United Airlines has unveiled a new digital solution to keep customers updated and in compliance with travel restrictions called the Travel-Ready Center.
United Airlines Travel-Ready Center
The Travel-Ready Center is a “one-stop-shop” where passengers can review their specific COVID-19 travel requirements for upcoming travel, find local testing options, and upload any testing or vaccination records that might be needed for entry.
These new features will be integrated into the United’s mobile app (and on united.com).
United already offers a Destination Travel Guide with information on domestic and international travel restrictions. The Travel-Ready Center will build upon that by allowing passengers to pinpoint local testing centers (in certain markets) as well as upload necessary documentation ahead of check-in.
Documentation will reviewed by human eyes. If approved, online check-in will be permitted for destinations which require negative tests, allowing passengers to bypass check-in or gate agents. You’ll know if you can check in online by looking for a green “Travel Ready” badge on your reservation.
Documentation is still subject to in-person verification at the airport, so bring it along even if you are cleared in advance to travel.
In the months ahead, United plans to add visa information as well, so that all entry requirements will be clearly spelled out ahead of travel.
CONCLUSION
United’s new Travel-Ready Center is conceptually a great tool to avoid additional airport checks. Still, my hunch tells me to expect checks again at the airport, at least for the time being. Eventually, I do hope for a seamless solution in which visa, vaccination, and testing information uploaded to the United app will avoid all need for human interaction prior to boarding.
This is interesting. I don’t suppose this interleaves with local websites such as the State of Hawaii? I went there over the holidays and of course had to create a profile with the state. Interestingly, UA did not check any of this upon check in to my flight (which was in first class)
Love the idea of a travel center….seemingly should make your travel seamless. However not the case. Having issues uploading my passport and no one to contact….no live person to speak with. Also enter my info online (due to the mobile issues) and it still shows as pending requirements. Re-entered info 3 times. Waste of time.
UA Travel center phone app won’t scan my passport((USA) correctly for scan to be accepted.
No email address to send a scan already have on my laptop. Does not have current COLOMBIA Check mig form(immigration form). Chabot agent(live) not apparently informed re forms and scan problems. Will just go early airport.
DOCUMENT VALIDATION PAPERWORK UK – USA
I want to travel back to my native country and have no idea where I can get a Covid test