British Airways tests new smart technology for passport-free travel: What is it – Times of India

British Airways is allowing UK passengers to travel to foreign countries without using their passports upon departure. The company became the first UK-based airline service to use smart technology for travelling abroad. British Airways has shared its plans to begin the biometric technology trial for international flights from Terminal 5 of London’s Heathrow airport. UK passengers will be able to scan their face, passport and boarding pass on their smartphones or tablets before boarding the flight for the first time.
British Airways passport-free travel tech: How it works
In a press release, the airline said that it installed Smart Bio-Pod cameras at the mentioned airport terminal to verify the identity of the passengers arriving at the airport in less than three seconds. This new smart tech will let users keep their passports in their pockets until they have reached their destination.
David Breeze, operations transformation manager for British Airways, also mentioned that UK passengers will be able to record their biometric data at the convenience of their homes for the first. Also, the passengers will be able to use this data while travelling on British Airways international flights.

British Airways passport-free travel tech: Importance
Breeze also explained that this smart technology will not only offer an improved airport experience but will also reduce the time passengers require to board a flight. He added that the technology will also help the company’s staff to handle “more complex customer enquiries and deliver the best possible customer service”.
British Airways passport-free travel tech: Key Details
The biometric passport verification trail will continue for six months on British Airways flights travelling from London to Malaga, Spain.
The company has also promised to securely store passenger information and has mentioned that customers using the new tech will be able to enjoy a Fast-Track security lane and priority boarding.

If everything goes according to plan, British Airways might extend the trail to more international flights from Heathrow.
In 2017, the company also became the first UK airline to use automated biometric technology for domestic flights. This technology records passengers’ facial scans at security and tallies them at the boarding gate.