British Airways is trialling a Covid travel passport - here’s when it could launch

Tuesday, 16th March 2021, 11:40 am
Updated Tuesday, 16th March 2021, 11:41 am
Passengers will be able to add evidence of a coronavirus vaccination (Photo: Shutterstock)

British Airways is trialling a Covid vaccine passport which will allow passengers to add proof of their vaccination status before flying.

The airline is currently testing the system of uploading health documents on flights from London to India, but has said it will be expanded to more destinations in the coming weeks.

How will it work?

Under the plans, passengers will be able to add evidence of a coronavirus vaccination and tests, as well as other travel declarations, to their booking online.



The airline’s chief executive Sean Doyle said: “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.


When will the travel pass launch?

British Airways has not yet confirmed when it will introduce its online travel pass, but the Prime Minister has suggested that international travel could be reintroduced from mid May, if the lockdown exit plan remains on track.

However, Mr Johnson has warned that the government will take a “cautious” approach to lifting restrictions, meaning provisional dates will be reviewed before decisions are made.

British Airways is running the trial alongside its pilot of health passport VeriFLY on departures to the US and Canada, as well as all inbound flights to the UK.

Mr Doyle added: “At British Airways we are preparing for the meaningful return to international travel in the coming months.


“We know that innovation and technology hold the key to unlocking international travel.”