Iberia innovates with facial recognition boarding system

Monday, April 8, 2024

Iberia has unveiled an innovative facial recognition boarding system for its Air Shuttle service linking Madrid and Barcelona, aiming to elevate the travel experience for its passengers. This new biometric boarding option has been implemented at six gates at Madrid-Barajas Airport and one gate at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, offering a streamlined boarding process.

The service is specifically tailored for adult members of Iberia Plus who possess either a Spanish ID (DNI) or an EU passport, aiming to boost punctuality, operational efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. As the Air Shuttle service celebrates its 50th anniversary, it now enables passengers to undergo security screening and boarding without the need to present any mobile devices or documentation.

Access to the service requires a one-time registration through the Iberia app, where users need to input their personal details, photograph their ID, scan the document’s chip, and take a selfie. Once registered, passengers can conveniently link their boarding passes to their biometric profile for future flights.

The eligibility criteria for the facial recognition service registration include being over 18 and having a Spanish ID (DNI 3.0 with NFC technology) or an EU electronic passport.

Specifically, at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, gates equipped with facial recognition technology include J46, J50, J52, J54, J56, and J58. Additionally, two kiosks in the check-in area and four biometric gates at security checkpoints have been established.

At Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, gate A02 features biometric boarding, along with two gates at the security checkpoint and a kiosk in the check-in area.

This system maintains the traditional boarding group order, allowing passengers the option to choose between conventional boarding methods or the biometric gate if they have completed the registration and linked their boarding pass to their biometric identity during check-in.

Currently, the biometric boarding service supports iOS devices, with plans to extend compatibility to Android devices in the future.

Despite the convenience offered by touchless boarding, it is emphasized that passengers are still required to carry their documentation throughout their journey, as it might be needed at various stages.

The photographs of identity documents are stored on AENA’s servers, protected by encryption, and solely used for the operation of this program.

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