Airplane boarding passes went mobile a long time ago, and now passports are
joining the digital age, as well.
United Airlines this week announced that customers can now scan their
passports to check in for international flights via their iOS and Android
devices, making United the first U.S. airline to offer such functionality. The
airline is still testing the feature, but it's now available through United's mobile
app.
"We are focused on building the most useful travel app in the industry
for our customers. The new passport scanning feature saves valuable time and
provides customers with more options to control their travel experience,"
Scott Wilson, United's vice president of merchandising and ecommerce, said in a
statement.
Customers will be able to access the passport scanning feature when checking
in for international flights up to 24 hours before their departure. After
firing up the app's check-in feature, you'll have the option of either
verifying your existing stored passport data or scanning your passport for the
first time.
The app uses your phone's camera to capture your passport, similar to a
mobile banking deposit. For added security, the credentials management company
Jumio will then verify your passport. Once the verification process is
complete, you can obtain your boarding pass.
Those requiring additional travel documentation, such as a visa, will still
need to check in at the airport.
United said it will collect feedback during this testing phase, and hopes to improve the experience based on the comments it receives.
The move comes after United in 2007 became the first U.S. airline to
introduce mobile boarding passes. United currently offers mobile boarding at 54
international airports, including all domestic airports it serves in the United
States, the most of any U.S.-based carrier.
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