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Biometrics in travel

What are biometrics?

Biometric technologies provide proof of identity by scanning and measuring an individual's unique physiological or behavioral characteristics, and then typically comparing this with the biometric information being previously digitally enrolled.

Examples of unique personal identifiers are fingerprint patterns, face, iris, voice, or typing rhythm.

Users of modern smartphones will already be familiar with personal biometric controls such as those that provide access to the device via face or fingerprint recognition. Biometrics in the form of fingerprint and DNA matching has been used by law enforcement for decades, in criminal investigations and, controversially, in certain types of criminal profiling. National identity card schemes and health insurance programs often use biometric traits to authenticate citizens and patients.

Biometrics offers quick, accurate, and convenient identification or identity verification of subjects for numerous purposes and across a wide range of industries, including travel, finance, healthcare, education, and office work, among others.

Biometrics in travel

In travel, airlines, airports, cruise lines, seaports, border authorities and other industry players all need to be able to efficiently perform passenger recognition (determining who someone is) and authentication (establishing that someone is who they say they are).

In biometric solutions for airports and other players, the use of facial recognition is the most common technique, and the technology allows travelers a seamless and contactless experience. Passengers typically enroll from their mobile device in advance or via a kiosk at the airport, and then no longer need to present documents like a passport, but instead can use their face as ID at numerous checkpoints such as check-in, bag drop, pre-security, to access a lounge, or at boarding and immigration, where their identity is confirmed by matching the image captured at the checkpoint to the enrollment image.

Benefits

Benefits of using biometrics in travel

Convenient and contactless

Biometrics allow travelers a seamless and contactless experience through quick, accurate, and convenient identification or identity verification. By using biometric data such as a facial scan, an individual’s identity can now be verified accurately in seconds.

Less waiting around

Biometrics is transforming travel, providing travelers with shorter queues and faster passage through the airport or border crossings, and travel providers, airports and border authorities benefit from more efficient processing and stronger security.

Room to grow

While today biometrics in travel is best known for reducing queues at border control and making the airport experience more efficient and frictionless, other sectors such as car rental, cruise and hospitality are all pursuing possibilities with biometrics.

Explore more from Amadeus

Biometric Solutions

Introduce a streamlined biometric journey for passengers with a biometric solution designed specifically for the unique requirements of the airport environment.

Amadeus for Border Authorities

Our border control technology offers the security and privacy needed for regulated processes while providing a seamless experience for both border authorities and travelers alike.

Biometrics in travel

What are biometrics?

Biometrics in travel

Benefits of using biometrics in travel

Convenient and contactless

Less waiting around

Room to grow

Explore more from Amadeus

Biometric Solutions

Amadeus for Border Authorities

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