SIA to be First Airline to Pilot Digital COVID-19 Travel Pass; Travellers to London Could Participate

In the past, travelling only required you to get your luggage, your passport, and your air tickets before you were ready to go.

Nowadays, to travel overseas, you not only need your passport but you need the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Travel Pass app as well.

Of course, let’s not forget about the COVID-19 vaccine certificates as well. 

SIA to be the First Airline to Pilot Digital COVID-19 Travel Pass

IATA’s Travel Pass App will store information on passengers’ health and whether they have had virus tests or vaccines. This app aids in streamlining travel as borders reopen.

In partnership with Singapore Airlines (SIA), the app will be offered to travellers heading from Singapore to London between March 15 and 28.

The catch is, your phone must be operating on the iOS system. Too bad for Android users.

Participants in the pilot scheme will be required to take the pre-departure COVID-19 test. They will be able to check their COVID-19 test results on the app. They will also be able to view their eligibility to fly on the same app as well.

If all goes well and they are given the green light, participants will need to show their confirmed status in the app before their flight.

For now, passengers are still required to bring a physical copy of their health certificate that is issued by the clinic where they took the test. 

This app has been deemed as such an innovative digital solution for the verification of COVID-19 test results that other airlines like Air New Zealand and Emirates have signed up to trial the app.

How It Works 

1. Download the app and create a digital ID
2. Book a pre-departure COVID-19 test
3. Register at the clinic using digital ID
4. View results and confirmation status to fly
5. Show confirmed status at check-in

According to The Straits Times, the app also allows you to add flight details as well.

The Future of Flying

If the pilot scheme is successful, that means that this app could pave the way for a much more streamlined travelling experience. By putting everything in one app, people can expect a faster and more seamless check-in process. 

You will also have full control of how your personal information is shared as the data is stored in your phone and not a central database. That’s sure to be a relief for those worried about their privacy.

Now the problem is, what if your phone runs out of battery while you are checking in?

Feature Image: SpaceKris / Shutterstock.com