A significant transformation is on the horizon for air travelers as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), backed by the United Nations, prepares to implement a new “digital travel credential” system.
Within the next three years, this initiative aims to eliminate traditional boarding passes and check-in procedures, ushering in an era where facial recognition technology becomes central to airport navigation. Passengers will utilize a “journey pass,” stored on their mobile devices, effectively replacing physical documentation.
The process would begin with passengers downloading the journey pass upon booking a flight. This digital credential automatically updates with any changes made to the itinerary, ensuring travelers always have access to accurate information. Upon arrival at the airport, facial scanning will identify passengers, allowing for a streamlined entry and eliminating the need for manual check-in.
Airlines will be notified of a passenger’s presence via these scans, signifying a move away from the common experience of searching for boarding passes or rushing to check in before departure. As Valérie Viale, director of product management at travel technology company Amadeus, noted, “The last upgrade of great scale was the adoption of e-ticketing in the early 2000s.” She further explained that this new system represents a leap forward – “the industry has now decided it’s time to upgrade to modern systems that are more like what Amazon would use. Many airline systems haven’t changed for more than 50 years because everything has to be consistent across the industry and interoperable.”
The widespread adoption of this technology requires substantial upgrades to airport infrastructure, including the installation of facial recognition equipment and systems capable of securely reading passport information from mobile devices.
While privacy concerns are acknowledged, Amadeus has proactively addressed these issues. Their system is designed with built-in safeguards, including automatic deletion of passenger data within 15 seconds after interaction with airport “touchpoints.”
Beyond streamlining the boarding process, this technology offers potential improvements in handling travel disruptions.
- Passengers facing missed connections due to delays will receive automated notifications detailing their revised flight information.
- The journey pass will update automatically, enabling seamless boarding without requiring visits to service desks.
This shift represents a move from the current reactive approach—where passengers seek assistance after disruption—to a more integrated and proactive system.
As one expert put it, check-in systems are moving “from ‘here are my reservations, you can now deliver’ to be a more integrated and dynamic part of the journey.”
Ultimately, if successful, the ICAO’s plans promise to create a significantly smoother and more efficient travel experience for millions worldwide, representing a fundamental shift in how air travel is managed.
