Heathrow tests face scanners to cut check-in time by a third

PRESENTING a passport at the airport could become a thing of the past, as Heathrow is testing facial recognition technology that means documents no longer need to be scanned at check-in.

The technology is being fully introduced next year and is expected to reduce the time it takes to go from check-in to take-off by up to a third.

At present passengers need to present different forms of ID such as boarding cards as well as their passports to show that they are authorised to travel. The option of using facial recognition technology means that a passenger will go through a scanner at the airport which will enable the details of their flight to be checked on a system. When a passenger has travelled from the airport once, their details will be stored so they are recognised on future trips.

Heathrow said that by using facial recognition at check-in, bag drops, security lanes and boarding gates, the need to present a passport would eventually be unnecessary. Passengers will still need to carry their passports to present on arrival at their destination.

The airport has invested £50million in the project, which is part of a wider programme of investment to reduce the amount of time passengers spend in airports.

Jonathan Coen, Heathrow customer relations and service director, said: “As our passenger numbers continue to grow, we must look for innovative ways to make it easier and quicker for them to travel through Heathrow with choice, whilst keeping our airport secure.

“Biometrics are key to helping us do that, and we are really excited about the biggest roll-out of this equipment at any UK airport.”