AA introduces trial app to make travel easier during COVID
Published:Monday | November 16, 2020 | 12:13 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
As at Wednesday, November 18, American Airlines passengers connecting through Miami to Jamaica will have access to a mobile wellness wallet app that will be used to verify pretesting for COVID-19.
A collaboration between the airline and identity assurance leader Daon, the app tagged VeriFLY will help travellers easily understand coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and documentation requirements for their destination and streamline airport check-in through a digital verification to ensure that customers have completed the requirements.
American Airlines, which is expected to fly 15 flights per day into island as of next month, made the announcement last Thursday.
The carrier has been forced to hire additional staff at Miami International Airport to deal specifically with travel authorisation. American says travellers will have the opportunity to test the new solution at no cost by creating a secure profile and confirming details for their trip.
The app is to make travel to international destinations easier, said the airline.
“Piloting this new solution is a direct response to our customers’ increasing desire to explore more international travel opportunities,” said Robert Isom, president of American Airlines.
“The app will help us deliver a more seamless travel experience as we support demand return and put customers’ minds at ease that they are fully prepared for their trip.”
Currently, visitors to Jamaica are required to present either a PCR or rapid antigen test result done no more than 10 days before travel while Jamaican residents who are not required to test are forced into a 14-day quarantine on their return to the island.
Daon, in a media statement, said that the collaboration with American was the pursuit of a faster, safer customer-travel experience.
The company’s CEO, Tom Grissen, said that American Airlines customers would have immediate access to the most powerful and trusted identity technology on the market.
Prior to travel
After creating a secure profile on their mobile device, customers will be prompted to confirm details for their trip, including:
. Their flight information.
. A negative COVID-19 test that fulfills their destination’s requirements.
. Any required documentation for travel to their destination based upon requirements published at that time.
As travellers verify each required element for travel, the app verifies that the customer’s data matches a country’s requirements and displays a simple pass or fail message.
This simple message will streamline the check-in and documentation verification process at the airport before departure. The app also provides travellers with reminders when their travel window is coming to a close or once their credential has expired.
Travellers will still need to go to www.visitjamaica.com to get their travel authorisation for entry into Jamaica.
American says customers utilising VeriFLY will be provided an expedited entry lane for testing verification in the North Terminal.