Will Biometric Boarding Passes Become a Thing?

British Airways became the first airline to test self-service biometric boarding gates at Los Angeles airport. The airline hopes to transform customers’ experience by cutting down on boarding times. And in doing so, it might signal a technological and logistical revolution when it comes to airplane boarding.

The technology was created by Vision-Box, a multinational company based in Lisbon. The system allows passengers to board by looking into a high-resolution face scanner system. The system removes the need to present boarding passes and presents a live, high-quality picture of the passenger’s unique biometrics for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to match against a digital file. Once a passenger’s identity is verified, they’re allowed to board.

“Our customers want the ability to simplify and speed up their journeys through the airport, so we’re investing in the most advanced technology that will enable us to streamline our boarding process and further improve our punctuality,” said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience.

“We’re using biometric technology that consumers are now familiar with and trust because it delivers a convenient, reliable and secure experience. This step forward to modernise our operation is a first in the industry, and we will continue to work with airports around the world to evolve this technology, and revolutionise the way in which people travel.”

Though the trial ends this month, it could change the way we travel if deemed successful.