Where will travelers find biometric systems next? As the technology continues to evolve and expand new airport implementations are coming online around the globe. Here are a trio of recent activations that span the range of services and values to passengers.
Ground Services
A big bet on biometrics-based boarding for American Airlines at DFW
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport will soon be home to the largest collection of biometric-based boarding gates of any airport in the world. The news comes as American Airlines launches use of the technology this week at DFW on select departures from Terminal D. While just a few gates are fitted today the airline and airport expect that nearly 75 gates across terminals A, B, C and D will have the systems online by the end of the year.
TSA backs down on increased crew screenings
Airline employees earned a reprieve this week after the TSA backed down on planned changes to the Known Crewmember (KCM) security screening process. the weekend it emerged that all KCM checkpoints would require crew to be in uniform to pass through. This would effectively preclude otherwise eligible employees from using the lanes while traveling for personal trips.
Air France goes all-in on RFID bag tracking
Wondering where your checked bag is? Air France will soon have more and better data to help answer that question for passengers as the carrier commits to RFID tracking of bags beginning in 2020.
United Airlines partners with CLEAR, expands at hubs
United Airlines announced a partnership with CLEAR this week, expanding its participation in the biometric security screening program. The carrier will make a strategic investment in the company, including the addition or expansion of CLEAR locations at the carrier’s US hub airports.
Heli-transfers take flight for La Compagnie
Is there a way to make helicopter transfers affordable and convenient? The new option from La Compagnie and Monacair between Monaco and Nice might be the closest such thing yet.
The best lounge at Incheon T2 is the 7-11
Is it possible that the best place to relax before a flight is the convenience store tucked away behind the food court? At Incheon’s T2 the 7-11 offers a compelling set of services that might make you rethink the idea of a lounge visit.
Mosaics Matter More: JetBlue trials improved IROPs benefits for elites
JetBlue will trial a new benefit for its TrueBlue Mosaic members this summer. Mosaic passengers on flights delayed two hours or more will receive a meal voucher at the airport to help ease the pain of the wait. Crew members were informed of the new program in an internal message this week.
The newest premium security access trick? Take the bus!
Looking to jump the security queues at the airport? Elite status with a loyalty program or premium cabin tickets can often do the trick. Bus riders in Boston will now join that group thanks to an innovative program introduces by Massport this month.
Paine Field’s new terminal opens with a top-notch passenger experience
The Seattle metropolitan area joined the ranks of multi-airport cities this week. Or Everett and Snohomish County got their first airport. Either way you look at it, the new commercial passenger terminal at Paine Field is open for business and it is an absolutely spectacular facility. Nearly everything about the new airport makes for a great […]