By: Nick Gambino
JetBlue just announced a new system their testing which, if successful, may very well do away with boarding passes altogether.
The system is quite simple. Using biometric facial recognition software and, for lack of a better word, a selfie, JetBlue is able to match your face up to a passport or other ID photo to verify your identity and flight details.
Passengers have the option to opt in to the program without any advanced enrollment or registration, making it easier for everyone involved. A specifically designed camera will be stationed where one would normally hand over their boarding pass to be scanned.
Passengers step to the camera, where a photo is then taken and transmitted to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). They match it against passport, immigration or visa photos to make sure you are who you are. Once verified, a screen located above the camera lets them know if they’re clear to board. All off this is presumably done in a matter of seconds, otherwise what’s the point?
The plan here is to make things easier and allow JetBlue employees to get out and about and work more with the passengers. In fact, they’re going to be equipped with iPad Minis to allow them to be mobile with the whole check-in process instead of stuck behind a counter.
“We hope to learn how we can further reduce friction points in the airport experience, with the boarding process being one of the hardest to solve,” Executive VP Joanna Geraghty explained. “Self-boarding eliminates boarding pass scanning and manual passport checks. Just look into the camera and you’re on your way.”
SITA is providing the camera and all the technology needed to carry out this program while CBP is taking care of the checks against their database.
In case you’re getting your hopes up that you’ll be able to take advantage of this new system on your next flight, you might have to wait a bit longer. The program is being tested between Logan International Airport in Boston and Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba to start.
Coincidentally, Delta is also using facial recognition but the competing airline is using it to make checking your bags more efficient. Hopefully we’ll see both finding their way into everyday use across all airlines.
What are your thoughts on JetBlue’s use of facial recognition technology instead of standard boarding passes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
