JetBlue’s summer trial of a system that replaces passports and boarding passes with a quick snapshot at the gate was successful, and may lead to widespread use of the facial recognition system.
Airlines and authorities are trying out new ways to move passengers onto planes more quickly, and without compromising security. In JetBlue’s test, partnered with airport security company SITA and Customs and Border Protection, a snapshot at the gate was instantly compared to a database of passport and immigration photos for flights to Aruba.
Called ‘Board in a Snap,’ the system had “close to a 100% match rate,” according to SITA. Nearly all passengers who had the option chose it.
Delta has also been trying facial recognition, but in a different context. In one of Delta’s tests of new technology, passengers at one of its Atlanta bag drops in Minneapolis will be able to use their faces to drop bags without going to an agent. Delta has also tested fingerprint recognition for boarding and bag drop at Atlanta.
While JetBlue is testing ‘selfie’ check-in, this morning’s e-mail brought a notice from GOL, the big Brazilian carrier, announcing that it has implemented facial recognition check-in, and claims to be the first airline in the world to fully do so. Smile and watch the birdie!