British Airways has launched a daily updated interactive map to inform travellers of restrictions and requirements before booking flights to their chosen destinations.
The airline launched the map, which shows global travel information for inbound and outbound destinations, providing restriction details, and entry requirements.
The map was developed by Sherpa, a global tech company providing travel identification requirements for customers. American Airlines, BA’s joint business partner, was among the clients who tested the map.
The tool includes information from over 100 countries, and visitors can search by traffic light colour, or indicate the destination of choice.
It then details the travel restrictions of that country, the forms and documents the traveller may need and any additional information specific to that destination – for example, mandatory face masks.
Users can also select whether they are vaccinated or not to filter information and inform travellers of what is required from them upon returning to the UK.
“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,” said British Airways head of digital Jack Smith.
“[It] will help people navigate the differing entry requirements, to allow for a smooth booking and travel experience.”
As COVID-19 restrictions change daily across the globe, the map continuously updates with newly added changes and upcoming changes, including dates from when they commence.
“Supporting the return to travel, we’re honoured to be working with the team at British Airways,” said chief executive of Sherpa, Max Tremaine.
“Together, we are providing their customers with the information they need to make informed booking decisions and travel confidently again.”
Sherpa designed this technology with access to over 64 government systems through universal API connections.
The launch comes at a time when the UK’s travel restrictions have been stripped almost completely, following the long-awaited ‘Freedom Day’.
The map will eventually be integrated into British Airways’ website, as it is currently featured on a separate one joint with Sherpa.
Other competitors have launched similar tools, such as Delta Airlines in the US, which provides a COVID-19 restriction updater.
EasyJet features a similar tool showing the latest restrictions for the 35 countries part of the airline’s network.
The International Air Transport Association’s website contains a COVID-19 Travel Regulations map, powered by Timatic.
Users can click on a country and its travel information and requirements will appear. The map is colour coded from minimal restrictive countries to totally restrictive ones.
