Starting February 5, 2021, international guests arriving in the U.S. can streamline their COVID-19 documents by utilizing the free and secure third-party VeriFLY app. The app allows expedited check-in and verification for U.S. arrival, so guests can travel with confidence.
On Thursday (February 4, 2021), Alaska Airlines announced the launch of VeriFLY for international fliers traveling to the U.S. from February 5, 2021. The free and secure VeriFLY app allows guests to streamline their required COVID-19 documents for expedited check-in and verification prior to arrival in the U.S. Last January, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced an order requiring all travelers to the U.S. to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which must be taken within three days prior to departure. Travelers must also fill out a required health attestation form.
The VeriFLY mobile app serves as a digital health passport which streamlines the guest journey as they fulfil U.S. travel requirements. Like Alaska Airlines’ Pre-Clear program, the app allows for real-time verification of COVID-19 related credentials such as diagnostic lab results, health questionnaires and documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Proof of a negative test result is mandatory for entry into the U.S. but use of the VeriFLY app is optional. Alaska Airlines’ guests can choose to use the app for faster verification, but will still be required to present the essential CDC mandated documents. VeriFLY is limited to one person per mobile device and requires an internet/mobile data connection. Since Adults must attest on behalf of minors, guests under 18 are not eligible for VeriFLY.
Customers choosing to use VeriFLY must download the app at least seven hours prior to departure and register a user profile and photo, followed by e-mail authentication. Next, guests will add their destination and inbound flight details. The app will then display a “to-do” list with the necessary entry requirements for the destination country – in this case, the U.S. and the user then uploads the required health documents and completes the attestation form. Finally, guests will receive their travel pass verification, a process which can take up to six hours. If the VeriFLY information cannot be confirmed, users must follow the manual process.
Upon arrival at the airport, the guest will then present their certified VeriFLY profile to an Alaska Airlines agent for validation and once the information is validated, can continue with the normal check-in process. Naturally, upon arrival in the U.S., customers will still be subject to normal U.S. port of entry procedures.
Alaska Airlines and their regional partners serve over 115 destinations in the United States and North America, providing essential service for their guests and critical cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level Care. The carrier has hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Anchorage and is known for low fares, excellent service and sustainability efforts. Along with their Global Partners, Alaska Airlines’ guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 800 global destinations. On March 31, 2021, Alaska Airlines will become a member of the oneworld global alliance. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines