Travelers might typically worry about forgetting their passport, but at two Italian airports, this concern may soon be obsolete. Milan’s Linate Airport and Catania Airport in Sicily are trialing a groundbreaking facial recognition system called FaceBoarding. Developed by the French IT company Thales, this technology enables passengers to move through security checkpoints using only their faces, promising a streamlined and efficient airport experience.

Key Features:

Developer: Thales, a French IT company.
Airports: Milan’s Linate Airport and Catania Airport in Sicily.
Airlines: ITA Airways and Scandinavian Airlines.
How FaceBoarding Works
FaceBoarding is designed to be a simple, fast, and secure process. Passengers can register for FaceBoarding after checking in online or at the airport. Registration involves scanning one’s passport, boarding pass, and face at designated kiosks. By June, an app will also be available to facilitate this process from home. Once registered, passengers can use dedicated FaceBoarding lanes at each security checkpoint.

Registration Steps:

Check-In: Online or at the airport.
Scan: Passport, boarding pass, and face.
FaceBoarding Lanes: Separate lanes at security checks.
This trial will run until December 2025, and passengers can register for one or multiple flights during this period. However, it is important to note that passengers must still carry their passports and boarding passes, as they remain essential for identification throughout the journey.

New EU Travel Rules for British Tourists
Amidst these technological advancements, British holidaymakers should also be aware of new EU travel regulations coming into effect. The Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) will automate the registration of travelers from non-EU countries each time they cross an EU border. This system will record the traveler’s name, travel document type, biometric data, and entry and exit dates and locations. This change follows the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

EES Highlights:

Registration: Automated system for non-EU travelers.
Data Collected: Name, document type, biometric data, entry/exit dates.
Impact: Replaces manual passport stamping.
Additionally, travelers will need to purchase a visa waiver to visit EU and Schengen countries. These changes are set to modernize and streamline the border crossing process, although the exact implementation date has yet to be confirmed.

London Heathrow’s TimeSlot Initiative
For those not traveling to Italy, London Heathrow Airport offers another innovative solution for a quick airport experience. The TimeSlot initiative allows passengers to schedule their security screening time in advance. Travelers can book a time slot a few days before their trip and receive a QR code. At the airport, they can head to the designated signposted area, bypassing the usual queues. This service is free and can be booked for groups of up to five people.

TimeSlot Features:

Booking: Schedule security time in advance.
QR Code: Receive a QR code for the designated area.
Group Booking: Available for up to five people.
Timing: Latest booking 90 minutes before long-haul flights, 60 minutes before short-haul flights.
Innovations in airport technology like FaceBoarding and initiatives like Heathrow’s TimeSlot are revolutionizing the travel experience. These advancements promise smoother, more efficient airport procedures, enhancing the overall convenience for travelers. Meanwhile, new EU travel regulations for British tourists will modernize border crossings, making international travel more straightforward. As technology and regulations evolve, the travel and tourism industry continues to adapt, offering improved experiences for globetrotters worldwide.