No more boarding passes? Check-ins may soon be history — Digital travel passes on the cards

As per the latest development, the future of air travel is on the brink of a major transformation. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is working on a game-changing digital travel pass that could replace boarding passes and check-ins with facial recognition by 2028.
Imagine getting a "journey pass" straight on your phone after making a flight reservation. There would be no need for paper boarding permits or conventional check-ins thanks to this pass, which would include your passport information, flight information, and real-time updates. Using facial recognition technology, the journey pass would enable smooth travel through airport security checks.

Instead of presenting your passport and boarding pass at various airport checkpoints, facial recognition technology would authenticate your identity. You approach a scanner, and it recognizes you, notifying the airline of your arrival. This process aims to streamline travel, reducing wait times and enhancing the passenger experience.

The use of facial recognition technology raises serious privacy concerns. One of the initiative's main partners, Amadeus, guarantees that personal information will be deleted within 15 seconds of each checkpoint encounter. This method balances privacy and convenience by ensuring that your information isn't kept longer than necessary.
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Airports around the world will require significant technology advancements in order for this system to operate efficiently. This entails setting up mobile passport scanners, facial recognition cameras, and systems that can synchronise in real time with immigration and airline offices. The potential gains in efficiency and passenger happiness are substantial, despite the substantial investment involved.
One of the standout features of the digital journey pass is its ability to provide real-time updates. If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection, the journey pass will automatically update with new flight details, boarding times, and gate information, eliminating the need to stand in line at help desks.
ICAO aims to roll out this digital travel credential system globally within the next three years. However, the adoption timeline may vary depending on individual airports' readiness and technological infrastructure. Major international hubs are expected to be among the first to implement this system, setting the stage for broader adoption.
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The move towards digital travel credentials signifies a monumental shift in the aviation industry. By eliminating the need for traditional check-ins and boarding passes, this system promises to enhance efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve the overall travel experience. While challenges remain, particularly concerning data privacy and infrastructure upgrades, the potential benefits make this a promising development for the future of air travel.