British Airways are set to be one of the first UK companies to use ‘Apple Pay’, an innovative new technology from Apple which aims to transform mobile payments for its users.
BA recently launched its own app on the Apple store, and Apple Pay will be available from within the app which will work with the ‘Phone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 3 and Apple Watch. Apple Pay will enable customers to pay for flights and holidays securely and privately. The technology does not store your credit or debit card details on the device used. It is also not stored on Apple servers. Instead users will be given a unique Device Account Number which will be encrypted and securely stored on a dedicated chip on the Apple device. Instead of using your debit or credit card in stores you can now simply hold your device near the contactless reader and a tiny beep will signify that payment has been made.
BA’s head, Kevin McQuillan, is excited that they are paving the way in using this new technology which he says will make booking flights even easier. He says it is one of the ways in which BA are making life easier for travellers as their new app also includes push notifications at Heathrow when the passenger gates are open and a digital upgrade for those with Executive Club membership cards.
Non Apple users of course will be able to book flights and travel arrangements with their debit and credit cards. Apple have often trail-blazed with their tablet and mobile phone technology so it is expected that at some point other companies will follow suit for those not willing to buy into Apple products. As more people use smartphone technology this could be the standard when it comes to paying for goods, eventually phasing out the need to show your debit or credit card in store.