Biometrics are Revolutionizing Airports and the Passenger Experience

The airport travel experience has remained constant for a LONG time. For many of us, words like “unpredictable,” “slow,” and “frustrating” immediately come to mind. I spend a lot of time in airports, and can personally affirm that the international pursuit of innovation within the aviation industry could not be more obvious or focused than it is right now.


Your usual experience: arrive at the airport, wait in a line to get your ticket, wait in a line for security, then wait in a line to board your plane—and until just a few years ago, this was generally the case. However, as other fields have proven the advantages of certain technologies, applications to and acceptance by commercial aviation has become more and more apparent. Biometric solutions have especially begun revolutionizing the airport experience for all stakeholders involved – travelers, airlines, airport operations, vendors, government, and law enforcement.


About five years ago, biometrics did the same for the mobile device industry—and before that, fingerprints were only associated with law enforcement. Today, fingerprints have become ubiquitous as a quick and easy replacement for our passwords, allowing us to unlock everything from our phones to our bank accounts, with a single press. The ease of use has made life a lot simpler for users, and a lot more secure for providers.


That same convenience and security is now being brought to the airport environment, by leveraging all the technological innovations that have been produced over the last ten years.


In fact, at the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Airport Innovation Forum this year, our session was “Know Your Customer: Leveraging Personalization and Innovation in the Passenger Experience”, and focused on how airports around the world are engaging with new and innovative solutions that bring the real benefits of self-service and automation to modernize the airport experience for everyone.


During the 2019 AAAE Airport Innovation forum in Chicago, many speakers got up on stage to show how technology is revolutionizing the airport. From self-driving vehicles to optimization of back office operations, to facial recognition and analytics that reduce wait times using dynamic content displays, a digital transformation in the aviation environment is definitely under way. And an important priority has universally taken shape: how to make travelers safer and the customer experience more convenient throughout the aviation journey—everything from check-in, bag-checks and security to airport shopping.


Security is, of course, of the utmost importance, and rightly so–even though it often has a negative impact on the traveler experience. We know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working daily (and nightly!) to keep our skies safe, which is why biometrics is so important to the security process. Having the ability to instantly verify that secure documents are valid and do match the identity and confirmed reservation of the traveler ensures that only vetted passengers arrive on the other side of that security line. Biometric security enhancements actually serve a dual purpose; not only are biometrics more accurate at screening individuals, they also move lines along faster. By bringing automation to necessary processes–that can then be optimized and become more predictable, this creates a better airport experience for everyone.


With the ability to predict wait times, passengers are able to spend more time doing what they choose, from relaxing in the lounge, to visiting duty-free shops (as biometrics also lets you “pay with your face”!).

The Fate of Airport Customer Service Isn’t Terminal from InteractiveNEC

Big change cannot be driven solely by the technology, though, which means leadership events like the AAAE Airport Innovation Forum are extremely important. More collaboration amongst industry stakeholders is critical to the success of the digital revolution in commercial aviation, for real change that is predicated on thoughtful policy and implementation, careful execution, and effective change management.


This paradigm shift is being driven by a recent realization by all stakeholders that, in fact, there is a common goal – digital transformation, for a better customer experience, improved commerce, cost and time savings, optimized security and smoother airport operations.


Next time you’re at the airport, think about how biometrics is, or could be, reducing the burden on airport operations, and making your life more secure.

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Changing the Face of Airport Security

Have you noticed an uptick of facial recognition news lately? We have.

More specifically, airports and the federal agencies that govern entry and exit procedures are seeing success using facial recognition technology at border entry and exit checkpoints.

Airports have always designated security as a high priority. Security screening is probably the most important step in the traveler’s journey and typically means waiting in long lines. However, keeping air travel safe doesn’t have to mean making the customer experience more cumbersome than it has to be.

With facial recognition software, airport security personnel are able to speed up the identity verification process while still maintaining accurate results and a higher level of security. Not only can passengers be on their way more quickly, but security personnel are able to focus more attention to addressing other potential and actual threats.

Discover ways Advanced Recognition Systems can transform airport transportation.

Speeding up Border Checkpoints

The accurate identification of passengers entering and exiting the United States is a critical step in secure immigration and customs processing at our international airports. Entry and exit checkpoints can be long and stressful. Facial recognition technology provides a quicker, more accurate, more secure—and more pleasant— experience for everyone.

The software compares images captured at the airport in real time to a government stored photo taken from a passport, thus reducing time spent in the queue while also making it safer for all travelers. Using this process, faster lines at U.S. entry and exit points doesn’t mean sacrificing security.

After implanting facial recognition technology, within a span of just 40 days, officials at Washington Dulles International Airport have identified and processed three would-be imposters trying to enter the country illegally. Initial screening, using facial recognition developed by NEC, allowed agents to determine that the travelers’ faces captured at the point of entry did not match the face provided on the presented passport.

Why NEC?

Securing airport screening and streamlining border entry and exit checkpoints are just two ways NEC is changing the face of airport security and enhancing the passenger experience.

NEC’s portfolio of biometric solutions includes facial recognition, video surveillance, analytics, intrusion detection, and other security applications. Other airport-related uses include passenger conveniences—such as check in, bag drops, entertainment, boarding, retail shopping and baggage claim. Backed by 45 years of experience, NEC’s Advanced Recognition Systems offers scalable, end-to-end solutions that secure our borders and improve public safety.

NEC’s world-renowned facial recognition technology is currently utilized by 17 airport for biometric entry and exit helping to address today’s national security challenges.

Contact us to speak with one of our biometric experts or visit us online for more information.

NEC Corporation of America

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Let us assist you with your current business needs!

Fill out the form today and we will get back with you.