on transatlantic flights between the UK and the US. Shortly after, the trial expanded to include all international flights bound to the UK.

The app enables users to digitally endorse all the required travel documentation, such as COVID-19 test results. Once the required health documents are uploaded, the app will provide a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ message.

With Verifly, passengers can have their COVID-19 documentation verified before they even leave for the airport. At the airport, they will bypass queues and will be fast-tracked through check-in at designated desks. 

Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, has stated, ‘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.’

Currently, travellers returning to the UK are required to quarantine for ten days on arrival. Additionally, arrivals are required to take COVID-19 PCR tests on Day 2 and Day 8 of their quarantine period. The test bookings need to be made before the arrival date. 

Passengers must include test booking details and quarantine location in a passenger locator form in order to be eligible for entry to the UK.

British Airways has emphasized that the use of the Verifly system is completely optional. They have recommended that passengers use the traditional means of COVID-19 document verification during check-in if that is what they feel comfortable doing.

The Verifly app continues to see improvements to its usability. Until recently, the app could be used by a single user per device. With the introduction of the ‘family pass’ feature, up to nine users can have their pre-flight document verification using one device. 

Customers who wish to utilize the Verifly app can download it from the Google Play store or the Apple store directly to their personal mobile devices.