Traveling through Portugal’s biggest airports is set to become faster and more secure as the country prepares to implement biometric travel technology in five airports by the end of 2024.
The initiative, announced by VINCI Airports, aims to streamline boarding processes, making them faster, contactless, and secure. The technology has already been tested at Lisbon and Porto airports and will later be implemented in Faro, Madeira, and Ponta Delgada airports. This move will make Portugal the country with the most airports with biometrics security in the bloc.
Initial tests are being carried out with passengers from TAP Air Portugal on selected flights within the Schengen Area. In the second phase, more airlines and destinations, including extra-European flights, will be added to the testing.
Passengers who are of legal age can participate in the testing by registering in advance online through the “Biometric Experience” app, available on iOS and Android. Alternatively, they can register at the airport using the kiosks located at the entrance to check-in or next to the boarding gate for connecting flights.
Once registered, passengers will no longer need to use their boarding pass or identification documents. They can simply photograph/scan their boarding passes, electronic passports, or ID cards, take a selfie and accept the terms and conditions at the kiosks or in the app. This not only saves time but also transforms the travel experience into a paperless and contactless journey.
It is emphasized that passengers’ data will be promptly deleted once the flight has departed, ensuring confidentiality and privacy. This biometric solution promises to make traveling through Portugal’s airports a seamless and efficient experience for passengers.
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