British Airways (BA) has become the first airline in the UK to start trials on using biometric technology that allows passengers to travel abroad without having to show their passports. The trial will run for six months on BA flights from London Heathrow Terminal 5 to Malaga in Spain. Selected passengers will receive an email three days in advance with a link to scan their face, passport, and boarding pass via a smartphone or tablet.
In what is considered the next step in paperless air travel, the Smart Bio-Pod cameras will verify the passenger’s identity at the airport and give the passengers the experience of seamless, paperless air travel.
David Breeze, Operations Transformation Manager for British Airways, said: “This is the first time that passengers can record their biometric information at home. Not only is this the first time that our customers have been able to register their biometric information at home, but it’s the first time they can use it for British Airways’ international flights.”
Vouching for data security, BA has assured that the passenger’s data will be securely stored. Besides, the passengers opting for this service will enjoy benefits like fast-Track security lane and priority boarding.
“This technology will allow for a smarter and smoother airport experience which will reduce the time it takes to board aircraft. The beauty of this technology is that it also frees our people up to look after more complex customer inquiries and deliver the best possible customer service,” David said.
Depending on the success of the trial, British Airways is planning to extend it to more international flights going ahead.