New BA app pioneers latest iOS 8 feature for push notifications

British Airways has added a new feature to its app that informs travellers when their gate is open at Heathrow’s terminals five and three.

British Airways has added a new feature to its app that informs travellers when their gate is open at Heathrow’s terminals five and three.

The carrier is pioneering a new feature in iOS 8, the latest version of Apple’s iPhone software.

Customers can now find their flight status in the iPhone notification centre, so they can stay up to date without opening the app.

iPhone customers with the BA app will receive a personalised welcome pop up message and WiFi password when entering the Terminal 5 lounge.

BA says it is the first UK airline to use iBeacon technology in its lounges, to show notifications based on location.

Drew Crawley, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “We have a unique opportunity to address customer needs and offer intuitive ways of making their journey even smoother. It’s these thoughtful features – from alerting customers to gate announcements, to Wi-Fi passwords, that truly add value.

“The potential to optimise mobile and digital technology is endless, but requires a careful balance of adding value without bombarding customers.”