Earlier this month, Delta introduced facial recognition for checking baggage (see, Delta Installing Facial Recognition Technology for Bag Check).
Well, I guess facial recognition technology is the way of the future as JetBlue just announced that they are launching a paperless boarding program using facial recognition technology. JetBlue’s press release, titled Board in a Snap: JetBlue to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Self-Boarding Program Using Facial Recognition, explains the details of this new program, which will begin in June on flights from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (see also this Business Wire press release).
Basically:
Customers who opt in during the boarding process can put away their boarding passes and devices and simply step up to the camera for a quick photo. The custom-designed camera station will connect to CBP [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] to instantly match the image to passport, visa or immigration photos in the CBP database and verify flight details. The customer will be notified on an integrated screen above the camera when they are cleared to proceed to the jet bridge. The setup will move JetBlue crewmembers from behind the counter to interact with customers and assist throughout the process. JetBlue will issue iPad minis to crewmembers, giving them mobility to monitor and manage the boarding process while interacting with customers.
Photo: BusinessWire. JetBlue Self-Boarding Poster
Jim Peters, chief technology officer, SITA, said: “This biometric self-boarding program for JetBlue and the CBP is designed to be easy to use. What we want to deliver is a secure and seamless passenger experience. We use sophisticated technologies to enable biometric checks and for CBP authorization to be sent quickly to the airline’s systems. This is the first integration of biometric authorization by the CBP with an airline and may prove to be a solution that will be quick and easy to roll out across US airports.”
For further details, see the above press releases.
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
How ironic. JetBlue isn’t able to operate flights on time at JFK Airport at all (last week: 4 flights on four different days: 2 hrs late, 3, hrs late twice and one 4 hour delay), lied about the reason for the delay on one occasion and then their systems went down on Sunday so I was unable to rebook but they are investing in facial recognition.
Jet Blue: learn how to operate on time at JFK. # 1 priority.