British Airways rolls out COVID-19 document trial on their website

British Airways is starting a trial for document certification for travelers. Travelers will be able to upload their negative COVID-19 test results and other travel declaration forms, including a vaccination form, directly to a portal on British Airways’ website BA.com.

The trial period will be for British Airways customers traveling from London to India. According to the airline, “The new initiative is being trialled as part of the airline’s efforts to simplify the departure process as it prepares for the return of international travel.”

“The trial, which is running on all flights from London to India, will certify that customers have the correct documentation needed for their flight before they arrive at the airport, allowing them to check-in online and avoid queuing in the terminal,” the airline said in a statement.

Three days before their departure, customers will receive an email listing the documents needed to upload, including a negative COVID-19 test result, a digital declaration form, and a vaccination card if required by the destination. The customer will then upload each document via “Manage My Booking,” and then a British Airlines employee will certify those documents within six hours.

British Airways will expand the trial to more destinations over the next few weeks and also hopes to add the functionality to the airline’s app.

“At British Airways we are preparing for the meaningful return to international travel in the coming months,” said Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chief Executive Officer. “This means doing everything we can to simplify the journey for our customers, allow them to travel with confidence and create the best possible seamless, frictionless experience in a new Covid era.”

“We know that innovation and technology hold the key to unlocking international travel. We are already offering access to travel app ‘VeriFLY’ on selected routes and IAG has been helping develop ‘Travel Pass’ with IATA,” he added. “Now it’s also time to look at what we can offer through our own website. The key benefit of customers being able to upload the correct travel documentation into their booking, is that it enables them to check-in online, speeding up the airport process. We are continually exploring the best possible options to help our customers return to the skies, safely.”

The airline will continue to explore different health passport options for its customers in preparation for the restart of travel.