With the new US testing requirements set to come into effect later this month, American Airlines will become the first carrier to introduce a health passport for inbound travel into the country.
The airlines will be launching its VeriFLY app for passengers to utilize to confirm testing and other COVID-19 travel requirements for their flights to the US beginning January 23rd.
The app, which serves as a mobile health passport, allows users to understand and verify all travel requirements, as well as upload COVID-19 test information to streamline the boarding process.
American Airlines had initially run a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the app late last year.
The full launch will see the airlines expand accessibility to support the new US requirements for all travelers over two years of age traveling to the US from any international location.
Speaking on the announcement of the launch, American Airlines Vice President of Customer Experience, Julie Rath stated:
“We’re expanding our work with VeriFLY to quickly evolve our usage of the app and make international travel easier for our customers. We support the implementation of a global program to require COVID-19 testing for travelers to the United States, and we want to do everything we can to make travel a seamless experience for customers. We’ve received positive feedback about the app so far and look forward to more customers having the opportunity to use it.”
While the launch for travel to the US is scheduled for January 23rd, the app is currently available for travel to several countries including Jamaica, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
The app has already been used successfully for travel by thousands of Americans.
How it Works
American Airlines customers will be requested to download the VeriFLY app and register their account.
Once logged in, the app will prompt the user to confirm the following details relating to their trip:
- Flight information
- Negative COVID-19 test results that fulfills travel destination’s requirements
- Any required documentation
Upon successful completion of each required element, the app will verify the information and generate a simple pass or fail message.
The app will also allow users to complete the required CDC attestation form on the app.
Once the verification process is complete, the app will grant access and provide a QR code which may be used for boarding to fulfill the testing requirements.
The airline is also encouraging users to access the app to review travel requirements for their destination.
The VeriFLY app is available for free download from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
About the App
The VeriFLY app is developed and operated by Daon, a biometrics authentication and identity assurance solutions provider.
The app is the first of its kind among US airlines to be offered to streamline the check-in process.
With the US recently announcing testing requirements for all international arrivals, and the onus of confirmation on airlines, the app provides an organized and convenient method for travelers to complete their travel requirements.
While the app will be available for all American customers, at this time the use of the app to verify test information is not incumbent upon all customers, as they may use alternate methods to verify their requirements to the airline.
More information on the app may be found here.
As US testing requirements are set to come into effect in the coming days, and testing protocols are increasing in countries around the globe, the use of such apps may soon become more commonplace.
Other US airlines are currently working on solutions to provide their customers with clear and organized procedures to streamline the collection of testing information of travelers and make the boarding process easier.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Dennis
Monday 18th of January 2021
I guess I will not be leaving the country. Might as well move to Russia,