UA testing face recognition boarding
#1
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new biometric boarding trial at SFO (gates E5 and E6)
United is running a completely optional trial of biometric boarding from gates E5 and E6 at SFO... I apologize if this has already been mentioned in FT, but I don't recall reading about it here.
I received the following email this morning from United:
Since I had time to spare this morning, I decided to give it a try. There were two specialized check-in machines near to door 10 with SITA reps available to help. After completing the regular kiosk check-in formalities, the machine asks to scan your drivers license or passport and then takes a photo of your face. It didn't accept my drivers license on the first try, so I had to check-in again and use my passport. At the gate, there were additional United and SITA reps to oversee the biometric boarding. There's a specialized camera and biometric boarding lane at the gate. Unfortunately, I tried three times and it did not recognize any of my biometric details while the rest of the F cabin boarded in the regular boarding lane and filled up the overhead bins. I didn't see any other passengers use the biometric boarding option at the gate - although I did board towards the start of the boarding process. Of note, it requires briefly removing your face mask both at check-in /registration and at boarding.
Interesting concept if they can get it to work properly but right now seems like far too many additional steps required as opposed to just using a mobile boarding pass.
-FlyerBeek
I received the following email this morning from United:
United is transforming the airport experience by making your journey simpler. We’re piloting SITA’s Smart Path – a biometric technology to create a touchless boarding and bag drop process – and we’re inviting you to be a part of this biometric trial today on flights departing from Gates E5 and E6 at San Francisco International Airport.
To register, visit the Smart Path kiosks conveniently located by Door 10 in Terminal 3 - United Departure level (2nd Level). Smart Path is open to all travelers who are at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license or passport, which is needed to complete the enrollment. Your photo will only be available for travel today.
After registering, you’ll no longer need to present your boarding pass at the departure gate. Instead, your face is your boarding pass! During boarding, you’ll look into a camera, wait to be verified (usually takes less than a second!), and then walk onto the aircraft.
To register, visit the Smart Path kiosks conveniently located by Door 10 in Terminal 3 - United Departure level (2nd Level). Smart Path is open to all travelers who are at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license or passport, which is needed to complete the enrollment. Your photo will only be available for travel today.
After registering, you’ll no longer need to present your boarding pass at the departure gate. Instead, your face is your boarding pass! During boarding, you’ll look into a camera, wait to be verified (usually takes less than a second!), and then walk onto the aircraft.
Interesting concept if they can get it to work properly but right now seems like far too many additional steps required as opposed to just using a mobile boarding pass.
-FlyerBeek
#2
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They were already using this for passport check for international flights in G Terminal pre-pandemic. It's a little creepy.
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Unfortunately, I tried three times and it did not recognize any of my biometric details while the rest of the F cabin boarded in the regular boarding lane and filled up the overhead bins. I didn't see any other passengers use the biometric boarding option at the gate - although I did board towards the start of the boarding process. Of note, it requires briefly removing your face mask both at check-in /registration and at boarding.
David
#5
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-FlyerBeek
#6
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Is the goal eventually (after successful trial) for biometric boarding to take place w/o the registration component? I had a good experience with biometric boarding on DL a couple of years ago w/o the need to register ahead of time...come to think of it, I hadn't become aware of the alternative boarding process until I had arrived at the gate.
I still have concerns and hesitancy on the overall use of biometric application, but that's would be for a different discussion thread.
I still have concerns and hesitancy on the overall use of biometric application, but that's would be for a different discussion thread.
#7
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-FlyerBeek
#8
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Is the goal eventually (after successful trial) for biometric boarding to take place w/o the registration component? I had a good experience with biometric boarding on DL a couple of years ago w/o the need to register ahead of time...come to think of it, I hadn't become aware of the alternative boarding process until I had arrived at the gate.
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#11
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If I recall correctly, UA did this back in late 2020 at IAD for a IAD-ZRH flight.
No registration. Announcement: "Today we're going to board using biometrics...."
At the time I was surprised how this could possibly work (how did it recognize all passengers by their face?), and slightly concerned that everyone had to remove their mask.
Unlike OP of this thread, it worked fast back then, and the boarding line was moving at a decent pace, although slower than scanning boarding passes, IMO. I recall them having more than one biometric scanner running at the same time.
No registration. Announcement: "Today we're going to board using biometrics...."
At the time I was surprised how this could possibly work (how did it recognize all passengers by their face?), and slightly concerned that everyone had to remove their mask.
Unlike OP of this thread, it worked fast back then, and the boarding line was moving at a decent pace, although slower than scanning boarding passes, IMO. I recall them having more than one biometric scanner running at the same time.
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#13
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I boarded a UA flight IAH to PVR using the biometric back in January or March 2021. No pre registration needed. After scanning my face it showed my boarding pass on the screen as well. I am only guessing it knew who I was based on my passport photo that was already lingering somewhere in UA's system.
#14
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As others have noted, this technology is usually used for international flights, so the airline has people's passport photos. You can certainly opt out of boarding biometrically but your data/photo is transmitted to the airline days in advance whether you like it or not.
Sounds like OP's flight was domestic, which explains the pre registration part.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019...ition-check-in
Sounds like OP's flight was domestic, which explains the pre registration part.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019...ition-check-in
#15
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As others have noted, this technology is usually used for international flights, so the airline has people's passport photos. You can certainly opt out of boarding biometrically but your data/photo is transmitted to the airline days in advance whether you like it or not.
Sounds like OP's flight was domestic, which explains the pre registration part.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019...ition-check-in
Sounds like OP's flight was domestic, which explains the pre registration part.
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019...ition-check-in
The CLEAR system works well, although sometimes the (IAH terminal C) GS line is quicker...
if regular TSA could add it too...
interesting that you have to take your mask off... I though biometric was Retna scan (with CLEAR) while the SITA method sounds like facial recognition... which makes sense if they’re going off DL/passport photos