JetBlue to Introduce Self-Boarding Using Facial Recognition

JetBlue’s terminal in Boston

JetBlue said Wednesday it will test the use of a self-boarding process that uses facial recognition on international flights departing the United States.

In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York-based airline will try a paperless biometric self-boarding process using technology from technology supplier SITA.

The pilot will roll out on the airline’s Boston-Aruba route. Passengers opting in will use a dedicated line and will be photographed at the gate instead of using a paper or digital boarding pass. JetBlue’s new system will check the photographic images against each passenger’s passport or visa photo on file with CBP and those that match will be allowed to board without showing a ticket or passport.

“Just look into the camera and you’re on your way,” the airline said in a statement.

The program will begin next month. No prior enrollment or registration will be required.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)