How Airport Biometrics Transforms Security and Boarding Process

Across the world, a number of international airports are leveraging biometrics to transform individuals’ travel experience. Precisely, for improving efficiency, tightening security, and enhancing the overall passenger experience, facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scanning have become a go-to solution for many airports. A few examples of airports leveraging unique physical characteristics to verify the identities of passengers include the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and the Singapore Changi Airport.

If you are unaware of how airport biometrics simplify every step involved in a passenger’s journey, this article can be helpful in providing you with the necessary knowledge. It will provide you with a clear idea of how this technology minimizes boarding time and increases the safety and security of all passengers. Having said that, before we dive into the application of biometrics at airport terminals, let us find out how this technology plays a key role even before people actually reach the airport. 

Conventionally, identity verification for travel took place for passengers once they reached the airport. That said, with biometrics, verification can start even before they get to the airport. When passengers book their flights online, they can register their biometric details, for example, fingerprint and facial scan, via certain applications, which store the data securely for verification in the future. 

Typically, individuals have to upload their selfie and verify their identity on the app with a government-issued identity card. This process minimizes checks at the airport and streamlines multiple processes, such as passenger check-in, boarding, security screening, and baggage drop-off.  

#1 - Biometrics for Passenger Check-In

When a passenger checks in for a flight, the airport biometrics system allows for the smooth verification of their identity. The system captures an individual's biometric data in real-time and matches it with the biometric details stored in the database. This airport technology innovation makes sure that the person who is checking in is the actual authorized ticket holder. Thus, biometrics can add an extra layer of security. 

In this section, let us find out how biometric airport security plays a key role in streamlining the next steps in the journey. 

#1 - Biometrics for Baggage Drop

For many years, airports have struggled to prevent baggage fraud. For example, scammers or fraudsters often claim lost baggage using a false identity. That said, with facial recognition at airports for baggage claims and drops, it is possible to eliminate such fraud. The advanced systems automatically assign travelers’ baggage to their respective biometric profiles. This prevents one from fraudulently claiming any person’s baggage upon arrival. Additionally, this airport innovation technology helps in tracking lost or unclaimed baggage by linking it with the biometric information of passengers. 

#2 - Biometrics for Airport Security Screening

Security checkpoints at airports can sometimes cause frustration, owing to long queues. That said, with airport biometric screening, the screening time is reduced as officers do not need to manually verify the identity of travelers. Although biometric systems for screening are available in selected airports, over time, the adoption will increase, thus streamlining the screening process for passengers around the world. 

#3 - Biometrics Across the Terminal

In airports across the world, the installation of biometric systems is taking place to cover all touchpoints across the terminal. Indeed, be it check-in, security screening, or baggage claims, biometrics are improving the overall efficiency of airports concerning resource allocation and management of passengers. Moreover, the use of this technology is also enhancing the experience of passengers by ensuring a smoother journey. 

#4 - Biometrics for Boarding

Another key area in which airport biometrics are playing a key role is boarding. Before diving into the benefits, let us find out its meaning and how it actually works. 

#1 - What Is Biometric Boarding?

Biometric boarding refers to the utilization of passengers’ biometric information to secure and streamline the boarding process. As mentioned earlier, the biometric verification involves iris scans, facial recognition, and fingerprint scans. This verification helps in confirming the identity of travelers without having to check their boarding passes manually. This minimizes boarding time and also improves overall airport security via the integration with different security procedures. 

#2 - How Does Biometric Boarding Work?

After the check-in process and security screening, passengers go to the specified boarding gate. At the gate, a camera is installed for capturing customers’ facial images. Once the image is captured, it matches it with the biometric information stored in the database. If the biometric information matches, the passenger gets approval to get on the plane, and there is no requirement for executives to check their boarding pass or passport manually. 

#3 - Advantages of Biometric Boarding

Some of the key benefits of relying on airport biometrics for boarding are as follows:

• Accurate identity verification
• Minimized human error 
• Better overall security 
• Reduction in the time taken to board 
• Optimized passenger flow
• Improved customer experience 
• Aids in the efficient allocation of resources for passengers
• Lower staffing requirements 

#4 - Challenges of Biometric Boarding

While the biometric boarding process offers a wide range of benefits, there are some challenges associated with it as well. Let us look at them. 

• Biometric systems may malfunction and fail to identify passengers 
• The costs associated with the setup of biometric systems are high. 
• These systems require periodic maintenance, which raises the overall costs
• Passengers might not be keen on sharing their biometric details 
• Airports become obligated to adhere to data collection and security rules and regulations if they use such technology. 

Airport biometrics are not just limited to terminals. This technology is leveraged to enhance the in-flight experience as well. For example, airline companies are verifying the biometrics of passengers to monitor meal preferences, purchases, etc. Moreover, biometrics are being utilized in immigration and border control as well. 

#1 - Biometrics for Border Control and Immigration

Border authorities are using iris scans, facial recognition, and fingerprint scans to carry out the accurate verification of individuals to mitigate national security risks and fraud. The verification of biometric information streamlines the immigration process, helping to avoid long queues and improving the overall experience of travelers. 

The use of airport biometrics is proving to be a game-changer for travelers and airports around the world, improving convenience and experience. That said, only time will tell to what extent this technology can go. Many experts believe that with growing adoption and rapid advancements, biometric verification will not just be limited to air travel. Rather, it holds the potential to transform the transportation industry.