Delta is testing new tool to let passengers upload vaccine cards ahead of their flight
Delta Air Lines is testing a new digital feature that would let passengers upload proof of vaccination ahead of international flights to countries requiring tourists to have received the vaccine, TPG has learned.
The airline is currently piloting the tool on some flights to Iceland and Greece, both of which require passengers to be vaccinated in order to visit for non-essential reasons.
Screenshots of the test, which were shared with TPG by a tipster who requested not to be named in this article, show an upload screen where customers can submit a scan of their vaccination card, tied which is linked to their passport number and passenger name record (PNR).
The passenger received an email from Delta two days ahead of their scheduled flight to Iceland, prompting them to upload a photo of their vaccine card. A link in the email opened a webpage with an upload field — the tool appeared to be web-based, but not currently available through Delta's app.
A spokesperson for Delta confirmed that the airline is testing the upload feature on some flights to Iceland, as well as Greece.
"We are continuously looking to bring the technology to more routes where proof of vaccination is accepted or required entry documentation. Customers will also receive guidance prior to travel via email with instructions on how to prepare for their upcoming trip," the spokesperson added, declining to share additional details.
United has previously introduced features allowing passengers to upload vaccine and test documentation ahead of a flight through its Travel Ready Center.
The Delta tool comes as nations around the world continue to adjust travel and entry policies as the delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread.
The airline previously introduced a web-based tool allowing passengers to upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test, where required. The tool, called Delta FlyReady, was introduced on select routes to the United Kingdom this spring, before it was introduced more broadly on international routes. The feature uses a platform called TrustAssure, by CLX Health, to manage test results.
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In June, Delta said that it planned to integrate vaccine documentation into the Delta FlyReady platform at some point this summer. The new vaccine proof feature appeared to be part of that same platform, which can be viewed at a public webpage.