British Airways has launched a new smart technology trial that will allow customers to travel abroad without showing their passport at the departure airport. The airline will be the first in the UK to trial the biometric technology for international flights.
On Tuesday (November 15, 2022), British Airways announced the launch of a new smart technology trial that will allow customers to travel abroad without having to show their passport at the departure airport. The carrier will become the first UK airline to trial the use of biometric technology for international flights. Customers who sign up to take part in the airline’s trial from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 will be invited to scan their face, passport and boarding pass on their smartphone or tablet prior to departure, with all of the information handled in a safe and secure fashion. When participants arrive at the airport, Smart Bio-Pod cameras will verify their identity in under three seconds, allowing them to keep their passport safely stored until they reach their destination.
In Tuesday’s announcement, British Airways’ Operations Transformation Manager, David Breeze, said,
“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. This is a secure and efficient tool that makes for a smarter and smoother airport experience, which will reduce the time it takes us to board aircraft. The beauty of this technology is that it also frees our people up to look after more complex customer enquiries and deliver the best possible customer service.”
British Airways will run the biometric trial for six months on flights between London Heathrow and Malaga in Spain. Select customers are being invited to volunteer and will receive an e-mail three days ahead of their flight. Those taking part in the trial can also register their identity at various touchpoints at Check-In Zone B. Travelers who opt-in will be invited to use the Fast-Track security lane and will also receive complimentary priority boarding. If the trial proves successful, the carrier will then extend the process to additional international flights.
Source: British Airways