SEATTLE, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- International
guests arriving in the U.S. can streamline their required COVID-19
documents starting Feb. 5 using the
third-party app VeriFLY. The free and secure app offers fliers
expedited check-in and verification for their arrival to the U.S.,
to help give confidence that they meet the entry requirements for
their arrival to the U.S.
Why the need?
In early January, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and
Prevention announced an order requiring international airline
passengers entering the U.S. to have proof of a negative COVID
test. The order explains that the test must be taken within
three days of departure to the U.S., and that fliers must complete
a health attestation form.
VeriFLY is a mobile app that acts as a digital health passport
to supplement the guest travel journey as they fulfill U.S. entry
requirements. Similar to Alaska Airlines' Pre-Clear program, the
app allows for real-time verification of COVID-related credentials,
like health questionnaires and diagnostic lab results. Guests will
be able to store proof of their negative COVID test, or
documentation of having recovered from COVID-19, in addition to
their health attestation form in the app to help optimize the
document verification process and get them on their way.
Although proof of a negative COVID test is mandatory for
travelers to enter into the country, usage of VeriFLY is not.
Alaska Airlines guests will have the option to use the app for
faster verification but will still be obligated to present the
essential health documents as required by the CDC's order
regardless.
VeriFLY will be limited to one person per mobile device and
requires an internet/mobile data connection to acquire/access
passes and credentials. Adults must attest on behalf of those under
the age of 18, so minors are not eligible for VeriFLY.
How does the app work?
- Download and create a user profile
First, the guest must download VeriFLY from the App Store or Google
Play at least seven hours prior to departure, preferably as early
as possible prior to departure, then register a user profile with a
photo. This step will also require email authentication.
- Browse and add destination
Then, guests will need to
browse the app to select the country of destination and add their
inbound flight details.
- Complete and upload documents
Once the profile is set
up and the flight information has been confirmed, the app will
generate a pre-travel "to-do" list with the necessary requirements
for the country (in this case, the app will display all of the
mandatory items needed for entry into the U.S. based on the CDC's
order.) Here, the guest will upload their required health documents
and complete the attestation form.
- Receive travel pass verification
After all documents
have been uploaded, VeriFLY may take up to six hours to validate
that the guest's information is correct and confirmed. If the
guest's VeriFLY information cannot be confirmed, the guest will
need to follow the manual process in adherence to the CDC's
rule.
- Present verified profile at the airport
At the
airport, the guest must present their certified VeriFLY profile to
an Alaska Airlines agent (first point of contact). Once the guest's
information is validated, the guest can continue normal check-in
without additional test verification. Upon arrival to the country,
no other VeriFLY processes will be in place. The guest will be
subject to the standard U.S. port of entry's arrival
procedure.
Alaska Airlines is exploring using this app in other markets
that have entry requirements. Learn more about the CDC requirement
at https://www.cdc.gov and VeriFLY at www.myverifly.com.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 115
destinations across the United
States and North America.
The airline provides essential air service for our guests along
with moving crucial cargo shipments, while
emphasizing Next-Level Care. Alaska is known for low fares, award-winning
customer service and sustainability efforts. Guests can earn
and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 destinations worldwide
with Alaska and its Global
Partners. On March 31, 2021,
Alaska will officially become a
member of the oneworld global alliance. Learn more
about Alaska
at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com.
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air
Group (NYSE: ALK).
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines