British Airways Tests "Smart Travel" Technology for International Flights
British Airways is trying out biometric technology for international flights, making them the first UK airline to do so.
The technology enables fliers within the trial to "smartly" travel through the airport without having to show their passport, according to reporting from Travel Industry Wire.
Trial fliers from London Heathrow Terminal 5 will scan their face, passport and boarding pass on their smartphone or tablet ahead of travel.
When they arrive, Smart Bio-Pod cameras verify their identity in under three seconds. This allows them to keep their passports tucked away until they reach their destination.
"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," said David Breeze, Operations Transformation Manager for the airline.
He added, "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 the aircraft."
What to Expect if the Trial is Successful
The trial will run for six months on British Airways flights to Malaga, Spain.
Those who opt-in can also use the Fast-Track security lane and receive complimentary priority boarding.
Should the trial be successful, it's expected to carry over to additional international flights.
"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," said Breeze.
The introduction of this technology follows automated biometric technology first coming to the British Airways domestic flights in 2017. They were also the first UK airline to carry that technology, which records facial scans at Security and matches them at the boarding gate.
