How are biometrics reshaping global air travel?
The rapid adoption of biometric technology in aviation - accelerated after the 9/11 attacks and more recently, the COVID pandemic - has received notable acceptance in the past few years.
A 2023 global passenger survey found that 75% of passengers prefer using biometric data over traditional passports and boarding passes.
2024 industry analysts predict a "tipping point", with essential travel procedures being as simple as just showing your face. This shift would streamline operations and enhance security measures - providing strong tools for identity verification and threat detection.
The integration of biometrics technology in global air travel is revolutionizing passenger experiences, and improving operational efficiency and security measures. However, this transformation requires a delicate balance between technological innovation and data security.
Biometric initiatives and their impact on security
Biometrics in aviation is expanding rapidly worldwide, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.
In 2020, Shenzhen Airport was the first airport in China to use face biometrics and AI to find passengers. This service supported airlines and staff with flight alerts, boarding calls, delay support, and security deployment. In the same year, Emirates launched its biometric path at Dubai International Airport. Through facial and iris recognition, passengers could check in, go through immigration, and board flights - all while being monitored for enhanced security.
In 2023, Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) made plans to offer passport-free clearance and processing to some passengers by the first half of 2024. Biometrics are used to authenticate passengers throughout the departure process, from bag drop to immigration and boarding.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also taken a proactive stance on biometric technology. For example, its PreCheck program leverages biometrics through a partnership with Clear and offers expedited screening at over 200 domestic airports. This program significantly reduces wait times by allowing pre-verified, low-risk travelers to pass through security more swiftly. This integration of biometrics has significantly enhanced airport security, allowing for quicker response to security threats.
Since 2019, the TSA has also been experimenting with facial recognition technology (FRT) at airports such as Denver and Los Angeles International. This system captures a traveler's photo at the checkpoint, matches it against a scanned ID, and then promptly deletes the image to protect privacy.
US airlines are also making similar advancements. In 2021, Delta debuted its Digital ID program, to airports in Detroit and Atlanta, and has since announced plans to expand it across New York City. This program allows passengers to verify their identity through FRT instead of boarding passes and ID at both, bag drop and security.
Similarly, in 2023, Alaska Airlines announced plans to spend $2.5 billion over the next three years on upgrades, which include bag drop machines that scan and match traveler IDs and bag tags to photos.
Public perspectives on biometric airport security
While biometric technology offers numerous benefits, it raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. Key issues include the collection, storage, and ethical use of personal data, as well as informed consent and transparency.
The 2023 global passenger survey found that 40% of respondents would be more open to biometric solutions if they knew their data was secure.
Concerns around bias and inaccuracy in FRT also play a role in public hesitance. In 2023, several US Senators filed a letter to the TSA raising concerns about FRT for passenger screening. The letter criticized the unclear opt-out policies for travelers who wish to avoid facial scans - namely, the lack of visible signage and clear communication from TSA agents about these rights. Advocacy groups have also highlighted that customers are often unaware of the option to opt out and have started collecting traveler stories to submit to the government.
In May 2024, the European Union Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued an opinion on FRT in airports, highlighting that while it can enhance airport efficiency and security, it involves significant risks to data subjects’ rights and freedoms. Controllers need to rigorously assess the impact on fundamental rights and explore less intrusive methods before deploying these technologies. They recommend that any biometric implementation should include minimal data retention and ensure that passengers retain substantial control over their biometric information.
To tackle these issues, there is ongoing legislative and regulatory action. For instance, US lawmakers have proposed the Travelers’ Privacy Protection Act to limit the TSA's use of facial recognition technology, as a way to balance security needs with individual privacy.
Industry stakeholders are also actively developing frameworks and guidelines to ensure biometric processes are safe and secure. Organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Council International (ACI) are advocating for robust cybersecurity measures and clear data protection policies. The Biometrics Institute has also advocated for comprehensive privacy guidelines through the Three Laws of Biometrics.
Responsible implementation of biometrics in aviation
To lean on the benefits of biometrics whilst managing these concerns, aviation organizations should consider:
Consent and transparency: it is essential to obtain clear and informed consent from passengers, and to explain how their data will be used in clear terms - including detailed explanations around data usage and data collection during the check-in and boarding processes.
Opt-out options: they should be offered without penalizing those who choose not to participate, to respect individual autonomy and help alleviate concerns about being forced into biometric systems.
Effective cyber-security: implement state-of-the-art encryption and access controls to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
Compliance with data protection laws: regularly update compliance measures to adhere to the latest international privacy standards, taking into account specific requirements of different jurisdictions. It is also crucial to address cross-border passenger data transfers and the integration of biometric data with existing passenger information systems.
Biometric technology has allowed aviation to bolster security, health and safety and improve the efficiency of the passenger experience. However, as technological advancements continue to unfold, the emphasis on prioritizing secure and compliant data practices will be crucial. Incorporating innovative approaches to data security and engaging in collaborative international efforts could significantly transform how we navigate air travel.