American Airlines streamlines pre-travel health requirements with new mobile app
If you're planning to travel internationally, you'll need to pack a negative COVID test when returning to the U.S.
Plus, your destination country might also require a pre-departure test, as well as other health documents.
To ease (some of) the burden, American Airlines is working to streamline the pre-travel process with new technology. Starting on Feb. 3, the Fort Worth-based carrier will expand access to the VeriFLY mobile app.
Flyers can download the VeriFLY app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, select a destination, upload negative test results and then receive a QR code to show at the airport check-in counter.
As of Feb. 3, American flyers can use the streamlined check-in process on the following itineraries:
- International flights to the U.S.
- Itineraries from a domestic airport (including connecting flights) to:
- United Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala
On Feb. 4, select British Airways passengers headed to the U.S. will also have access to VeriFLY's mobile health passport.
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This QR code-based verification process is a win-win for customers and airlines.
According to Preston Peterson, American's director of customer experience innovation, "VeriFLY offers peace of mind for the customer. By submitting their health information before getting to the airport, the customer will know they are ready to go.”
For flyers, check-in lines should move faster since agents won't need to look at physical paperwork. Plus, as Peterson said, there's added peace-of-mind that your pre-travel test was verified before arriving at the airport.
In addition to the simplified airport experience, airlines won't need to worry about fraudulent COVID test certificates.
When announcing the expansion of the VeriFLY app, Julie Rath, vice president of customer experience at American said that "we are constantly looking at ways to make travel easier and simpler for our customers, and navigating testing requirements and validation is a big piece of that."
Notably, VeriFLY doesn't just verify your test result. It'll also prompt you to complete digital attestation forms where necessary, which further streamlines the pre-travel health requirements.
Other airlines: United launches all-in-one travel center with support for vaccine passports
To date, American says that thousands of customers have traveled using the app. And with the latest expansion, that number is sure to skyrocket.
One day, hopefully, the app will expand to include a COVID vaccine passport, which will likely be a major step in travel resuming to pre-pandemic levels.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees