JetBlue to allow passengers to board plane using selfies

The programme will show how technology can make boarding simple and seamless for the traveller


News Desk June 02, 2017
PHOTO: AFP

JetBlue, an American airline, has announced a new method which will allow its passengers to "board in a snap".

Instead of using traditional boarding passes, the airline will let passengers have their photo taken at the gate and use that to board the plane.

PHOTO: JETBLUE PHOTO: JETBLUE

The pilot programme will launch this month, starting with flights from Boston's Logan International Airport to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport.

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The airline will use data from US Customs and Border Protection to match the image to the passport, visa or immigration photos and verify flight details. The camera will be equipped with biometrics and facial recognition technology to analyse the passenger. “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,” said Joanna Geraghty, executive vice president customer experience, JetBlue.

“Self-boarding eliminates boarding pass scanning and manual passport checks. Just look into the camera and you’re on your way.”

An integrated screen above the camera will notify the passenger when they are cleared to board the plane.

If the pilot programme is successful, it will show how technology can make boarding simple and seamless for travellers. "CBP looks forward to engaging closely with air travel partners, like JetBlue, to better understand how CBP's biometric exit programme will support their efforts to streamline the travel process by using advanced biometric technology," said CBP's Office of Field Operations, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, John Wagner.

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"By transforming current business operations, airlines and airports will have the opportunity to use verified biometrics to ensure a seamless and consistent process for travelers."

Self-boarding builds on JetBlue's efforts to innovate the travel experience. They recently debuted self-service 'line-less' lobbies which include self-bag tagging and self-bag drop capabilities. This increases efficiency and reduces frustrating airport lines.

This story originally appeared on Business Wire.

COMMENTS (1)

Baligur | 6 years ago | Reply who will stamp the passport then?
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