Industry News
British Airways and Other Travel Services Launch Digital Covid-19 Info Travel Tools By Hannah Brandler
B
ritish Airways has launched a new interactive map providing its customers with the latest travel restrictions and entry requirements. The map can be accessed via its existing Covid hub and is set to be integrated into ba.com. It allows visitors to see the travel restrictions in place in each country before booking a trip. Customers can search by traffic light colour or by typing in their destination, and a filter to indicate vaccination status will adjust the results. The page was designed by global tech firm Sherpa and brings together up-to-date information for over 100 countries. The airline’s existing Covid-19 travel hub page includes information on flexible bookings, testing, voucher use, and onboard measures. Jack Smith, British Airways’ Head of Digital said: “We know that travel in this new Covid era can feel overwhelming for our customers, and our job is to make their lives as straightforward as possible. This new tool, which has been tried and
is trusted by our joint business partner, American Airlines, will help people navigate the differing entry requirements, to allow for a smooth booking and travel experience.” Max Tremaine, CEO of Sherpa, added: “Supporting the return to travel, we’re honoured to be working with the team at British Airways. Together, we are providing their customers with the information they need to make informed booking decisions and travel confidently again.” Easyjet has a similar online tool which features a live travel map showing the latest restrictions for travel to and from the 35 countries on Easyjet’s European network. Airline alliance groups Oneworld and Skyteam recently enhanced their Covid-19 information portals, while London City airport launched a new passenger travel portal in May. www.businesstraveller.com/businesstravel/2021/07/21/british-airways-launchesdigital-covid-19-travel-tool/
8 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | Sept 2021
