Biometrics is gradually making its appearance in airports, and promises to reduce waiting times. The United States, a pioneer in this process, aims to introduce it at all its airports within 10 years.
More fluidity, less waiting
Waiting in long queues is one of the most frustrating moments for travelers at airports. Whether it’s for identity checks at border crossings, check-in, boarding or access to certain lounges, waiting degrades the travel experience. Airports are therefore beginning a transition to faster, contactless technologies aimed at minimizing queues and reducing overall waiting times, offering a safer, more efficient travel experience.
Already being tested in a number of airports, the technology improves the efficiency of identity verification while speeding it up. And this biometric process has already been adopted by the vast majority of travelers: 88% of those who have tested it have expressed their satisfaction.
Identity verification can be carried out in a matter of seconds by scanning an ID document, and taking a facial photo to verify the traveler’s identity. Once the identity has been formally linked to the user’s biometric data, identification is quick and easy. In some of the country’s airports, such as Los Angeles, these solutions enable passengers to be boarded more quickly. All passengers have to do is present themselves at the automatic gates, which detect their faces and allow them access to the plane – without even having to show their boarding pass! Faster, safer, autonomous boarding, improving the airport experience.
A fear for private data?
However, despite all the advantages, passengers have legitimate concerns about the use, security and confidentiality of data, especially when it is biometric in nature. Fears of data loss due to security breaches and access to personal data and biometric characteristics call for maximum protection measures, continually improved to safeguard sensitive information.
It is essential to make users aware of how these new technologies work and of their importance, while guaranteeing the protection of personal information and data confidentiality, in line with local and global legislation.
With the acceptance of these new systems, the airport world has the opportunity to improve the whole travel experience, leading to greater comfort and safety. Interminable queuing times and complex identity verification processes could soon be a thing of the past. However, it remains important to remain vigilant about the protection of personal data, ensuring that these new technologies benefit all travelers without infringing on their privacy or civil rights.
