Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have created an app which customers can use to find, book and prove they have the correct Covid-19 test results to fly.
The joint venture transatlantic carriers’ FlyReady ‘health tool’ was launched this week and will initially be available to passengers flying between the UK and the US.
Virgin Atlantic said the tool would speed up the airport experience for customers, enabling them to upload and verify test results within three days before departure.
A test certificate from any valid provider can be uploaded to the platform by the passenger up to 90 minutes before the flight departs.
The tool also includes a lab locator feature which allows passengers to find and book a testing provider up to three days before a flight. Customers must enter their town or postcode to find testing locations.
More: London City airport opens on-site testing centre
Comment: One form of vaccine certificate would be much simpler
Once the test result is uploaded, a passenger’s health status is linked to their booking reference, meaning airline staff carry out fewer checks at the airport.
Virgin Atlantic added that customers flying between the US and the UK in the next fortnight would be contacted and told how to use FlyReady.
All customer health data linked with Virgin Atlantic FlyReady is encrypted and stored outside the airline’s system.
Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Virgin Atlantic FlyReady will help to strengthen customers’ confidence as they return to the skies with us, by making their transatlantic journeys as smooth and seamless as possible.
“Our commitment is to ensure every single customer flies safe and well.
“With world-leading vaccination programmes in both the UK and US, there is a clear opportunity to safely open up travel between these two low-risk countries and allow vaccinated travellers to be free from testing and quarantine, consistent with the approach taken by the US and the EU.
Koster added: “We urge the UK government to move the US to the UK’s green list and for the Biden administration to repeal the 212F proclamation for UK travellers. There is no reason to delay.”
Allison Ausband, Delta Airlines’ executive vice president and chief customer experience officer, said: “Customers need a help navigating the complex requirements of post-Covid transatlantic travel.
“We’ve been working with our partners at Virgin Atlantic to develop this solution as an easy-to-use, reliable and effective way to remove guesswork for customers and our employees.”