Boarding Passes And Check-Ins Could Soon Be Obsolete; ICAO Proposes Major Overhaul Of Global Air Travel

Air travel is about to undergo a significant transformation, and it could be one of the most substantial changes the aviation industry has seen in the last 50 years. The days of boarding passes and checking in for flights may soon be over. So, what does this mean for travellers, and how is the industry gearing up for this major overhaul? Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and what it means for you.

ICAO Proposes Major Overhaul Of Air Travel

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)—the UN body that sets global aviation standards—is considering a monumental shift that could scrap boarding passes and traditional check-in altogether. Instead, a system built around facial recognition and digital credentials would take over. This would be the biggest upgrade in the air travel experience since e-ticketing in the early 2000s.

According to an NDTV report, when you book a flight in this new system, you’ll get a “Journey Pass” on your phone. Think of it as a super-smart boarding pass that will hold all your flight details, including extras you’ve purchased (like seat upgrades or meals). It will auto-update with any changes to your booking.

And here’s the cool part: you don’t have to check in anymore. You’ll also be able to upload your passport to your smartphone as a Digital Travel Credential. After that, everything is done through facial recognition.

Have checked luggage? Head to the bag drop, your face is scanned, and you’re done. Just hand luggage? Walk to the security gate, scan your face, and continue. This is meant to eliminate queues, reduce wait times, and make the journey seamless.

Also Read: ‘Worse Than A Bus Stand,’ Passengers Slam IGI Airport After Stampede-Like Situation At T3

Airports Need A Major Upgrade

For this to work, airports will have to install advanced facial recognition systems. This means that, rather than scanning a boarding pass, your identity will be verified through facial recognition. While this will significantly speed up the entire airport experience, it also raises important questions about privacy. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) assures that any data captured during the process will be deleted within 15 seconds, according to NDTV.

What Does It Mean For You?

• No more printing or saving boarding passes.
• No more check-in deadlines.
• Shorter lines and faster airport journeys.

If ICAO’s plan goes through, we could be face-scanning our way through airports by 2027.

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