6 days Ago
This new way of flying will need airports to install advanced facial recognition systems and tech...
Read More The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations body that sets global airline rules, is planning to replace old check-in and boarding procedures with a smarter, digital system. Instead of printing a boarding pass or checking in at a counter, travellers will soon be able to upload their passport to their mobile phones. Once done, they can breeze through the airport without stopping.
A new “Journey Pass" will also be sent to passengers’ phones as per the Hindustan Times. This digital pass will keep all your flight details in one place and update you in real-time if anything changes. Through facial recognition, the airport will know when you’ve arrived — no need to scan a ticket or stand in long queues.
Travelling with checked-in luggage? You’ll go through security at the bag drop. Only carrying hand luggage? You’ll pass through security directly at the gate. All this will happen without needing to show your documents again and again.
Valerie Viale, director of product management at travel tech firm Amadeus, told The Times that this upgrade is long overdue. “Many airline systems haven’t changed in over 50 years," she said. The last big update? E-tickets in the early 2000s.
For these changes to work, airports will need to upgrade their infrastructure. This includes: Installing facial recognition cameras Systems that can read passport data from smartphones Smarter software to handle delays and flight changes The Journey Pass isn’t just about skipping queues. It comes with extra features that aim to make travel less stressful: Instant updates on delays or gate changes Luggage tracking from check-in to baggage claim Directions to gates and info about lounge access Options to upgrade your seat during the flight Alerts to car hire partners if your flight is late.
Furthermore, the new system will delete your personal details within 15 seconds after you interact with an airport touchpoint like a gate or scanner. ICAO hasn’t announced an exact start date yet, but these changes could be coming soon as airports around the world begin making the necessary upgrades..
